Powermate CX3500 (Discontinued)
The Powermate CX3500 (PMC143500) is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 3,500 W and a starting wattage of 4,375 W. (Read full specs)
This product has been discontinued. We've kept this page live for reference.
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Description
Trust in the portable power of Powermate’s CX Series generators. Featuring extended run times and sturdy framework for stable mobility, the CX Series are ideal for a variety of occasions like camping, picnics, tailgating and emergency home backup. CX Series generators are easy to power up, and their compact design takes up minimal storage space.
Zoom on the Powermate CX3500
In a few words, the Powermate CX3500 is a portable generator perfectly suited for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- 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
Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.
Power & Run Time
The Powermate CX3500
The Powermate CX3500's design includes a gasoline-fueled 208 cc Powermate OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120V output, it gives a running wattage of 3,500W and also a peak wattage of 4,375W.
This generator starts operation using a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism.
Featuring a 4.5 gallons fuel tank, the CX3500 can provide power for around 12.2 hours at 50% load on a full tank (with fuel consumption averaging 0.37 gallons per hour).
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 4 AC outlets:
Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this Powermate generator is RV Ready, making it ideal for powering recreational vehicles.
Portability
With dimensions of L25.6 x W23.8 x H21.6 in, the traditional open frame design of the Powermate CX3500 ensures stability while allowing easy maintenance access to components and promoting effective air cooling. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
Since the generator weighs 108 lbs, it will be incredibly difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). However, its challenging mobility is solved by its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, which will ease its displacement, once it is on the floor.
Features
The CX3500's control panel
The CX3500's control center features a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours to aid you with the monitoring of its status and activity.
Thanks to its built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently, and easily check the gas level at a glance.
From a security standpoint, the generator is furnished with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, ensuring peace of mind during operation.
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Powermate CX3500, the following accessories are also included: funnel, tool kit and oil.
Product Video
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).
- At 108 lbs dry, the Powermate CX3500 is consistent with the standard weight profile for devices ranging from 3000 to 4000 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.
- Since the CX3500 boasts with a run time of around 12.2 hours at 50% load, it can be safely judged as a device of a higher run time than most generators of a comparable output. If you wish to prioritize autonomy, the Honda EM4000SX shines as one of the top contenders, offering one of the highest run times among generators with similar power output, totaling around 16 hours.
- Though run time is a significant parameter, it's closely tied to the generator's fuel tank size. To get a comprehensive understanding, fuel efficiency must also be taken into account. In terms of fuel efficiency within its wattage range, this generator falls short: it consumes approximately 0.37 GPH at a 50% load. If gasoline efficiency is at the top of your list, you may want to have a look at the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, which has great fuel efficiency, with a gas consumption of only 0.22 gallons per hour.
The bottom line
- RV Ready
- High run time
- Decent weight (108 lbs)
- No electric start
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the Powermate CX3500 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 | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 208 cc Powermate OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,500 W |
| Starting watts | 4,375 W |
| Running amps | 29.2 amps |
| Peak amps | 36.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 12.2 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| 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 |
| Compliance | CARB |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, and wheel kit |
| UPC | 696471620764 |
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 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: 1-800-445-1805.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| 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 |
What is the noise rating of the CX3500?
Due to the lack of standardization in noise emission measurement, Powermate (Generac) does not provide their units' noise levels.
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.
User Reviews
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