The majority of generators’ owner’s manuals give illustrations of the many gadgets and structures they may power. Here is an illustration of how to determine your own generator sizing, though.
Assume, for instance, that you desire a generator that can run a small refrigerator. The running wattage of the refrigerator, according to the owner’s manual, is 350 watts.
- 350 watts are the running wattage (R).
- 350 + 1,050 = 1400 watts are the total wattage (R + S).
- Starting Wattage (S) = 350 times 3 to equal 1,050 watts
You would require a generator that produced at least that many watts because a small refrigerator requires a total of 1400 watts to run.
Use a generator that can comfortably supply all of your power requirements while only using about 90% of its capacity for the best results.
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:
- The recreational generators in the EU-i Series are portable.
- 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.
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.
Which Honda generator is the best?
It became evident to us that the Honda EU2200i was the best generator in the 2,200-watt range after we examined four others. The Honda was the most powerful, lightweight, and silent generator we examined. Even beyond its stated limits, it ran equipment and appliances that overloaded the other generators. Its superior Honda engine, which is noticeably bigger than those of the other generators we examined, is what sets it apart. The EU2200i was the only generator we tested that started on the first pull of the chord each and every time we used it, whereas starting a gas engine can be frustrating and might deter someone from purchasing a generator alone. Additionally, you can simply manage (and maximize) the performance of the generator during a storm from the comfort of your house thanks to a Bluetooth-connected app that lets you effortlessly monitor the Honda’s power output. Few generators have this very recent functionality. Like all of our recommendations, the EU2200i features an internal carbon monoxide detector that will turn off the generator if the level of the deadly gas rises, which can happen if the generator is operating in a closed space. (And for that reason you shouldn’t operate one of them inside or even with the garage doors open.)
Honda generators enjoy a stellar reputation and are acknowledged as the industry’s gold standard; nevertheless, this quality comes at a price. Usually costing over $1,000, the EU2200i is $400 more expensive than alternative gas options. But this is the device we would rely on if we were to endure a storm-related power outage or power a coffee maker while camping.
What can be powered by a Honda EU2200 generator?
Power tools, such as a sawzall, grinder, and drill. kitchen appliances, such as an electric frying pan or microwave. Fan and lighting. such as a computer, printer, modem, and router.
How big of a generator do I need for my home?
To calculate how much electricity your home would likely require during a power outage, add up the Total Watts. To find kilowatts, divide the total number of watts by 1000. Kilowatts should be multiplied by 1.25 to account for future power demands and a safety margin. The bare minimum generator size needed for your home is this.
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:
Who produces the most silent generators?
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.”
What does the EU symbol on a Honda generator mean?
Choose a generator with a long runtime and good fuel efficiency. Honda generators come with a number of functions to satisfy this need.
Throttle, which automatically modifies engine speed to correspond to the required power. As a result, fuel efficiency is maximized.
Our EU generators have very extended run times—up to 20 hours on a single tank of fuel—thanks to their high fuel efficiency.
Large fuel tanks on our EB, EM, and EG generators allow you to run your unit for extended periods of time without having to refuel.
Auto Throttle is a common feature of Honda EB and EM generators. When a load is applied, Auto Throttle automatically increases the generator’s RPM from idle and decreases it back to idle when the load is removed.
load is eliminated. It aids in boosting fuel efficiency, lowering noise levels, and reducing component wear and tear on the generator.
What distinguishes the Honda EU2000i and EB2000i models?
In order to clear up any misunderstandings if you hear about this new model—which is really only for construction/rental—I thought I’d mention that the Honda EU2000i is a well-liked model among many RV owners. The EU-series models continue to be the greatest option for RV use because they are more feature-rich and more affordable.
…Honda today unveiled the EB2000i, a new model generator. It shares the same power, inverter technology, Eco-Throttle, etc. as the well-known EU2000i. The key distinction is that, like other Honda EB-series models targeted at commercial, industrial, rental, and construction users, the EB2000i features a G.F.C.I. duplex receptacle. In some places, municipal regulations demand that generators undergo specific tests and have a GFCI system. Other distinctions include the absence of parallel processing and DC output. It is covered by the typical 3-year warranty (commercial and residential). $1,279.95 is the MSRP.
What distinguishes the Honda EU2200i from the companion?
Please be aware that using another EU2200i (two generators “paired” together) is required to take advantage of the Companion’s 30A output / outlet since that is how the name “Companion” is intended to be used. You don’t pay for (or receive) 30A output with a Companion model; instead, you pay for the ease of its partnering capability.
I believe you should start with buying the somewhat less expensive “regular” EU2200i unless you intend to buy and run two generators right away to benefit from the increased output. If you choose, you can always expand your system to produce more amps by later adding the “Companion.”
In either scenario, you’ll need an adaptor to connect your Escape 30A shore power connection to the generator (or generator pair), even though the Companion’s 30A socket is incompatible.
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.