Generac 7127 iQ3500-3500 Watt Portable Inverter Generator

Generac 7127 iQ3500 is a very popular and ultra-quiet gasoline-powered inverter power generator suitable for camping, tailgating, in emergencies and blackouts, and similar situations.

Thanks to its advanced inverter technology and closed-frame construction, the Generac iQ3500 power generator features very low THD levels making it suitable for powering directly various sensitive devices even in residential areas. But, just like any other power generator, Generac iQ3500 must be used outside.

Published: April 29, 2022.

Generac 7127 iQ3500 Inverter Power Generator Features and Specifications

One of the first details that one notices when running Generac iQ3500 is the noise levels. According to the manufacturer, Generac iQ3500 is 5 dB quieter than the Honda EU3000IS power generator - that would be around 45 dB @25% load, which would be a fantastic result.

However, we didn't have the opportunity to personally verify its noise levels, but Generac 7127 iQ3500 is nonetheless a surprisingly quiet unit.

Note: And no, various Apps that measure sound level using smartphones are not as reliable as some people may think.

Generac 7127 iQ3500 is powered by a 212cc OHV engine, providing 3000 Running Watts and 3500 Starting Watts. Also, the unit features both manual and electric start and with a 2.6 gallons (~9.6 liters) tank, it features a runtime of 8.9h @50% (1500W) load and 14.1h @25% (750W) load.

Also, Generac 7127 iQ3500 comes with the so-called Eco Mode, which allows the unit to decrease the engine speed, saving fuel, prolonging the runtime, decreasing the noise, etc.

Note: when the load is constantly relatively high, it is recommended to turn the Eco Mode off.

Generac iQ3500 features physical dimensions of (L x W x H)  23.7 x 18 x 21.7 inches (~60.2 x 45.7 x 55.1 cm) and it weighs 109.1 pounds (~49.5 kg) dry (with empty fuel tank).

Also, the unit features a pair of handles, allowing two adults to carry the unit to shorter distances and to load it on and off the truck or some similar vehicle.

Generac 7127 iQ3500 inverter generator provides output power with very low THD (<3%) making it safe for powering sensitive electronics and appliances including TVs, laptops, media centers, telecommunication equipment, and similar.

The control center is on the front side and it features

- power outlets/receptacles,

- PowerDial controls with three operation settings (Choke/Run/Off),

- Digital smart LCD display featuring Digital Wattage Meter, Run Time Remaining Display, Generator Status, Hour Meter and Fuel Level,

- Electric Start engine controls (battery is included with the unit),

- Parallel-Ready ports allow the user to connect two iQ3500 inverter generators for doubling the power and for additional receptacles that don't come with the generator by default.

The list of receptacles/ports include:

- 120V 20A AC Duplex 5-20R,

- 120V 30A AC L5-30R,

- 2x USB ports (5V/2.1A, 5V/1A).

By default Generac 7127 iQ3500 doesn't feature a 120V 30 Amp TT-30R receptacle which is often used for powering smaller RVs - Generac 7127 iQ3500 by default features a 120V 30A L5-30R receptacle.

Also, Generac 7127 iQ3500 with its 3000 Running Watts is not strong enough to provide the full 3600 watts (120V 30A AC) for a 30 Amp RV - it lacks some 600W.

If these 600 Watts don't play an important role for your needs, then Generac 7127 iQ3500 may be one of the best 30 Amp RV generators for your needs - it is quiet, energy-efficient, not too heavy, features an electric start, etc.

But, for the users requiring more power, it is good to know that the Generac 7127 iQ3500 is a Parallel Ready power generator, with the Generac 7668 Parallel Kit being recommended.

Generac 7668 Parallel Kit (Amazon link, opens in the new window) allows the user to connect two Generac 7127 iQ3500 units, practically doubling the output power via the additional 120V 30 Amp TT-30R and 120V/240V 50 Amp 14-50R receptacles, allowing the user to power loads up to 3600W (120V, 30 Amps) or 6000W (120V, 50 Amps).

Note: When two Generac iQ3500 power generators are connected in parallel, be aware that 240V operation is not supported.

If one Generac 7127 iQ3500 power generator is enough for your needs, but You need a TT-30R receptacle, consider getting an L5-30P to TT-30R adapter - they are fairly cheap and can be ordered from online stores.

In order to increase safety, Generac 7127 iQ3500 comes with several safety features including overload protection and low-oil automatic engine shut-off. However, it doesn't feature a Carbon Monoxide (CO) sensor/alarm - although such a sensor is not so common on smaller power generators, it would increase safety even more.

Generac 7127 iQ3500 comes with a 3-year limited residential and commercial warranty, while Generac 7668 Parallel Kit comes with 90 days limited residential and commercial warranty.

If You are looking for an excellent, gas-only powered 3000W power generator, consider Generac 7127 iQ3500 inverter power generator - it is very quiet, energy-efficient, and reliable when maintained properly.

Note: despite being simple to use and maintain, when the unit arrives, be sure to thoroughly read the manual/Owner's Guide and to keep it near the unit, just in case.

What Devices and Appliances Can Generac iQ3500 Generator Power?

With its 3000 Running Watts and 3500 Starting Watts, Generac iQ3500 can power a long list of home, RV, and workshop tools, devices, and appliances.

For example - the following chart lists some of the home appliances that Generac 7127 iQ3500 can power simultaneously - if some other device or appliance must be powered, remove some of the connected devices prior to connecting a new device.

Note: When calculating Starting Watts, if the device has "0 Starting Watts" calculate the device's Running Watts value!

Of course, when attaching the devices/appliances, always start with the strongest ones.

If 120V 20A AC Duplex 5-20R receptacle is not enough, use an extension cord with a power strip. Generally, a surge protector is not required due to the almost pure sine wave voltage output, but having it, can only help.

How to Charge Deep Cycle Battery Using Generac iQ3500?

In the case of emergencies, during blackouts and when simply being off-the-grid, Generac iQ3500 can be used to recharge deep cycle batteries (or battery packs) by connecting the battery charger to one of its AC 120V ports.

For example, in order to recharge a fully discharged lithium 12V 200Ah battery, the user may use either an advanced AGM battery charger with a dedicated lithium battery charge mode or a dedicated lithium battery charger.

Since such battery chargers average energy efficiency of 80-90%, we can assume 85% energy efficiency. Then:

P (Watts) = 14.4V * 40 Amps / 0.85 = ~680 Watts

So, in order to charge the lithium battery with 40 Amps charging current, Generac iQ3500 must provide ~680 Watts. Since the unit can provide 750W (recommended Eco Mode On) for 14.1 hours, a single fuel tank ensures that the user can recharge such battery at least twice easily, with some fuel left.

And if two such batteries must be recharged, Generac iQ3500 can provide 1360 Watts (two battery chargers connected to the power generator) for 5-6 hours easily, with some fuel left.

Long Story Short: There are cheaper power generators in the 3000 Watts generators class, but because of its features, performances, and warranty terms, Generac iQ3500 is one of the best buy generators in its class - and it is one of the most popular.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the Generac 7127 iQ3500-3500 Watt Portable Inverter Generator Amazon link (link opens in the new window).