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)
Amazon 
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Walmart | Price history for the Powermate PM3800 |
|---|
| Highest Price $378.99 Lowest Price $301.26 Current Price $378.99 |
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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
To sum up, the Powermate PM3800 is a compact portable generator tailored for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Amateur DIY lovers
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device.
Power & Run Time
Powermate PM3800 is equipped with a 212 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, running on gasoline and providing 120V, boasting a running wattage of 3,000W alongside a starting wattage of 3,800W.
This generator is equipped with a traditional recoil pull-start mechanism. It features Powermate's PowerDial™, an easy-to-use dial with three operation settings.
The PM3800's fuel tank, with a capacity of 5 gallons, supports uninterrupted operation for up to 21 hours when fully fueled (fuel consumption at an estimated 0.24 gallons per hour).
Outlets
The control panel features 4 AC outlets as follows:
Portability
With dimensions of L23.8 x W18.1 x H19.1 in, the standard open frame design of the Powermate PM3800 provides stability and easy maintenance access to components, as well as good air circulation. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
The PM3800's dry weight of 96 lbs lets you use its power anywhere needed. 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.
The generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker).
Alongside the typical set of documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, Powermate has included some oil in the packaging of the PM3800.
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).
- With a dry weight of 96 lbs, the Powermate PM3800 falls within the expected weight range for generators in the 2500 to 3500 rated wattage. If you are mindful of weight, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO is among the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 46 pounds.
- In terms of run time, the PM3800 surpasses similarly powerful devices, boasting one of the higher run times at up to 21 hours. If extended autonomy is what matters most to you, the Champion 200977 could be an excellent choice, offering one of the longest run times among units in its power category, 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. This generator is rather wasteful, compared to other devices within the aforementioned output range, when it comes to gasoline consumption, as it reaches roughly 0.24 GPH at a 25% load. If gasoline efficiency is at the top of your list, you may want to have a look at the Honda EU3200i, which has great fuel efficiency, with a gas consumption of only 0.14 gallons per hour.
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.
