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Description
Zoom on the Firman W03081
In a nutshell, the Firman W03081 is a quiet and compact portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Firman W03081's design includes a gasoline-fueled 171 cc Firman Max-Pro Series OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120V output, it gives a running wattage of 3,000W and also a peak wattage of 3,300W. Additionally, as the generator is parallel capable (Firman parallel kit (opens in a new tab) not included), it can be linked to a second unit for more power.
At a noise rating of 58 dBA (less noisy than a conversation at home), the inverter generator is started via a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.
With a fuel capacity of 1.8 gallon, the W03081 may run for up to 10 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.18 GPH).
Delicate electronics can be plugged in an AC outlets safely, as the W03081 generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 3 AC outlets:
It also sports 2 DC outlets: there's a 12V 8A receptacle with which you may charge your batteries with ease and a 5V USB port allowing you to conveniently charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets.
This Firman generator is RV Ready, thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').
Portability
The Firman W03081's characteristic encased inverter generator design (L23.2 x W17.8 x H17.9 in), provides an esthetical advantage over any ordinary, open frame product. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
The W03081 can be taken anywhere with you, thanks to its weight of 84 lbs. 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 W03081's status and activity may be monitored conveniently via the control panel, as it features a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours.
In addition to this info, some light indicators allow you to instantly see if the oil level is too low, the generator is overloaded and the generator is ready.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, giving you a peace of mind during use.
Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Firman W03081's package also includes these accessories: funnel, battery charging cables, oil and tool kit.
Emissions
The Firman W03081 is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Thus, selling and purchasing this generator is allowed in each of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, which makes it suitable for use in forested areas.
Product Videos
The Firman W03081 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Firman W03081 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 2500 and 3500 W).
- Having a dry weight of 84 lbs, the Firman W03081 belongs in the expected weight range for inverter generators which produce 2500 to 3500 rated watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, weighing just 46 pounds.
- With a lowest possible noise of 58 dBA, this inverter generator places itself amongst the more quiet of the products delivering similar power. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Honda EU3000iS. With just 50 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- As for its autonomy, the W03081, with an autonomy of up to 10 hours at a 25% load, is placed on the low end among the generators of its kind. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Champion 200954, which is able to run for up to 22 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. As this inverter generator uses an estimated 0.18 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load, it finds itself in the average gasoline consumption range of similar products. 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.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 2500-3500W inverter generators, the Firman W03081 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
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 |
Starting system | Recoil |
Warranty | 3 years |
Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
---|---|
Running watts | 3,000 W |
Starting watts | 3,300 W |
Running amps | 25 amps |
Peak amps | 27.5 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 | W3300i |
UPC | 840876130810 |
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 W03081 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 | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
Printer | 600 | 600 | |
Total | 2292 W | 3292 W | |
For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
Blender | 400 | 850 | |
Total | 2390 W | 2980 W | |
For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
Total | 2130 W | 3230 W |
Does it have a fuel filter? (Asked October 05, 2021)
The generator has a fuel filter.
Does the Firman W03081 have a fuel shut-off that will let the carb run dry? (Asked December 28, 2022)
A fuel shut-off switch is located right above the starter rope.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.