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Description
Zoom on the Firman W03381
In a nutshell, the Firman W03381 is a quiet and compact portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- 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 hobbyists looking for a portable power source
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Firman W03381 is powered by a 193 cc Firman Max-Pro Series OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 3300W as well as a peak wattage of 3650W. Moreover, since it is parallel capable (Firman parallel kit (opens in a new tab) not included), its power may be increased if linked to a second compatible unit.
The inverter generator is rated for a noise of 58 dBA (less noisy than a conversation at home). Its starting mechanism is based on a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.
Thanks to a fuel capacity of 1.8 gallon, the W03381 can operate for up to 10 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.18 GPH).
The W03381 generates a clean sine wave: providing <3% Total Harmonic Disruption (THD), delicate electronics can be plugged in its AC outlets safely.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 3 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 2 DC outlets: there's a 5V USB port with which charging of electronics like mobile phones and tablets is made convenient and a 12V 8A receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries.
With its TT-30R receptacle (TT as in 'Travel Trailer'), this Firman generator is RV Ready.
Portability
The Firman W03381'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. The design follows the contemporary trends and is perfect for recreationally generating power.
The W03381 can be taken anywhere with you, thanks to its weight of 87 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 control panel of the W03381 includes a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours, helpful for the monitoring of its status and activity.
In addition to this info, when the generator is ready, the generator is overloaded and the oil level is too low, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Firman W03381's package also includes these accessories: battery charging cables, oil, tool kit and funnel.
Emissions
The Firman W03381 is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. It can therefore be sold and purchased in all 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and therefore, can be used in forested areas.
Product Videos
The Firman W03381 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Firman W03381 compare to generators of similar power (between 2500 and 3500 W).
- Having a dry weight of 87 lbs, the Firman W03381 belongs in the expected weight range for generators which produce 2500 to 3500 rated watts. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Genmax GM3300i with only 47.4 pounds.
- Since this inverter generator is rated for a lowest possible noise of 58 dBA, it can be considered as one of the more quiet of the products generating similar 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.
- As for its autonomy, the W03381, with an autonomy of up to 10 hours at a 25% load, is placed on the low end among the generators of its kind. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Champion 200914, as it provides up to 22 hours.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. 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 you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Energizer eZV3500P, with a fuel consumption of 0.13 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 2500-3500W generators, the Firman W03381 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 (87 lbs)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No electric start
- Relatively low run time
Features and Specifications
Inverter | Yes |
---|---|
Portable | Yes |
Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
RV ready | Yes |
Fuel | Gasoline |
Engine | 193 cc Firman Max-Pro Series OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil |
Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
---|---|
Running watts | 3300 W |
Starting watts | 3650 W |
Running amps | 27.5 amps |
Peak amps | 30.4 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 5V USB port 1x 12V 8A receptacle |
Data center | VFT |
Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
Fuel tank | Steel, 1.8 gal |
Fuel gauge | No |
Weight | 87 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 |
Warranty | 3 years |
Series | Whisper |
Other model numbers | W3650i |
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 W03381 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 | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
Washing machine | 900 | 1650 | |
Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
Total | 2637 W | 3637 W | |
For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 | |
Radio | 100 | 100 | |
Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
Total | 2635 W | 3225 W | |
For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
Milk cooler | 1100 | 1800 | |
Total | 2500 W | 3600 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.