ShortlistShortlistedRemoved from shortlist 17
Page Content
Description
Zoom on the Firman H08053
In a nutshell, the Firman H08053 is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Firman H08053
Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the Firman H08053 delivers 120/240V and offers power and versatility. When gasoline-powered, it benefits from a running wattage of 8,000W and a peak wattage of 10,000W. When propane-powered, it has 7,250 rated watts and 9,050 peak watts.
The generator is rated for a noise of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner). Its starting mechanisms include a simple traditional pull-start mechanism and a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included).
With a fuel capacity of 8 gallons, the H08053 can operate for around 12 hours at 50% load using gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.67 GPH), or for around 5 hours (estimation based on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.94 GPH) using propane.
The H08053 is unsuitable for the powering of sensitive electronic devices due to its high THD (<25%).
Outlets
The control panel features the following 5 AC outlets:
If you own an RV with a 50-amp service, you can consider this Firman unit as RV-ready, as it features a 14-50R outlet. Its L5-30R receptacle can also be used for a simple RV connection with an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. In addition, as it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the H08053 is transfer switch ready: in case of a power outage, you will be easily able to connect it to a breaker box and power your household.
Portability
The dimensions of the Firman H08053, which are L30.2 x W27.5 x H26.3 in, and its typical, open frame design provides stability and enables the generator to be raised above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 212 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. However, this lack of maneuverability is compensated by its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle, with which you can conveniently shift it, once it's on the ground.
Features
The H08053's control panel
The control panel of the H08053 includes a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours, helpful for the monitoring of its status and activity.
In addition to this info, the device’s light indicator will display if the oil level is too low.
The fuel level of the generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Firman H08053, the following accessories are also included: propane hose, oil, funnel and tool kit.
Emissions
The Firman H08053 is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.
However, it features a spark arrestor, which makes it suitable for use in forested areas.
Product Videos
The Firman H08053 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Firman H08053 compare to dual fuel generators of similar power (between 7500 and 8500 W).
- Since the generator weighs in at a dry weight of 212 lbs, the Firman H08053 belongs in the expected weight range for dual fuel devices which can produce between 7500 and 8500 rated watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Cummins Onan P9500df, weighing just 194 pounds.
- Among the generators of a comparable running wattage, this generator with a lowest noise of 74 dBA can be judged as noisy. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Genmax GM9000iED with only 62 dBA.
- Thanks to an impressive running time of around 12 hours at 50% load, the H08053 benefits from one of the highest run times among dual fuel generators of a similar output.
- Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. With an estimated gasoline consumption of 0.67 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, this generator is among the more fuel efficient of the products in the above-mentioned wattage range. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Pulsar PG10000B16. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.55 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.
The bottom line
- Several accessories included
- Electric start
- Dual Fuel
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Decent weight (212 lbs)
- No remote start
- Not CARB-compliant
- On the noisy side (74 dBA)
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 439 cc Firman Max-Pro Series OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 8,000 W | 7,250 W |
| Starting watts | 10,000 W | 9,050 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 66.7/33.3 amps | 60.4/30.2 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 83.3/41.7 amps | 75.4/37.7 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 12 h | 5 h * |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 8 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 212 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 30.2 x 27.5 x 26.3 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 74 dBA |
| THD | < 25% |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, propane hose, battery, and wheel kit |
| Series | Hybrid |
| UPC | 840876180532 |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
* Propane runtime is our own estimation, based on a 20 lbs tank and NIST 1994 GGE (Gasoline Gallon Equivalent) formula: 5.66 lbs of propane = 1 gal of gasoline.
About FIRMAN Power Equipment
Founded in 1999, Firman Power Equipment is a company with a short, but established history in the power equipment industry. Based in Arizona, the company offers an immense range of products, including power tools, automotive equipment, storage utilities, work wear, but most importantly, a wide selection of generators of all sizes, designs and outputs. Interestingly, Firman is a wholly owned subsidiary of the China National Machinery Industry Corporation - a somewhat well renowned company in China and acts as a de facto distributor of their products in the US.
Warranty Information
The Firman H08053 is covered under a warranty for up to 3 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Firman generators, please consult Firman's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-844-FIRMAN1 (844-347-6261).
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 6387 W | 7862 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 6395 W | 6985 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Paint sprayer | 600 | 600 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 5480 W | 9980 W |
Can this unit be used to run furnaces that are power sensitive with circuit boards? (Asked May 21, 2020)
Probably not. The unit has a THD <23%. You'd have to check with your furnace manufacturer if that power is clean enough for these furnaces.
Can the neutral be unbounded from the frame? (Asked March 18, 2021)
No reason why this would not be impossible. You may refer to our article on neutral conversion.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
Overall a nice generator. Did the job for me for 10 straight hours when I lost power. I was happy to find a generator with a 50 amp outlet on it. That feature is hard to find anymore.
My Firman dual fuel failed when the valve stem broke and lodged in the cylinder . It was a right off . I had it for less than a year . Customer service would not honor the warranty because they said I had not done ongoing servicing by adjusting valve settings and not doing clearance checks on the rocker arms and I could not prove I had done proper oil changes . Kiss goodbye to $1600
Not impressed, only got to run it 3 hrs, flip the breaker nothing happens, installed new breaker still dont work !