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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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 able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed.
Power & Run Time
The Firman P03503
The Firman P03503's design includes a gasoline-fueled 208 cc OHV 4-stroke engine with cast iron sleeve. With a 120V output, it gives a running wattage of 3,550W and also a peak wattage of 4,450W.
Rated for 67 dBA (less noisy than a normal conversation), the generator's starting mechanism relies on a conventional pull-start mechanism.
The P03503 boasts a fuel tank capable of holding 5 gallons, allowing it to run continuously for around 14 hours at 50% load (with fuel usage averaging around 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:
Equipped with a TT-30R receptacle (TT representing 'Travel Trailer'), this Firman generator is RV Ready, ensuring compatibility with 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. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
The P03503 can be taken anywhere with you, thanks to its weight of 108.5 lbs. Moreover, once it’s on the ground, its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle will allow you to shift it without effort.
Features
The P03503's control panel
The P03503's status and activity may be monitored conveniently via the control panel, as it features a convenient meter, providing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours data.
In addition to this info, a light indicator on the device will notify you if the oil level is too low.
Featuring a built-in fuel gauge, the generator offers quick, convenient, and easy gas level checks at a glance.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker).
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.
Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, the Firman P03503 ships with supplementary accessories: tool kit, funnel, oil 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).
- At a weight of 108.5 pounds, the Firman P03503 places in the expected weight range of the generators in the 3500-4500 rated wattage range. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the WEN 56432iX, standing at just 52.9 lbs.
- Since the generator's noise is rated at 67 dBA, it has the roughly average expected noise for a device of similar power. 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.
- At 50% load, the P03503 achieves one of the longer run times compared to devices of similar power, sustaining operations for around 14 hours. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Firman W03663OF, which is able to run for around 18 hours.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. With an estimated fuel consumption of 0.36 GPH at a 50% load, this generator aligns with the average gasoline usage range of comparable products. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.23 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
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 | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 2822 W | 3822 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 2835 W | 3425 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.
