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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Amazon | Price history for the Firman W02981 |
|---|
| Highest Price $999.00 Lowest Price $999.00 Current Price $999.00 |
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Description
The W02981 is an inverter generator, having low THD (clean power for electronics and sensitive equipment), quiet operation and fuel-efficient economy mode. It’s ergonomic encasing and integrated wheel kit makes it easy to transport for those weekend camping getaways. This generator features 3200 starting watts and 2900 running watts, with a reliable recoil start system.
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 who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.
Power & Run Time
The Firman W02981
The Firman W02981 is powered by a 171 cc Firman Max-Pro Series OHV 4-stroke engine with cast iron sleeve. It delivers 120V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 2,900W as well as a peak wattage of 3,200W. Furthermore, its parallel capability (Firman parallel kit (opens in a new tab) not included) allows power output to double when connected to another similar or compatible unit, ensuring expanded energy capacity and reliability for various applications.
With a noise rating of 58 dBA (less noisy than a refrigerator), the inverter generator's ignition is facilitated by a classic hand-operated recoil starting 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).
The W02981 generates a clean sine wave: providing <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), delicate electronics can be plugged in its AC outlets safely.
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 3 AC outlets:
Moreover, it comes equipped with 2 DC outlets: there's a 12V 8A receptacle making battery charging a breeze and a 5V USB port enabling convenient charging of devices like mobile phones and tablets.
The inclusion of a TT-30R receptacle (TT for 'Travel Trailer') makes this Firman generator RV Ready, ideal for providing power to recreational vehicles.
Portability
Thanks to its closed inverter generator design (L23.2 x W17.8 x H17.9 in), the Firman W02981 not only offers superior aesthetics but also operates with reduced noise levels compared to a typical, open frame generator. The generator has a contemporary design, convenient for recreationally generating power.
As the W02981's weight is only 84 lbs, it can follow you and your power needs anywhere. Additionally, it can be easily moved with the help of its set of 2 wheels (⌀5") and its folding handle, once it is on the ground.
Features
The W02981's control panel
The W02981's status and activity may be monitored conveniently via the control panel, as it features a convenient meter, showing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours metrics.
In addition to this info, light indicators on the device will notify you if the generator is on overload, the oil level is too low and the generator is ready.
As far as security is concerned, the generator comes with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, providing peace of mind during use.
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: tool kit, funnel, battery charging cables 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).
- With a dry weight of 84 lbs, the Firman W02981 falls within the expected weight range for inverter generators in the 2500 to 3500 rated wattage. if you wish to prioritize weight, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO is one of the top contenders in its power category, weighing only 46 pounds.
- Delivering a rated noise output as low as 58 dBA, this inverter generator is has a quieter operation that most units of similar type and power. If you'd like a less noisy alternative, the Honda EU3000iS is a strong contender. It boasts a noise rating of 50 dBA, placing it among the quietest generators in its power category.
- Regarding its autonomy, the autonomy of the W02981, reaching up to 10 hours at a 25% load, can be considered as low end, compared to other inverters of a roughly equal output. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Champion 200977, boasting with up to 22 hours.
- Run time is crucial, but it heavily relies on the fuel tank's capacity. Thus, considering fuel efficiency alongside is essential. This inverter generator has an average fuel consumption among comparably powerful devices, as it reaches 0.18 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the Energizer eZV3500P, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.13 GPH, could be an option to consider.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 2500-3500W inverter generators, the Firman W02981 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
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Quiet for its power (58 dBA)
- Decent weight (84 lbs)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No electric start
- Relatively low run time
Do you own the Firman W02981 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 171 cc Firman Max-Pro Series OHV 4-stroke, cast iron sleeve |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 2,900 W |
| Starting watts | 3,200 W |
| Running amps | 24.2 amps |
| Peak amps | 26.7 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 10 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A receptacle 1x 5V USB port |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 1.8 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 84 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23.2 x 17.8 x 17.9 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 58 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, and battery charging cables |
| Country of origin | China |
| Series | Whisper |
| Other model numbers | W3200i |
| UPC | 840876129814 |
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 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
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Desktop computer | 200 | 200 | |
| Total | 2192 W | 3192 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 2300 W | 2720 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Paint sprayer | 600 | 600 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2080 W | 3180 W |
How much oil does my firman w3200i take (Asked July 19, 2020)
Oil capacity is 20.3 oz.
Does this invertor have an inline gas shut off? (Asked October 03, 2021)
The unit has a fuel valve knob. Turning it off will allow you to let the generator run until it stops from lack of fuel, and to dry out all remaining fuel in the carburetor.
What kind of oil mine did not come with oil (Asked January 16, 2022)
For general, all-temperature use, SAE 10W30 is recommended.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
