Generator Selection
There are many factors you should consider when selecting a generator, including:
How will you use the generator?
Typically, applications fall into one of 3 categories
-
Home back up
(i.e. emergency power)
Honda's EU and EM series generators are designed to work well with a transfer switch,
enabling you to quickly and easily power essential home appliances.
- Recreational
use (RV, camping, tailgating, boating)
Our Super Quiet EU generators are quiet and easily portable, perfect for most recreational
applications.
- Industrial
use (construction and rental)
Designed with the construction worker in mind, our durable EB generators meet OSHA
requirements.
Honda makes generators geared towards each of these applications. However, since
each customer has unique needs, you should consider other factors while making a
choice.
Noise level
The noise level of your generator is a major factor in determining the right model.
- Many areas have noise ordinances that may impact generator usage, particularly at
night.
- Noisy generators are unsuitable for many applications, including camping, powering
outdoor events, and RVing.
Most generators are labeled with a decibel rating. For every increase in 10 decibels,
the noise level is 10 times more powerful. A generator that runs at 70 decibels
is ten times as loud as a generator that runs at 60 decibels.
Honda generators are renowned for quiet operation.
- Our 4-stroke engines are inherently quiet - not to mention reliable!
- Quality construction and materials help to keep noise levels low
- Superior technology makes us the leaders in quiet operation
Our helpful decibel chart
compares the noise level of Honda generators to common everyday sounds.
For the ultimate in quiet performance,
Honda Super Quiet EU series generators truly live up to their name. Thanks
to a totally enclosed body and inverter technology, they operate as noise levels
between 49 and 60 decibels - which is no louder than normal speech.
Honda also offers a number of other options that, while not as quiet as the EU generators,
may serve your application at a lower cost.
Fuel efficiency & run time
Look
for a generator that is both fuel efficient and has a long run time. Honda generators
offer several features that meet this need.
-
Honda Inverter
generators feature our exclusive Eco-Throttle, which automatically
adjusts the engine speed to match the power needed. This allows for maximum fuel
efficiency.
Because our EU
generators are so fuel efficient, they boast incredibly long run times-
as much as 20 hours on a single tank of gas!
-
Our EB
and EM
generators have large fuel tanks, so you can run your generator for long periods
of time without refilling.
-
Most Honda EB
and EM
generators feature Auto Throttle. Auto Throttle automatically raises
the RPM of the generator from idle when the load is applied, and returns the RPM
to idle when the load is removed. It helps to increase fuel efficiency, reduce the
noise level, and decrease wear and tear on the generator's components.
Power output quality
Voltage regulation controls the power output of the generator . Consistent power
is extremely important. Fluctuations in power can cause equipment to shut down or
even damage the appliance.
AC Power is depicted using a sine wave. The smoother the curve , the more stable
the power.
Any spikes or "blips" in the curve are caused by a fluctuation in the power. These
can be bad for both your generator and the equipment being powered.
There
are several different ways to regulate the voltage on a generator:
-
Brushless
Brushless generators are among the most common in the industry because of their
inexpensive construction, but have the least reliable voltage control. Brushless
generators can't react to a changing load, either producing low power (a brownout)
or high power . Fluctuations of this nature can cause equipment damage.
Honda offers 1 brushless generator, the
EN2500.
-
AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator)
Many Honda generators feature an Automatic Voltage Regulator, or
AVR, designed to consistently control voltage. The AVR keeps the output
voltage more constant, regardless of the load. This means no spikes or brownouts.
-
CycloConverter
Honda's patented
CycloConverter technology allows you to get cleaner power with less weight.
The CycloConverter offers the benefits of AVR-type generator at a lower size and
weight.
-
Inverter
Inverters
produce the cleanest power of all. These units are ideal for sensitive electronics,
such as computers.
Inverter generators offer a number of other
benefits, including less noise, lower weight, and greater fuel efficiency
as compared to traditional models.
Honda revolutionized the use of inverter technology in portable generators with
our Super-Quiet
EU series.
Size & ease of transport
Consider how you will be moving and storing the generator. Look for:
- Compact, lightweight models, like our
EU generators
- Two wheel kits, like those found on our larger
EB and EM
generators
Ease of starting
All Honda generators are powered by our reliable 4-stroke engines. Honda engines
are legendary for being easy to start.
A number of models offer electric start as an added convenience. Electric start
models include:
Durability and quality of craftsmanship
Quality and reliability are critical when selecting a generator. Consider:
- Is it well put together? Do the components look well made? Look inside the generator,
if possible, and compare between manufacturers. You will see substantial differences
- What are the materials made of? Are they high quality?
- Is the manufacturer well known? What is their reputation?
Honda generators have a well earned reputation for reliablity and durability. Honda
products are tested extensively and manufactured using the best quality materials.
Our generators offer dependable power and keep on running year after year.
Service and support
Because a generator is a major investment, look for a manufacturer that stands behind
their product fully. In particular, service and parts support are essential for
your peace of mind.
Honda generators are backed by a comprehensive warranty
and the best dealer network in the country. With over 2000 authorized Honda dealers
nationwide, finding a local dealer is easy. And getting
the best in class service is never in doubt.
- Parts and service support are readily available across the country
- Our dealers offered trained staff ready to support you
