Firman P03503 - 3550/4450W Portable Generator
The Firman P03503 is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 3,550 W and a starting wattage of 4,450 W. (Read full specs)
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Amazon | Price history for the Firman P03503 |
|---|
| Highest Price $649.99 Lowest Price $649.99 Current Price $649.99 |
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Description
The P03503 is an open frame portable generator with a bonus cover and wheel kit. With an ergonomic handle and never-flat wheels, this generator is easy to transport for those weekend camping getaways or portable backup power. It features 4450 starting watts and 3550 running watts, with a reliable recoil start system.
Zoom on the Firman P03503
In a few words, the Firman P03503 is a portable generator perfectly suited for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.
Power & Run Time
The Firman P03503
The Firman P03503 is powered by a 208 cc OHV 4-stroke engine with cast iron sleeve. It delivers 120V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 3,550W as well as a peak wattage of 4,450W.
Operating at a noise rating of 67 dBA (less noisy than background music), this generator starts up with a manual recoil starter system.
Equipped with a 5 gallons fuel tank, the P03503 ensures continuous operation for around 14 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel usage approximately 0.36 gallons per hour).
Given the P03503's high Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of less than 25%, it is advisable to avoid using it to power sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features 4 AC outlets as follows:
With its TT-30R receptacle (TT standing for 'Travel Trailer'), this Firman generator is RV Ready, perfectly suited for powering recreational vehicles.
Portability
With its L24.8 x W21.7 x H21.7 in dimensions, the open frame structure of the Firman P03503 provides stability, simplified maintenance access to components, and better air cooling than enclosed units. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
Though weighing 108.5 lbs, the generator remains classified as 'portable,' indicating its capability to be moved, though its weight could pose transport challenges. However, the constrained maneuverability is addressed with the assistance of its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, allowing for easy shifting once the generator is placed on the ground.
Features
The P03503's control panel
For convenient monitoring of its status and activity, the control panel of the P03503 includes a convenient meter, showing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours metrics.
In addition to this info, the device's light indicator will illuminate to indicate if its oil levels are insufficient.
Benefiting from its built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows for easy and immediate gas level inspections.
As for its security measures, the device features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), letting you use it with a peace of mind.
The P03503 also benefits from Firman’s CO Alert carbon monoxide shutdown, which automatically shuts down the engine when harmful levels of carbon monoxide accumulate around the generator or a CO Alert fault occurs.
Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Firman P03503's package also includes these accessories: oil, funnel, tool kit and cover.
The Firman P03503 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Firman P03503 compare to generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- With a dry weight of 108.5 lbs, the Firman P03503 sits comfortably within the expected weight range for devices generating 3500 to 4500 rated watts. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the WEN 56432iX with only 52.9 pounds.
- The generator's noise output, rated at 67 dBA, falls within the average range expected for devices in its power range. If noise level is one your key decisive factors, you may find the Westinghouse iGen5000DF appealing. It's rated at 52 dBA, making it one of the quietest generators in its power range.
- Thanks to an impressive running time of around 14 hours at 50% load, the P03503 benefits from a higher run time than many generators of a similar output. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the NorthStar c5500, reaching around 15.1 hours.
- While run time matters, it's heavily influenced by the fuel tank's capacity. Hence, it's important to consider fuel efficiency alongside. The generator burns fuel at a rate of around 0.36 GPH when running at a 50% load, which is consistent with the average fuel usage of models of comparable power output. If you wish to get a unit of similar power, but with one of the best fuel efficiency, you could consider the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which has an impressively low fuel consumption of 0.23 GPH.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W generators, the Firman P03503 is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- CO Alert technology
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- High run time
- Decent weight (108.5 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (67 dBA)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No electric start
Do you own the Firman P03503 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 208 cc OHV 4-stroke, cast iron sleeve |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,550 W |
| Starting watts | 4,450 W |
| Running amps | 29.6 amps |
| Peak amps | 37.1 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 14 h |
| Run time @25% load | 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, 5 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 108.5 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 24.8 x 21.7 x 21.7 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 67 dBA |
| THD | < 25% |
| Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, cover, and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | China |
| Series | Performance |
| Other model numbers | P03501, P03504 |
| UPC | 840876135037 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
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 P03503 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 | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Freezer | 810 | 1750 | |
| Total | 2802 W | 3802 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 2815 W | 3405 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2740 W | 3840 W |
What type motor oil does it take. Firman 208cc.? (Asked February 19, 2021)
SAE 10W-30 is recommended for general, all-temperature use. You may also want to refer to the chart page 12 of the owner's manual (opens in a new tab).
firman 3503 valve lash specs? (Asked August 17, 2021)
Intake/Exhaust: 0.004 - 0.006 in.
What do the symbols mean on the multimeter?.. there's 4 different areas.. (Asked September 15, 2021)
The multimeter and its symbols are explained page 9 of the owner's manual (opens in a new tab).
If I live in yarker, Ontario canada and have problem in the first year what do I do for the warranty, and where ? (Asked November 22, 2022)
Firman has several service centers in Ontario. You may contact their customer support to get the list.: 1-844-347-6261.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
