Firman W02981 - 2900/3200W Inverter Generator

The Firman W02981 is a quiet and compact inverter generator with a rated wattage of 2,900 W and a starting wattage of 3,200 W. (Read full specs)

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• W02981

  Gas + Manual start

• WH02942

  Dual fuel + Electric start

Description

Zoom on the Firman W02981

In a few words, the Firman W02981 is a quiet and compact portable inverter generator perfectly suited for:

• Amateur DIY lovers
• Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
• Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
• RV travellers looking for even more independence

The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.

Power & Run Time

The Firman W02981

Running on gasoline, the Firman W02981 utilizes a 171 cc Firman Max-Pro Series OHV 4-stroke engine to deliver 120V, offering a running wattage of 2,900W and a starting wattage of 3,200W. In addition, as it is parallel capable (Firman parallel kit (opens in a new tab) not included), this power can be doubled when linked to another similar or compatible unit.

With a noise rating of 58 dBA (less noisy than rainfall), the inverter generator's starting mechanism is centered around a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.

Featuring a 1.8 gallon fuel tank, the W02981 can provide power for up to 10 hours on a full tank (with fuel consumption averaging 0.18 gallons per hour).

Delicate electronics can be plugged in the AC outlets safely, as the W02981 generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).

Outlets

The control panel provides the upcoming 3 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)

120V 30A (TT-30R) receptacle

It also sports 2 DC outlets: there's a 12V 8A receptacle providing easy battery charging capabilities and a 5V USB port enabling convenient charging of devices like mobile phones and tablets.

Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this Firman generator is RV Ready.

Portability

As an inverter generator, the Firman W02981 showcases a closed design (L23.2 x W17.8 x H17.9 in), enhancing aesthetics and ensuring quieter operation compared to conventional, open frame models. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.

The W02981's dry weight of 84 lbs lets you use its power anywhere needed. Moreover, its set of 2 wheels (⌀5") and its folding handle make it easy to shift the generator once it's on the ground.

Features

The W02981's control panel

The control panel of the W02981 is equipped with a convenient meter, displaying voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours information, aiding in monitoring its status and activity.

In addition to this info, when the oil level is too low, the generator is ready and the generator is overloaded, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.

As for its security measures, the device features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, letting you use it with a peace of mind.

Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, the Firman W02981 ships with supplementary accessories: battery charging cables, funnel, tool kit and oil.

Product Video

The Firman W02981 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Firman W02981 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 2500 and 3500 W).

• Since the generator weighs in at a dry weight of 84 lbs, the Firman W02981 belongs in the expected weight range for inverters which can produce between 2500 and 3500 rated watts. If weight is an important consideration for you, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 46 pounds.
• Rated at a lowest possible noise level of 58 dBA, this inverter generator positions itself amongst the more quiet of the products of similar type and power. If you are concerned with noise, check out the Honda EU3000iS, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 50 dBA.
• Regarding its autonomy, the W02981 can run for up to 10 hours at a 25% load, aligning it with the lower performers in its type and power range. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Champion 200977, reaching up to 22 hours.
• Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel tank capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary for a complete understanding. Standing at an estimated 0.18 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load, this inverter generator is somewhat average in this area compared to other devices, within the aforementioned wattage range. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Energizer eZV3500P. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.13 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.

The bottom line

Features and Specifications

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.

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 W02981 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

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