This document is the Operator's Manual for the FIRMAN P12001 Gasoline Portable Generator.
Function Description:
The FIRMAN P12001 is a high-quality, precision-engineered portable generator designed to supply electrical power for operating compatible electrical lighting, appliances, tools, and motor loads. It runs on unleaded gasoline and is intended for outdoor use. It can be used to power outdoor items via extension cords or to restore home power using a listed transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician. The generator features a system ground that connects the generator frame components to the AC output receptacles, with the neutral wire bonded to the frame.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Model: P12001
- Starting Watts: 15000
- Running Watts: 12000
- Rated AC Voltage: 120/240V
- Rated Frequency: 60Hz
- Phase: Single
- Voltage Regulator: AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator)
- Power Factor: 1
- Alternator Type: Brushed
- Engine: FIRMAN V-twin, 4-Stroke OHV Air Cooled
- Displacement: 760cc
- Low Oil Shutdown: Yes
- Ignition System: Breakless Ignition Type, Flywheel Magneto
- Starting System: Electric Start
- Fuel: Unleaded Automotive Gasoline (minimum 87 octane)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.3 U.S. Gallons (50.2L)
- Lubricating Oil Capacity: 50.7 oz (1.5L)
- Carburetor Type: Float
- Air Cleaner: Polyurethane Type
- P.T.O. Shaft Rotation: Counter Clockwise (Facing P.T.O.)
- AC Grounding System: Neutral Bonded To Frame
- Wheels: 12.0" (30.5cm) Flat Free Wheel
- Battery: 12V sealed lead acid 33AH (LXWXH: 7.67X5.12X6.3inch / 195X130X160mm)
Usage Features:
The generator's control panel includes various receptacles:
- 120/240V, 50A (NEMA 14-50R, Not GFCI protected): Maximum full load current can be drawn.
- 120/240V, 30A Twist Lock (NEMA L14-30R, Not GFCI protected): Maximum 30 Amps for 240 Volts or two independent 120 Volt loads at 30 Amps each.
- 120V, 30A Twist Lock (NEMA L5-30R, Not GFCI protected): Maximum 30 Amps.
- 120V, 20A Duplex GFCI (NEMA 5-20R): Maximum 20 Amps. These receptacles are protected by AC circuit protectors and feature GFCI protection, which self-tests periodically.
- 12V DC Outlet (8.3 Amp): Used to charge 12V automotive type batteries only.
- 12V DC Battery Charger Port: For plugging in a 120 Volt AC charger to charge the generator battery.
- Ground Terminal: For local grounding requirements.
Starting the generator involves turning the fuel valve to "ON", flipping the engine switch to "RUN", ensuring the ECO switch is "OFF", moving the choke knob to "START" (for cold engines), pressing and holding the engine switch in the "START" position for a few seconds, then releasing it to "RUN". Once the engine starts and warms up, slowly move the choke knob to the "RUN" position. The generator should run at no load for a few minutes to stabilize before connecting electrical devices.
The generator features an Economy Control Switch to minimize fuel consumption and noise during times of no electrical output, allowing the engine to idle. When an electrical load is connected, the engine speed returns to normal. For high electrical loads or momentary fluctuations, the Economy Control Switch should be turned OFF.
Safety Features:
- Low Oil Shutdown: Automatically stops the engine if oil level drops below minimum.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) Warning: Emphasizes outdoor-only operation, at least 20 ft (6m) from occupied spaces, with exhaust pointed away. Recommends installing battery-operated CO alarms indoors.
- Fire Hazard Warnings: Fuel is flammable; engine exhaust is hot. Maintain at least 5 ft (1.5m) clearance from combustibles and structures.
- Electrical Shock Warnings: Do not operate in rain or wet weather, indoors, or handle with wet hands/feet. Use a listed transfer switch for home connections to prevent backfeed.
- Circuit Breakers: Protect receptacles from overload or short circuits.
- Outlet Covers: Protect receptacles from dust and debris.
Maintenance Features:
The manual provides a detailed maintenance schedule:
- Daily (Before operation): Check spark plug condition, oil level, fuel line for damage.
- Every 25 hours: Replace engine oil.
- Every 50 hours: Clean/replace air filter.
- Every 100 hours (or annual): Replace engine oil, oil filter, clean/replace fuel filter, check spark arrester screen, check/adjust valve clearance (by experienced owner/service center), clean combustion chamber (by experienced owner/service center), check fittings/fasteners.
- Every 250 hours: Replace spark plug.
Specific Maintenance Procedures:
- Engine Oil: Use FIRMAN SAE 10W-30 API SL oil. Check before each use or every 8 hours. Change every 100 hours (25 hours for new engine/oil filter).
- Oil Filter: Change with engine oil.
- Air Filter: Remove, wash foam element with liquid detergent and water, squeeze dry, saturate with clean engine oil, squeeze out excess, reinstall.
- Spark Plug: Remove boots, remove plugs, inspect for damage, clean with wire brush, adjust gap to 0.028"-0.031" (0.7-0.8 mm), reinstall.
- Muffler and Spark Arrester: Inspect muffler for cracks/corrosion. Remove screws, remove spark arrester, clean carbon deposits with a wire brush. Replace if damaged. Clean every 100 hours to prevent engine damage.
- Battery Replacement: Detailed steps for removing and installing a new 12V sealed lead acid 33AH battery.
- Battery Charging: The generator has an automatic charging circuit when running. For less frequent use, connect to a trickle charger.
- Long Term Storage: Treat fuel with stabilizer or drain fuel tank and carburetor. Change oil, remove spark plugs, add engine oil to cylinders, jog engine, reinstall plugs. Store in a clean, dry place away from sunlight and ignition sources.
High Altitude Operation:
At altitudes over 5,000 feet (1524 meters), a minimum 85 octane gasoline is acceptable. Engine power and generator output will be reduced. FIRMAN can provide a high altitude carburetor main jet (P/N 399715868 for 3000-6000 feet, P/N 399715869 for 6000-8000 feet). Using the wrong main jet at lower elevations can damage the engine.
Warranty:
FIRMAN offers a Three (3) Year Limited Warranty for the original purchaser, covering mechanical and electrical components against defects in material and workmanship. This includes one year for parts and labor, and three years for parts and technical support. For commercial/industrial use, the warranty is 90 days (parts and labor) and 180 days (parts). Warranty registration and proof of purchase are required within 10 days. Exclusions include normal wear, cosmetic defects, wear items, accessory parts, failures due to acts of God, problems from non-original FIRMAN parts, and use as prime power. The Emission Control System Warranty covers relevant parts for two years.
Need help?
General
To Next Page
