Powermate PM3800 - 3000/3800W Portable Generator
The Powermate PM3800 is a compact open frame generator with a rated wattage of 3,000 W and a starting wattage of 3,800 W. (Read full specs)
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The Tool Nut | Price history for the Powermate PM3800 |
|---|
| Highest Price $489.00 Lowest Price $313.78 Current Price $313.78 |
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Description
With 3800 starting watts and 3000 running watts, this generator is powerful enough to run small electrical appliances at any picnic, campground or tailgate and versatile enough to power tools for your next DIY project.
Zoom on the Powermate PM3800
In a nutshell, the Powermate PM3800 is a compact portable generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
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 Powermate PM3800's engine, 212 cc OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120V. It provides a running wattage of 3,000W and reaches a peak wattage of 3,800W.
This generator is equipped with a conventional pull-start mechanism. It features Powermate's PowerDial™, an easy-to-use dial with three operation settings.
Equipped with a 5 gallons fuel tank, the PM3800 ensures continuous operation for up to 21 hours with a full tank (fuel usage approximately 0.24 gallons per hour).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 4 AC outlets:
Portability
With its L23.8 x W18.1 x H19.1 in dimensions, the open frame structure of the Powermate PM3800 provides stability, simplified maintenance access to components, and better air cooling than enclosed units. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Weighing 96 lbs, the PM3800 is practical, ensuring it can follow you wherever power is required. Moreover, its open frame design makes it incredibly easy to grasp the frame in order to change its location.
Features
The PM3800's control panel
Featuring a digital data center on its control panel, the PM3800 offers you convenient access to essential information about the lifetime run hours, facilitating effective monitoring of its activity and status.
Benefiting from its built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows for easy and immediate gas level inspections.
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.
Besides the usual set of documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, Powermate also included some oil in the PM3800's packaging.
Product Video
The Powermate PM3800 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Powermate PM3800 compare to generators of similar power (between 2500 and 3500 W).
- At 96 lbs in dry weight, the Powermate PM3800 fits well within the typical weight bracket for generators producing 2500 to 3500 rated watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, with a dry weight of only 46 lbs.
- Thanks to an impressive running time of up to 21 hours at 25% load, the PM3800 benefits from a higher run time than many generators of a similar output. For those prioritizing autonomy, the Champion 200977 could be considered, as it offers one of the longest run times among generators with similar power output, reaching 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. This generator is somewhat less fuel-efficient than devices of comparable output: its estimated fuel consumption reaches 0.24 GPH at a 25% load. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Energizer eZV3500P, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.13 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 2500-3500W generators, the Powermate PM3800 is on the cheap side of the price range.
It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.
The bottom line
- Inexpensive
- High run time
- Decent weight (96 lbs)
- No electric start
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the Powermate PM3800 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 | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 212 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,000 W |
| Starting watts | 3,800 W |
| Running amps | 25 amps |
| Peak amps | 31.7 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 14 h |
| Run time @25% load | 21 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | No |
| AC outlets | 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) |
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | Lifetime run hours |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 5 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 96 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23.8 x 18.1 x 19.1 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil |
| Other model numbers | P0081100 |
| UPC | 696471080339 |
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 Powermate
Powermate’s history is somewhat enigmatic, but they claim to have been on the market for over 40 years, selling portable generators and various outdoor power equipment. In 2009, they have signed under what they call “partnership” (more accurately ownership) with the Italian PRAMAC. In 2014, Generac acquired Powermate from PRAMAC.
Warranty Information
The Powermate PM3800 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 Powermate generators, please consult Powermate's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-800-445-1805.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Total | 2392 W | 3392 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2380 W | 2800 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2380 W | 3480 W |
What is the noise rating of the PM3800?
Due to the lack of standardization in noise emission measurement, Powermate (Generac) does not provide their units' noise levels.
Can this power an air compressor? (Asked June 22, 2022)
It is unfortunately not feasible to answer this question without more specifics. A 1/2 HP air compressor may be powered, but a 1HP compressor may require more than the 3800 starting watts provided by this unit. Wattage requirements also vary depending on brands and models. We recommend reading our guide on how to calculate the running and starting watts of your appliances.
Can this supply 220 power for my well? (Asked November 02, 2024)
The unit only provides 120V. You may check this list of unit providing 240V.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
