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Description
Zoom on the Powermate CX3500
In summary, the Powermate CX3500 is a portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
- 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, along with its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Powermate CX3500
The Powermate CX3500 is powered by a 208 cc Powermate OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 3500W as well as a peak wattage of 4375W.
The generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism.
With a full tank, the CX3500 can operate for around 12.2 hours at 50% load (fuel consumption around 0.37 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 4.5 gallons.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 4 AC outlets:
Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this Powermate generator is RV Ready.
Portability
With its dimensions of L25.6 x W23.8 x H21.6 in, the conventional, open frame design of the Powermate CX3500 offers stability and allows the generator to be raised above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 108 pounds. Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.
Features
The CX3500's control panel
To help you monitor the CX3500's status and activity, its control panel is equipped with a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours.
The generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a peace of mind during use.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Powermate CX3500 also is packed along with the following accessories: tool kit, funnel and oil.
Emissions
The Powermate CX3500 is CARB-compliant. Thus, selling and purchasing this generator is allowed in each of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, making it usable in forested areas.
The Powermate CX3500 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Powermate CX3500 compare to generators of similar power (between 3000 and 4000 W).
- With a dry weight of 108 pounds, the Powermate CX3500 finds itself in the expected weight range for generators able to produce between 3000 and 4000 rated watts. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the WEN GN400i with only 66.1 pounds.
- The CX3500, offering a run time of around 12.2 hours with a full tank at a 50% load, falls within the average autonomy range when compared to its peers. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Honda EB4000X, which is able to run for around 16 hours.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank’s capacity and thus, doesn’t say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. This generator has an average fuel consumption among comparably powerful devices, as it reaches 0.37 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Westinghouse iGen4200, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.17 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3000-4000W generators, the Powermate CX3500 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
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Decent weight (108 lbs)
- Decent run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No electric start
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 208 cc Powermate OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3500 W |
| Starting watts | 4375 W |
| Running amps | 29.2 amps |
| Peaks amps | 36.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 12.2 h |
| Run time @25% load | N/A |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 4.5 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 108 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 25.6 x 23.8 x 21.6 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | Unknown |
| Emissions | CARB |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel and tool kit |
| Warranty | 2 years |
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 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. What we know for sure is that in 2009, they have signed under what they call “partnership” (more accurately ownership) with the Italian PRAMAC. As of 2020, it would seem that Generac has now taken over the manufacturing of Powermate's portable generators.
Warranty Information
The Powermate CX3500 is covered under a warranty for up to 2 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: 1-888-977-2622.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Total | 2792 W | 3792 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Total | 2760 W | 3350 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2740 W | 3840 W |
Can I run two refrigerators and a portable air conditioner? (Asked August 01, 2020)
At first glance, it should be fine. But wattage consumption varies from fridge to fridge, and from portable A/C to portable A/C. We recommend checking the actual wattage consumption of your appliances, and then insert these values in the "custom appliances" section of our generator sizer.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
Price is cheap, you get what you pay for. Our started to burn oil after 500 hours. Don’t buy. They won’t fix or replace