WEN 56200i Inverter Generator:

Did you know that there were 3,236 power outages in the United States in 2013? Unfortunately, it’s a growing problem too, with this figure being 15% higher than the total experienced in 2012.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise really – population growth shows no sign of slowing, and when combined with our seemingly-unsatisfiable need for the latest and shiniest piece of consumer electronics, it’s no wonder our already struggling electrical grid is groaning under the strain.

(Don’t expect things to get better anytime soon either, as it has been estimated that it could cost almost $5 trillion to replace the United State’s aging power infrastructure!)

If you’re lucky enough to be semi-prepared for the next (inevitable) power cut, you’ll probably have the usual supply of flashlights, batteries, and candles at the ready. All well and good – but they can only get you so far.

You won’t be able to power up the majority of the things you rely on a daily basis using batteries alone. No computer. No television. No access to a working fridge freezer, meaning you’ll inevitably need to throw out a lot of expensive food if the power cut lasts long enough and if you don’t have access to an alternative power source.

Thankfully, there is a smarter option: the WEN 56200i inverter generator.

The WEN 56200i could be your answer to not only minimizing disruption during power cuts, but it’s also an ideal source of supplementary power for anyone from campers to construction workers.

But is it the right choice for you?

Let’s find out by looking at everything you need to know about the WEN 56200i inverter generator…

Before discussing the WEN 56200i in detail, it’s probably a good idea to explain the differences between an inverter generator like the WEN and a conventional generator.

Conventional generators have been around for much longer, and hence tend to be more widely used than inverter generators. Standard generators can run on gasoline, diesel or propane/LPG, and they usually aren’t very complicated, consisting mainly of a motor which is attached to an alternator to produce electricity. The motor itself usually runs at as constant a speed as possible to provide a non-fluctuating electrical output.

Inverter generators are a relatively recent development. They’re similar to conventional generators in that they produce an AC voltage output, however, where they’re different is that the AC output produced is converted to a DC voltage, and then changed back to a clean AC voltage.

The main advantage of converting to DC before changing back to AC is that it is very effective at eliminating power fluctuations, making it possible to run complex electronics from the power generated – something it wouldn’t be advisable to do with a conventional generator.

Here are a few other advantages of inverter generators:

An inverter generator like the WEN 56200i will likely appeal to a wide array of users given the fact that it provides power when it’s needed most. Here are a few examples:

• Homeowners experiencing a powercut
• Anyone going on a particularly long car journey
• Campers
• Hunters
• Tailgaters
• Construction workers

Some examples include…

• Powering small electronics such as laptops or cell phones.
• Powering or charging power tools and work lights.
• Powering small to medium-sized appliances in an RV such as a television or microwave.
• Powering backup lights around the home, a sump pump, or an air-conditioning unit in the event of a power cut.

The heart of any inverter generator is its engine, and in the case of the WEN 56200i, it’s a 79.7cc, 4-stroke overhead valve (OHV) engine capable of producing a surge wattage output of 2,000W, and running wattage of 1,600W.

As mentioned above, the power produced by the WEN 56200i is often referred to as ‘clean’ energy – not from an environmental perspective (although it is EPA III and CARB Compliant), but the fact that this inverter generator limits total harmonic distortion to under 0.3% at no load and 1.2% at full load, helping remove voltage spikes and drops that could otherwise damage sensitive electronics.

What this means in practice is that the 56200i can safely run electronics such as laptops, cell phones, computer monitors or tables without the risk of damage – something you couldn’t as easily or safely achieve with a conventional generator.

The WEN 56200i is also incredibly fuel efficient, with it being able to run for up to six hours on a half-load from a single filling of its one-gallon fuel tank.

It’s also smart too – thanks to its built-in Eco-Mode Throttle which is selectable via a switch on the inverter generator’s control panel. Eco-Mode automatically adjusts the 56200i’s fuel consumption to meet the power requirements of whatever is currently plugged into it – giving you the peace of mind that you aren’t wasting valuable power during any power outages or camping trips.

Not only that, but despite the high level of power provided by the 56200i inverter generator, it’s also extremely quiet at only 51 dB when operating at quarter load, meaning you won’t disrupt fellow campers or annoy your neighbors while using it.

There’s no denying the importance of an inverter generator’s power output, and in the case of the WEN 56200i, it certainly packs a punch.

Just as important is how usable all that power is though, and this means that there needs to be a whole host of outlets available on an inverter generator to let you power-up all manners of devices from battery chargers, to external lights, to laptop computers, for example.

Despite its relatively small size, this is another area where the WEN 56200i excels thanks to the four outlets offered on its control panel, including two 3-prong 120V outlets to allow you to plugin conventional plugged electronics, one 12V DC outlet designed to run other types of portable electronics, and one 5V USB port for charging your phone, for example.

In the unlikely event that you find the WEN 56200i to be underpowered or the number of outlets provided to be insufficient, it’s possible to hook up a second 56200i inverter generator to double the power output and the number of outlets on offer by using the WEN 56421 Parallel Connection Kit for Inverter Generators (see the accessories section below for more details).

While the control panel of the WEN 56200i may look intimidating at first glance, it’s straightforward to use and understand.

Firstly, starting the WEN 56200i couldn’t be simpler, and involves using the 3-in-1 switch located on the control panel and the pull-start mechanism located on the side of the inverter generator.

To start, simply position the switch to position 3 (‘CHOKE’), and pull the pull-starter until the engine jumps into life. At this point, return the 3-in-1 switch to position 2 (‘ON’) and leave it there. The user manual recommends waiting a few minutes before connecting any devices to the inverter generator to allow its speed and temperature to stabilize.

To switch off the WEN 56200i, it’s as easy as turning the 3-in-1 switch to position 1 (‘OFF’), which will stop the inverter generator’s engine completely.

Being four-stroke, there is no need to mix oil and gasoline together, although the inverter generator will require both to function. Adding fuel is a case of removing the fuel cap which is conveniently located at the top of the inverter generator, before filling it up and replacing the cap. The 56200i also features a handy oil filler panel which can be removed to gain access to where the oil needs to be added as shown in the image below.

When it comes to ongoing maintenance, the WEN 56200i is relatively straightforward. The owner’s manual outlines in detail the various tasks that should be conducted and when, for example, checking and replacing the engine oil, checking and cleaning the air cleaner cartridge and the spark plug, and also checking and cleaning the fuel tank, meaning you can spend less time worrying about maintenance and more time using your inverter generator the way it was intended.

The WEN 56200i comes packed with a few more features that you’d expect to see on more premium inverter generators. For starters, it’s equipped with a low-oil pressure shutoff mechanism to protect the engine from damage in the case that there isn’t enough oil available.

It also features an indicator light on the control panel to let you know when the inverter generator is overloaded. Overloading it can lead to overheating and additional stresses on the engine and electrical components, and so it’s a bonus that the WEN 56200i makes this so easy to determine before any lasting damage can be done.

Finally, as mentioned previously, the WEN 56200i features a parallel connection capability when used alongside the WEN 56421 Parallel Connection Kit. Hooking up a second WEN generator using this kit (see image below) allows you to double the power output when you need it most.

It’s no surprise that the WEN 56200i is one of the most popular inverter generators on the market.

As with the majority of WEN products, it comes packed with more than enough features to make it a serious competitor to more expensive alternatives, yet comes at a fraction of the price to offer considerable value for money.

The 56200i regularly receives positive reviews citing its excellent build quality, reliability, and the fact it provides more than enough power to handle the bulk of tasks that users throw at it.

So, regardless if you’re looking for an inverter generator to use now and again during a power cut, or as something you can use continually during a camping trip, there’s no reason to overlook the WEN 56200i.

We’ve included a summary of the various advantages and disadvantages of this particular WEN generator below to help you make up your mind.

WEN 56200i vs Honda EU2000i

There are more similarities than there are differences between the WEN 56200i vs Honda EU2000i.

Both run on gasoline and feature a 1-gallon fuel tank, and both feature a running wattage of 1600W and a surge wattage of 2000W. There is no difference in the starting mechanism either, with a recoil pull-starter featured on each inverter generator.

The primary difference is in the engine size itself, with the Honda EU2000i featuring a 98.5cc engine as opposed to the WEN 56200i’s 79.7cc unit. Other differences include the Honda’s three-year warranty (versus the WEN’s two-year), and the fact that the Honda weighs slightly less (45.6 LBS versus 48 LBS).

Here is a summary of the key details for each model:

(Scroll table if needed)

Model Number:	65200i	EU2000i
Manufacturer:	WEN	Honda
Engine:	79.7cc	98.5cc
Power Source:	Gasoline	Gasoline
Start Type:	Recoil Start	Recoil Start
Running Wattage:	1600W	1600W
Surge Wattage:	2000W	2000W
Fuel Tank:	1 Gallon	1 Gallon
Half-Load Runtime:	6 Hours	6 Hours
Eco Mode:	Yes	Yes
Carb Compliant:	Yes	Yes
Warranty:	Two Years	Three Years
Dimensions:	18″ x 11″ x 18″	20.1″ x 11.4″ x 16.7″
Tool Weight:	48 LBS	45.6 LBS
	Read Reviews	Read Reviews

Are you looking for some genuine WEN accessories to accompany your 56200i generator?

Here are a few of our favorites to help you keep your generator’s internals in tip-top shape, to allow you to add a second generator to double the power output, and to keep it protected from the weather and bumps, knocks, and scrapes:

WEN 55201 – Magnetic Oil Dipstick for Inverter Generators

Preserve your 56200i generator’s life by keeping metal out of the engine. This magnetic dipstick collects any metal shavings floating in your generator’s oil tank before they can do any lasting damage.

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WEN 56421 – Parallel Connection Kit for Inverter Generators

The 56421 Parallel Connection Kit is designed to let you connect two WEN inverter generators to double the power. It includes a single RV AC 120V outlet along with one AC 120V three-prong wall outlet.

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WEN Universal Weatherproof Inverter Generator Cover, Large

Keep your WEN generator protected with this universal weatherproof cover. It’s waterproof and UV resistant to help withstand the elements, while the cotton interior helps prevent any scuffs or scratches.

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1. How is an inverter generator different from a conventional generator?

2. How loud is the 56200i during use?

3. Is this WEN generator waterproof?

4. Does it have an electric starter?

5. Which types of outlet does it feature?

6. How long will a tank of gas last in this inverter generator?

7. Does the WEN 56200i need to be grounded during use?

8. Can it run on propane?

9. How long is the warranty period?