WEN DF680iX (dual fuel inverter, CO Watchdog)

WEN positions the DF680iX for camping, hunting, tailgating and backup power, and says its bonded-neutral 240 V configuration can provide low-power Level 2 EV charging. It is the 6,800 W model in a series that shares the “iX” suffix: WEN also sells a 4,800 W DF480iX and a 4,500 W DF452iX, so check the model number. It has electric start with recoil backup and a fuel shut-off that lets the carburetor run dry before storage.

Running vs starting watts

WEN rates it at 5,100 running (“rated”) and 6,800 surge watts on gasoline, 4,500 running and 6,000 surge on propane. The 6,800 W in the name is the surge figure, there only while a motor starts; continuous loads must fit under the running figure. On its own it can start a 7-1/4 in circular saw, a 1/2 HP sump pump or a French-door refrigerator on either fuel. It cannot start our 1/2 HP well pump, whose starting figure is 7,056 W.

Run time

WEN publishes 6.1 hours at 50 % load on the 2.9-gallon gasoline tank and 9 hours at 50 % load on a 20 lb propane tank. We show those points only and do not extrapolate. It is an inverter generator; WEN states total harmonic distortion under 0.3 % at no load and under 1.2 % at full load, which is the figure that matters for laptops and other electronics.

Safety

The CO Watchdog (WEN Watchdog CO Shutdown Sensor) turns the generator off when it detects dangerous CO levels. That reduces the risk but does not make indoor, garage or porch use safe: CPSC's outdoor-only rule still applies. Our CPSC recall search found no WEN generator recall.

Add your appliances to the calculator to check your own load against these figures.