Most modern, small portable generators are grounded through their frame and built to conduct current from away from critical areas (like the gas tank) but the user manual clearly states this unit has to have an external ground to operate safely. Yes, it requires an external ground even when NOT hooked into another electrical system i.e. even when not wired into a building’s fuse box. I would have expected that to be in the product info listed on Amazon — but it isn’t.
So what is required to ground this unit safely? The manual specifies a grounding wire of at least 12 AWG but does not give any other specifications except to refer one to local regulations. Well, the NEC (National Electrical Code) requires: a grounding rod - can be steel, coated in copper or zinc - that is a minimum of 8 ft long, sunk 8ft into the earth. That seemed a bit excessive to me for this tiny little generator. The consensus among internet sites pertaining to portable generators appears to be that a grounding rod should be a copper or zinc coated rod at least 4 feet long. Sites vary on whether that needs to be sunk four feet down into the earth...
Also worth noting, if you are going to be running this at an altitude above 2000 ft you will need to purchase an altitude kit.
I am about to return this purchase. Working to ground it every time I set up somewhere is too time consuming for my purposes. I wish the seller had been explicit in the advertising.
Here is what I can tell you about the generator without having run it. It shipped on time and packaging was good. Construction seems nice and the unit is small and quite portable. It’s good looking. It comes with: crescent wrench, socket wrench, Phillips head screwdriver, plastic funnel for oil, user manual.
What I think you would need to have on hand to get this up and running:
-Gas of course
-5W30 motor oil (can be synthetic, SL, SM, Or better) Note: per the manual you can use heavier oil or lighter depending on ambient temp - see attached pic
-Grounding wire at least 12 AWG (one might consider getting 10 AWG solid copper wire, insulated and long enough to be able to place the grounding rod a safe distance from the unit)
-Grounding rod with corrosion resistant coating (there are some 4ft long copper coated ones on Amazon)
-Mallet and/or digging tools depending on how you want to sink the grounding rod
-Altitude kit if applicable to your elevation
Disclaimer- Friend, I am not an expert on generators. In fact I am just the opposite of an expert on generators. I am neither an electrician nor an electrical engineer. I was careful I reading the manual and did some hours of research on the internet but PLEASE take what I am saying here with a good heaping tablespoon of salt and do your own research!
Best of luck to you in your search for a decent generator that suits your needs!
Add to your order
- NO ADDITIONAL COST: You pay $0 for repairs – parts, labor and shipping included.
- COVERAGE: Plan starts on the date of purchase. Drops, spills and cracked screens due to normal use covered for portable products and power surges covered from day one. Malfunctions covered after the manufacturer's warranty.
- PRODUCT ELIGIBILITY: Plans cover products purchased in the last 30 days.
- EASY CLAIMS PROCESS: File a claim anytime online or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. If we can’t repair it, we’ll send you an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your covered product or replace it.
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From the manufacturer
From emergency backup to recreational power, WEN has been helping you keep the lights on since 1951. Our extensive line of inverter, dual fuel, and traditional gas power generators means we have the exact right wattage and feature combination for any application. Whether you’re tailgating, camping, or preparing for natural disasters, it’s always better with a WEN portable generator. Remember when you had reliable power? Remember WEN.
Feel The Power
Our 79cc 4-stroke OHV engine operates at an extremely quiet 51 decibels at quarter load; comparable to the sound of a normal conversation, providing non-invasive power wherever its needed.
Safe For Electronics
Produces clean, reliable power and limits total harmonic distortion to under 1.2%, making it safe enough to run laptops, cellphones, tablets, and other vulnerable electronics.
- Fuel Shutoff Feature
- Engine: 4-stroke 79cc OHV
- Fuel Tank: 1 Gallon
- Surge Wattage: 2000W
- Running Wattage: 1700W
- Product Dimensions: 17.3" x 11.5" x 17.7"
- Runtime: 10.8 Hours Quarter-Load
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Limited MaintenanceEnsure that your generator is ready to work when you are with fuel shutoff. This feature prevents blockage and limits maintenance by using up the remaining fuel from the carburetor before automatically shutting down. |
Lightweight DesignThe 39-pound body and compact form make it easy to move the generator from the car to your campsite. |
Work Smarter, Not HarderThe eco-mode feature allows the motor to automatically adjust its fuel consumption, in turn saving you money by preventing unnecessary gasoline usage. |
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Customer Questions & Answers
Customer reviews
Warning: EXTERNAL GROUND required - grounding rod and wire not included
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2020
Most modern, small portable generators are grounded through their frame and built to conduct current from away from critical areas (like the gas tank) but the user manual clearly states this unit has to have an external ground to operate safely. Yes, it requires an external ground even when NOT hooked into another electrical system i.e. even when not wired into a building’s fuse box. I would have expected that to be in the product info listed on Amazon — but it isn’t.So what is required to ground this unit safely? The manual specifies a grounding wire of at least 12 AWG but does not give any other specifications except to refer one to local regulations. Well, the NEC (National Electrical Code) requires: a grounding rod - can be steel, coated in copper or zinc - that is a minimum of 8 ft long, sunk 8ft into the earth. That seemed a bit excessive to me for this tiny little generator. The consensus among internet sites pertaining to portable generators appears to be that a grounding rod should be a copper or zinc coated rod at least 4 feet long. Sites vary on whether that needs to be sunk four feet down into the earth...Also worth noting, if you are going to be running this at an altitude above 2000 ft you will need to purchase an altitude kit.I am about to return this purchase. Working to ground it every time I set up somewhere is too time consuming for my purposes. I wish the seller had been explicit in the advertising.Here is what I can tell you about the generator without having run it. It shipped on time and packaging was good. Construction seems nice and the unit is small and quite portable. It’s good looking. It comes with: crescent wrench, socket wrench, Phillips head screwdriver, plastic funnel for oil, user manual.What I think you would need to have on hand to get this up and running:-Gas of course-5W30 motor oil (can be synthetic, SL, SM, Or better) Note: per the manual you can use heavier oil or lighter depending on ambient temp - see attached pic-Grounding wire at least 12 AWG (one might consider getting 10 AWG solid copper wire, insulated and long enough to be able to place the grounding rod a safe distance from the unit)-Grounding rod with corrosion resistant coating (there are some 4ft long copper coated ones on Amazon)-Mallet and/or digging tools depending on how you want to sink the grounding rod-Altitude kit if applicable to your elevationDisclaimer- Friend, I am not an expert on generators. In fact I am just the opposite of an expert on generators. I am neither an electrician nor an electrical engineer. I was careful I reading the manual and did some hours of research on the internet but PLEASE take what I am saying here with a good heaping tablespoon of salt and do your own research!Best of luck to you in your search for a decent generator that suits your needs!
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2020
Images in this review
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2020
So what is required to ground this unit safely? The manual specifies a grounding wire of at least 12 AWG but does not give any other specifications except to refer one to local regulations. Well, the NEC (National Electrical Code) requires: a grounding rod - can be steel, coated in copper or zinc - that is a minimum of 8 ft long, sunk 8ft into the earth. That seemed a bit excessive to me for this tiny little generator. The consensus among internet sites pertaining to portable generators appears to be that a grounding rod should be a copper or zinc coated rod at least 4 feet long. Sites vary on whether that needs to be sunk four feet down into the earth...
Also worth noting, if you are going to be running this at an altitude above 2000 ft you will need to purchase an altitude kit.
I am about to return this purchase. Working to ground it every time I set up somewhere is too time consuming for my purposes. I wish the seller had been explicit in the advertising.
Here is what I can tell you about the generator without having run it. It shipped on time and packaging was good. Construction seems nice and the unit is small and quite portable. It’s good looking. It comes with: crescent wrench, socket wrench, Phillips head screwdriver, plastic funnel for oil, user manual.
What I think you would need to have on hand to get this up and running:
-Gas of course
-5W30 motor oil (can be synthetic, SL, SM, Or better) Note: per the manual you can use heavier oil or lighter depending on ambient temp - see attached pic
-Grounding wire at least 12 AWG (one might consider getting 10 AWG solid copper wire, insulated and long enough to be able to place the grounding rod a safe distance from the unit)
-Grounding rod with corrosion resistant coating (there are some 4ft long copper coated ones on Amazon)
-Mallet and/or digging tools depending on how you want to sink the grounding rod
-Altitude kit if applicable to your elevation
Disclaimer- Friend, I am not an expert on generators. In fact I am just the opposite of an expert on generators. I am neither an electrician nor an electrical engineer. I was careful I reading the manual and did some hours of research on the internet but PLEASE take what I am saying here with a good heaping tablespoon of salt and do your own research!
Best of luck to you in your search for a decent generator that suits your needs!
Style: 2000 WattsPattern Name: GeneratorVerified Purchase
Warning: EXTERNAL GROUND required - grounding rod and wire not included
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2020
Most modern, small portable generators are grounded through their frame and built to conduct current from away from critical areas (like the gas tank) but the user manual clearly states this unit has to have an external ground to operate safely. Yes, it requires an external ground even when NOT hooked into another electrical system i.e. even when not wired into a building’s fuse box. I would have expected that to be in the product info listed on Amazon — but it isn’t.Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2020
So what is required to ground this unit safely? The manual specifies a grounding wire of at least 12 AWG but does not give any other specifications except to refer one to local regulations. Well, the NEC (National Electrical Code) requires: a grounding rod - can be steel, coated in copper or zinc - that is a minimum of 8 ft long, sunk 8ft into the earth. That seemed a bit excessive to me for this tiny little generator. The consensus among internet sites pertaining to portable generators appears to be that a grounding rod should be a copper or zinc coated rod at least 4 feet long. Sites vary on whether that needs to be sunk four feet down into the earth...
Also worth noting, if you are going to be running this at an altitude above 2000 ft you will need to purchase an altitude kit.
I am about to return this purchase. Working to ground it every time I set up somewhere is too time consuming for my purposes. I wish the seller had been explicit in the advertising.
Here is what I can tell you about the generator without having run it. It shipped on time and packaging was good. Construction seems nice and the unit is small and quite portable. It’s good looking. It comes with: crescent wrench, socket wrench, Phillips head screwdriver, plastic funnel for oil, user manual.
What I think you would need to have on hand to get this up and running:
-Gas of course
-5W30 motor oil (can be synthetic, SL, SM, Or better) Note: per the manual you can use heavier oil or lighter depending on ambient temp - see attached pic
-Grounding wire at least 12 AWG (one might consider getting 10 AWG solid copper wire, insulated and long enough to be able to place the grounding rod a safe distance from the unit)
-Grounding rod with corrosion resistant coating (there are some 4ft long copper coated ones on Amazon)
-Mallet and/or digging tools depending on how you want to sink the grounding rod
-Altitude kit if applicable to your elevation
Disclaimer- Friend, I am not an expert on generators. In fact I am just the opposite of an expert on generators. I am neither an electrician nor an electrical engineer. I was careful I reading the manual and did some hours of research on the internet but PLEASE take what I am saying here with a good heaping tablespoon of salt and do your own research!
Best of luck to you in your search for a decent generator that suits your needs!
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2020
I am extremely happy with this generator. It has more than enough power to keep my family of 6, with 4 tech dependent children, relatively calm and comfortable for days without power. It is also reasonable sound level wise to run through the night, living in a housing community with neighbors very close. No, I would not attempt to power an air conditioner.
Power output: 5/5
Noise: 5/5
Portability: 4/5
Easy of use: 5/5
Easy of care/maintenance: 5/5
Overall look: 5/5
The only 2 cons I can come up with:
- It's heavy - I can lift it myself to get it into my SUV, but I could not carry it far. It does however have wheels and a pull out handle to make rolling it around quite easy.
- after using for about a day an a half, it began leaking a VERY small amount of oil from around the oil drainage tube. No noticeable amount when checking the dipstick
---------------------------------------------------------
For those looking for an in-depth review with details (like I was) to help make a purchase decision... here ya go..
Background:
I am a mid thirties computer programmer, living with my girlfriend and our 4 kids (ages 8-17). We live in a townhouse that's part of a very stereotypical upper middle class housing community. Our 4 kids are very technology and internet dependent, spreading across streaming services, gaming, and social media. Additionally, I work from home and am dependent on my full setup (monitors, laptop, switches, etc..) for my job.
I purchased this generator after losing power for 5 days as a result of a bad thunderstorm with lots of downed trees (and wires) in the area. At the time, I didn't have one at all, but borrowed an uncle's 3400 watt portable generator for the last few days. It was a typical, cheap, "camping" style generator with an open caged design. It was incredibly loud, resulting in countless mean looks and nasty comments from neighbors. It also produced "dirty" power, so we were only able to use it for the freezers and fridge, not any of the electronics. It was also notably lacking in information output, like power consumption, fuel level, etc..
After that experience, I did a bunch of research and landed on this Wen Inverter Generator.
I purchased in mid May 2020, and got my first full usage in July 2020 when another storm knocked out power for 3 days. Used the generator basically non-stop for 3 days without issue.
Power:
Most importantly, this produces "clean" power that is safe to use for whatever, electronics or other. While using this generator, I never used even 50% of its available output. Much of the time using less than 25%, depending on freezer/fridge compressors being on/off. With that, I was able to power the following (at least): 2 deep chest freezers, a standard refrigerator/freezer combo, sump pump, dehumidifier, cable modem, 3 routers, several laptops, a 24" monitor, 8 large stand/box fans, 6 lamps, as many as 10 phones/tablets, plus a toaster and coffee pot as needed. I also successfully ran a 65" TV without issue, but did not keep that on, just because. Overall, plenty of power.
Noise:
This is the big one everyone is worried about. Being honest, I was rather shocked and pleased at how quietly this runs. To be clear, this is not silent! It's a generator. If you're expecting no noise, or similar to a small fan, you're kidding yourself. However, my general assessment from walking around my neighborhood in the evenings (something I do regularly, power or no) is that it produces slightly less noise than a typical outdoor central air unit. Standing directly next to it, you can hold a conversation without yelling. At 15+ ft away, it's background noise and overall "not irritating". Standing about 10ft away from it, I could hear my neighbor's generator (about 100 ft away) overtop of my own. At one point when coming back from a walk, I was convinced it had shut off for some reason because I couldn't hear it until I was quite close. I had no reservations about noise level when running this all night.
Fuel Consumption:
The tank is admittedly smaller than I was thinking I'd like when I bought it. However, it has turned out to not be an issue. I was refueling about every 12 hours, without ever running out. I expect (with the load noted above) it would last about 14-15 hrs on a full tank. And a 5 gallon gas can is perfect for two fillings (plus a little extra).
Look/Feel:
This generator looks gorgeous (as far a generators are concerned). It's has a modern, clean look, especially compared to it's competitors. It feels very solid, sturdy, and well built. It also feels very intelligently designed, with easy of use/care in mind. It has a fuel level and power consumption gauge, presented as LED bars at 25% intervals. Doesn't give exact values in the display, but enough to be helpful, and more than many others.
Starting:
Since this generator contains a battery, after the first start (once the battery has power), it will start electronically by simply turning the dial. On the first start, the pull cord starts it with ease, requiring very little pulling effort/energy. It is NOT like starting a lawn mower or weed wacker that takes a very quick, strong pull.
Care/Maintenance:
This is where I was quite pleasantly surprised. This generator is clearly built with ease of maintenance in mind. Which stands out compared to other generators I have interacted with. Most notably, when you are done using your generator and ready to store it longer term, you need to drain the gasoline from it to keep it in good working order. I have taken screenshots of me doing this process to showcase just how easy it is. Remove 2 screws to take the side panel off. Pull the pre-attached tube out to the side and direct towards gasoline container. Loosen a single screw and let drain. Then turn the starting dial to "run" and let drain again. That's it...
The oil dipstick and access is not fantastic, but equal to any others I've seen. I also note that there is an easy drainage tube for the oil as well, when changing the oil is necessary. There is also easy access to change a sparkplug.
Also worth noting that I purchased a 10 gauge RV cord (pictured) that converts to a 3-way standard 3 prong plug. I also purchased several long 12 gauge three way extension cords to plug into that RV cord. That is how I connected everything. No cords were even warm to the touch.
Overall, I would strongly recommend this generator to anyone, including my own family (which I have already done). I would definitely buy another one myself, if I needed it for some reason. Hope this proves informative to someone else.
Style: 3800 WattsPattern Name: GeneratorVerified Purchase
Extremely Satisfied, Exceeded Expectations
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2020
For those looking for the quick bottom line review:Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2020
I am extremely happy with this generator. It has more than enough power to keep my family of 6, with 4 tech dependent children, relatively calm and comfortable for days without power. It is also reasonable sound level wise to run through the night, living in a housing community with neighbors very close. No, I would not attempt to power an air conditioner.
Power output: 5/5
Noise: 5/5
Portability: 4/5
Easy of use: 5/5
Easy of care/maintenance: 5/5
Overall look: 5/5
The only 2 cons I can come up with:
- It's heavy - I can lift it myself to get it into my SUV, but I could not carry it far. It does however have wheels and a pull out handle to make rolling it around quite easy.
- after using for about a day an a half, it began leaking a VERY small amount of oil from around the oil drainage tube. No noticeable amount when checking the dipstick
---------------------------------------------------------
For those looking for an in-depth review with details (like I was) to help make a purchase decision... here ya go..
Background:
I am a mid thirties computer programmer, living with my girlfriend and our 4 kids (ages 8-17). We live in a townhouse that's part of a very stereotypical upper middle class housing community. Our 4 kids are very technology and internet dependent, spreading across streaming services, gaming, and social media. Additionally, I work from home and am dependent on my full setup (monitors, laptop, switches, etc..) for my job.
I purchased this generator after losing power for 5 days as a result of a bad thunderstorm with lots of downed trees (and wires) in the area. At the time, I didn't have one at all, but borrowed an uncle's 3400 watt portable generator for the last few days. It was a typical, cheap, "camping" style generator with an open caged design. It was incredibly loud, resulting in countless mean looks and nasty comments from neighbors. It also produced "dirty" power, so we were only able to use it for the freezers and fridge, not any of the electronics. It was also notably lacking in information output, like power consumption, fuel level, etc..
After that experience, I did a bunch of research and landed on this Wen Inverter Generator.
I purchased in mid May 2020, and got my first full usage in July 2020 when another storm knocked out power for 3 days. Used the generator basically non-stop for 3 days without issue.
Power:
Most importantly, this produces "clean" power that is safe to use for whatever, electronics or other. While using this generator, I never used even 50% of its available output. Much of the time using less than 25%, depending on freezer/fridge compressors being on/off. With that, I was able to power the following (at least): 2 deep chest freezers, a standard refrigerator/freezer combo, sump pump, dehumidifier, cable modem, 3 routers, several laptops, a 24" monitor, 8 large stand/box fans, 6 lamps, as many as 10 phones/tablets, plus a toaster and coffee pot as needed. I also successfully ran a 65" TV without issue, but did not keep that on, just because. Overall, plenty of power.
Noise:
This is the big one everyone is worried about. Being honest, I was rather shocked and pleased at how quietly this runs. To be clear, this is not silent! It's a generator. If you're expecting no noise, or similar to a small fan, you're kidding yourself. However, my general assessment from walking around my neighborhood in the evenings (something I do regularly, power or no) is that it produces slightly less noise than a typical outdoor central air unit. Standing directly next to it, you can hold a conversation without yelling. At 15+ ft away, it's background noise and overall "not irritating". Standing about 10ft away from it, I could hear my neighbor's generator (about 100 ft away) overtop of my own. At one point when coming back from a walk, I was convinced it had shut off for some reason because I couldn't hear it until I was quite close. I had no reservations about noise level when running this all night.
Fuel Consumption:
The tank is admittedly smaller than I was thinking I'd like when I bought it. However, it has turned out to not be an issue. I was refueling about every 12 hours, without ever running out. I expect (with the load noted above) it would last about 14-15 hrs on a full tank. And a 5 gallon gas can is perfect for two fillings (plus a little extra).
Look/Feel:
This generator looks gorgeous (as far a generators are concerned). It's has a modern, clean look, especially compared to it's competitors. It feels very solid, sturdy, and well built. It also feels very intelligently designed, with easy of use/care in mind. It has a fuel level and power consumption gauge, presented as LED bars at 25% intervals. Doesn't give exact values in the display, but enough to be helpful, and more than many others.
Starting:
Since this generator contains a battery, after the first start (once the battery has power), it will start electronically by simply turning the dial. On the first start, the pull cord starts it with ease, requiring very little pulling effort/energy. It is NOT like starting a lawn mower or weed wacker that takes a very quick, strong pull.
Care/Maintenance:
This is where I was quite pleasantly surprised. This generator is clearly built with ease of maintenance in mind. Which stands out compared to other generators I have interacted with. Most notably, when you are done using your generator and ready to store it longer term, you need to drain the gasoline from it to keep it in good working order. I have taken screenshots of me doing this process to showcase just how easy it is. Remove 2 screws to take the side panel off. Pull the pre-attached tube out to the side and direct towards gasoline container. Loosen a single screw and let drain. Then turn the starting dial to "run" and let drain again. That's it...
The oil dipstick and access is not fantastic, but equal to any others I've seen. I also note that there is an easy drainage tube for the oil as well, when changing the oil is necessary. There is also easy access to change a sparkplug.
Also worth noting that I purchased a 10 gauge RV cord (pictured) that converts to a 3-way standard 3 prong plug. I also purchased several long 12 gauge three way extension cords to plug into that RV cord. That is how I connected everything. No cords were even warm to the touch.
Overall, I would strongly recommend this generator to anyone, including my own family (which I have already done). I would definitely buy another one myself, if I needed it for some reason. Hope this proves informative to someone else.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2019
Style: 2000 WattsPattern Name: GeneratorVerified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
D
Can't wait to use camping.
Reviewed in Canada on September 26, 2021Style: 2250 Watts (w/ Fuel Shutoff)Pattern Name: GeneratorVerified Purchase
Dwight
Very Dissapointed
Reviewed in Canada on March 12, 2022Style: 2000 WattsPattern Name: GeneratorVerified Purchase
Ronstoppable
Very quiet
Reviewed in Canada on December 1, 2021Style: 2000 WattsPattern Name: GeneratorVerified Purchase
Jim G
Excellent
Reviewed in Canada on April 8, 2022Style: 3800 WattsPattern Name: GeneratorVerified Purchase
Jim G
Reviewed in Canada on April 8, 2022
Images in this review
Scott Wood
Great generator for the price
Reviewed in Canada on August 20, 2021Style: 2250 Watts (w/ Fuel Shutoff)Pattern Name: GeneratorVerified Purchase
