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Update: Due to a fire hazard for consumers, Honda has recalled 345,000 inverter generators. According to a warning from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Honda portable generator types EB2200i, EU2200i, EU2200i Companion, and EU2200i Camo are susceptible to short circuiting near salt water, which might result in smoke and even a fire. The same generators were a part of a recall for gasoline leaks last year, as we detailed below in our original story on March 22, 2019.
Honda has recalled 200,000 inverter generators because they could catch fire if gasoline leaks from the fuel valve. The generators were sold between February 2018 and February 2019. Although the Consumer Product Safety Commission has not received any reports of injuries related to the generator, Honda has received 19 reports of gasoline leaking from the fuel valve.
The Honda EU2200i, the EU2200i Companion, and the EB2200i are three different models of the same portable generator that are included in the recall. According to a Honda representative, the problem is the result of a manufacturing error. According to Davis Adams, communications manager for Honda’s power-equipment business, “the screws used to assemble the fuel valve may loosen during usage, allowing the valve to leak fuel.”
In This Article...
What distinguishes the Honda EM and EB generators?
Require a generator? Honda’s generators are a fantastic option because to their dependable engines, automatic power regulation, and high-quality components. However, which Honda generator should you purchase?
Honda separates its generator lines for commercial, recreational, and residential use. The key variations between the models are as follows:
- RV generators from the EU Series are made to be quiet.
- Home generators of the EM and EG Series are designed to run for several hours on a single tank of gasoline.
- Industrial generators in the EB Series feature GFCI outlets for ground fault protection.
- The recreational generators in the EU-i Series are portable.
Despite these divisions, your requirements might be better suited to another application. For instance, you might need a quieter EU series rather than an EM or EG series if your neighborhood has noise laws.
The generator must be hooked into a transfer switch if you intend to use it as a backup for the grid. In order to stop “backflow,” or the flow of current back into the grid or the generator, this isolates the electrical system in your home. Without this switch, power fluctuations might ignite generator fires and electrocute any personnel maintaining the system.
What other generator comes close to a Honda?
Compared to other brands, both inverter generators are extremely quiet. Honda has a few decibels of advantage over Generac. In ECO mode, the HONDA EU2200i produces 53 to 54 dB at a distance of 23.5 feet, whilst the Generac GP2200i produces 56 to 57 dB.
HONDA’s standard generators are quieter than Generac’s standard generators.
Both are still incredibly silent. If you want a model that is quieter for camping or tailgating, you can choose either.
Power:
One of the top engine manufacturers in the world is Honda. Although Generac also performs a fantastic job with their engines, it is insufficient to defeat Honda.
Both the HONDA EU2200i and the Generac GP2200i have an OHV, 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine, albeit the HONDA is slightly more potent. Almost always, you can get the most out of a Honda.
Let’s say you have a 5000 watt Generac generator and a 5000 watt Honda generator. I nearly promise that Honda will have a minor or significant advantage over Generac in terms of power. In this category, Honda triumphs.
Runtime:
I put two inverter generators made by Generac and two made by Honda to the test, collecting real-world runtime data.
- 20 hours at 25% load for the Honda EU3000 (3.4 gal tank)
- 8.1 hours at 25% load for the Honda EU2200i (0.95 gal tank)
- 10.7 hours at 25% load for the Generac GP2200i (1.2 gal tank)
- 10.7 hours at 25% load for the Generac GP3000i (1.06 gal tank)
Due to their larger fuel tanks, smaller Generac generators have a significantly longer runtime. Honda generators over 2000 watts are renowned for having a lengthy runtime. Because it runs like a champ, the HONDA EU3000 is their most popular model.
For Camping And RVs:
Consider Generac inverter generators if money is tight. In terms of noise, portability, power output, clean power production, convenience, maintenance, and fuel efficiency, they are on par with Honda.
Honda is always a good investment if you have some extra cash to spare. Although they occasionally don’t offer as many functions as other inverter generators, Honda generators are of a very good caliber.
If you are having trouble finding a fair comparison between Champion and Generac generators, be sure to check at our guide.
Generac Guardian Series Natural/LP Gas Whole House Generators
The Generac Guardian series is the greatest backup generator in our opinion, and it is our top pick overall for the best generator for your home. The series has wattages ranging from 10kW (10,000 watts) to 24kW (24000 watts) and is reasonably priced. You may use WiFi or cell data to check on the status of your system anywhere in the globe using Generac’s Mobile Link.
Just be aware that you will want a transfer switch, expert installation, and perhaps an LP tank if you don’t already have one.
What is the lifespan of a Honda generator?
Comparatively speaking, portable generators could not last as long as fixed generators. The truth is that estimating how long your unit might survive might be difficult. But there are a few things that can be helpful. One of the deciding elements is the engine’s quality.
In general, Honda generators can operate for 1,000 to 2,000 hours before needing to be replaced. Your Honda generator should last 10 to 20 years if you run it for about 100 hours a year. A Honda generator’s lifespan can be increased with appropriate use, lubrication, maintenance, and storage.
What is the quietest brand of portable generator?
Anyone with even a passing familiarity with generators is aware that Honda produces some of the quietest portable generators available, if not the quietest.
With so many positive evaluations for the Honda EU2200i TAG 2,200-watt ultra-quiet generator, rivals are attempting to match its effectiveness and low noise level. Compared to the other contenders on our list, it has a smaller gasoline tank, but this also makes it lighter.
“Easy to start and incredibly quiet,” are just a few of the many comments made about these Honda inverter generators with CO-minder. When it is running, it is “promised to be’super quiet,’ and it is,” as well as “silent enough to have a conversation without raising your voice.”
How much of a generator is required to run a house?
You can run even the most essential household appliances, including the refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits, with a generator rated at 5,000 to 7,500 watts. All these devices can be operated simultaneously by a 7500 running watt generator. A 3000–4000 watt generator is ideal for RV use.
To be absolutely certain, you should examine the precise wattage of your household appliances in order to determine what size generator is required to power a house. On their labels, they are frequently specified in watts or amps.
You must ask yourself one question before purchasing a generator: Do I need the generator to power simply the necessary appliances or the entire house?
You should purchase a larger generator if you reside in a disaster-prone location where power outages are frequent. Despite the increased price, it might be a wise purchase that gives you security. However, a smaller generator that powers the necessary equipment would be the ideal option if you just intend to use it occasionally in case of an emergency.
Amps vs Watts vs Volts
The total power that electrical equipment generates or uses is measured in watts (W) and amperes (Amps) (A). The majority of electric equipment supplied in the US are 120V rated in terms of volts (V). However, some electrical devices, particularly 220V TIG or MIG welders, operate at a greater voltage.
It’s simple to determine how many amps your tool or appliance needs to function; just use the calculation below:
To operate your welder in this situation, you would require a generator with at least 8,400 operating watts.
On the other hand, if you want to combine your watts with the following formula to get the amperage of your portable appliances:
Which portable generator offers the greatest value?
The Top Mobile Generators
- Briggs & Stratton 3,500 Portable Generator.
- Champion 5,500 Dual Fuel Portable Generator.
- Generac GP6500 CoSense Portable Generator.
- Goal Zero: Yeti 3000X Portable Power Station.
- DuroMax XP12000EH Portable Generator.
- Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator.
How much time can a generator run?
A backup generator can often power a medium-sized home for up to 3,000 hours, while it is advised that you not run a generator for more than 500 hours continually. The duration of a whole-house generator’s operation is influenced by two factors: type of generator. fuel supply.
What should I know before purchasing a generator?
The first thing you need to decide is what size generator you want to purchase in order to get the ideal one for your requirements. That implies that you must be aware of how much power you require. Even though your refrigerator only needs 700 watts to operate, what happens when it first starts up and needs 2100 watts? Keep in mind both the starter watts needed to run the equipment you wish to attach to the generator and the “running watts you require once everything is functioning.
What kind of outlets you require is the other side of the discussion. Typically, smaller inverter generators include a few 120V AC outlets and sometimes a few USB connections. 240V plugs will start to appear along with more 120V outlets if you reach 4000 watts. You will want a 240V plug if you intend to have an electrician link your generator directly into your panel. You should seek for a generator with GFCI protected outlets because you will be using it outside.