Honda | Media Newsroom

Honda Power Equipment markets a complete line of generators for commercial and consumer applications. Lightweight, compact Honda generators produce between 1,000 and 10,000 watts of power, providing smooth, dependable power for recreation, construction, rental, and emergency use.

All Honda generators are powered by advanced Honda four-stroke engines that make Honda generators among the world’s quietest. Honda generators for typical residential use average 64-68 decibels with the Super Quiet Series operating at noise levels as low as 49 decibels – roughly the noise level in a private office.

Product Line

Honda produces 17 models in four generator lines:

Inverter Technology

Computers and sensitive electronic equipment require consistent electrical current that has a stable sine wave or signal.  A computer not receiving this type of power could possibly freeze, shut down, or be interrupted.

To overcome this problem, Honda engineers developed a form of inverter technology, which also has allowed Honda to substantially reduce weight and noise.  By eliminating the standard alternator, Honda’s inverter models weigh 50 percent less and are one-third smaller in size than traditional generators.  The Eco Throttle™ feature allows the generator to conserve fuel by varying engine rpm to produce only the power required to operate the equipment, improving fuel economy up to 40 percent.

Honda’s innovative inverter technology is available on six models. Honda’s Super Quiet Series generators — the EU1000i, EU2000i, EU3000is and the EU3000i Handi — are inverter-equipped, lightweight models that feature a totally enclosed body resulting in noticeably quieter performance.  Designed for the ultimate in quality, portability and convenience, these models are ideal for any trip to the great outdoors.  All of the Honda Super Quiet generators have ultra low noise, making any of the models, depending on power requirements, the ideal choices for home backup, public events, or any situation where quiet, reliable operation is critical.

The 1000and 2000watt models(at 28.6 pounds and 46.3 pounds respectively) can easily be carried and conveniently stored in small recreational vehicle compartments.  The 1000 wattmodel is the perfect solution for scenarios where less power is required – a great asset when all is needed is a quick battery charge to get things going. The 2000watt model can power a computer, TV, coffee pot, or refrigerator. These units both feature a two-tiered noise dampening system that reduces noise to 57 dB (quieter than normal speech) and 59 dB, respectively, at their rated loads. 

For a bit more power, the compact 3000 watt model provides the smallest, quietest generator capable of starting and running most modern 13,500 BTU recreational vehicle (RV) air conditioners as well as powering additional appliances in an RV.  This model also doubles as a home back-up unit to selectively power a furnace, refrigerator, microwave, TV, hair dryer, and several lights.

The EU3000i Handi model adds increased portability to the fuel efficiency and reliability of Honda’s existing EU3000is generator.  The lightweight and extremely user-friendly EU3000i Handi provides customers with dependable, portable power for use at home or at remote recreational sites. 

The EU3000i Handi also increases the breadth of the Honda EU generator Super Quiet Series lineup through enhancements in the areas of noise, size, usability and fuel consumption.  Producing 3,000 volt amperes (VA) ― or watts ― of power, the EU3000i Handi meets a variety of power needs.  The model’s ample power output, exceptional fuel efficiency and super quiet operation make it well suited to provide limited home backup power during a blackout or other power emergency, while its easy operation and extreme portability suit it equally well for a campsite, RV camping and tailgating activities.

For the ultimate in quiet, Honda offers the EU6500is in its Super Quiet line.  Addressing customer demand for an even more powerful model — yet still portable and exceptionally quiet — the lightweight, low noise, compact and fuel efficient EU6500is generator leads the Honda EU Super Quiet class in high quality, portable power technology. At a total weight of 253 pounds, the EU6500is model produces 6,500 watts of continuous power at a quiet 60 dB, roughly the same as normal speech.

Honda also incorporates inverter technology into its EM5000isAB Deluxe Series generator.  Featuring the i-Monitor™ that provides information on hours of operation, wattage, battery voltage and engine speed as well as diagnostics for convenient dealer servicing, the EM5000 model offers the advantage of quieter operation while providing reliable, stable power.  

Honda CycloConverter™ Technology
            Honda’s CycloConverter™ generator models offer power that is equal in quality to automatic voltage regulator (AVR) generators but dramatically lighter in weight than other units producing the same amount of power. This lighter weight is achieved by reducing the number of traditional parts with a central processing unit (CPU) that conditions the raw power produced by the generator and eliminates the need for a bulky alternator. Honda CycloConverter™ technology offers the best pound-per-watt ratio available anywhere.
This technology is used on Honda’s EB3000c Industrial Series model, which is intended for commercial and home uses and for residential standby power.

Advanced Power Solutions for Commercial and Rental Applications

The EB3000c, which features CycloConverter™ technology, is typical of Honda’s offerings for this market.  Weighing only 68.4 lbs, it produces 2,600 watts of continuous power and will run for 9.39 hours at half load on a single tank of fuel.  In addition to AC power from the CycloConverter™, this unit offers 12V DC at 12 amperes (A) (or 144 watts) for automotive-type battery charging.

The EB3000c, like all Honda generators, is powered by an advanced four-stroke engine — in this case the Honda GX200 overhead valve (OHV) commercial grade unit —that produce quiet power.  Many Honda industrial generators are housed in tubular steel frames to minimize damage from transport or use.

Within the Honda Industrial Series generators category are four other EB models: the EB4000, EB5000, EB6500, and the all-new EB10000.  Powered by Honda’s GX Series commercial grade OHV engines, and available in 4,000, 5,000, and 6,500 wattage output, the EB4000, EB5000, and EB6500 generators offer premium features and benefits at outstanding value. 

In 2012, Honda introduces its EB10000 model, now the most powerful Honda generator and the company’s flagship model. The rugged Honda EB10000 generator, with a maximum output of 10,000 watts, is compact, lightweight and features a narrow-shaped design; a centralized exhaust mechanism; a newly developed alternator; and the best fuel efficiency and lowest noise in its class. The company’s newest model is well suited for industrial and commercial applications, including construction-related job site work.  The EB10000 also is an ideal fit for the rental market, where users demand the most reliable power for a variety of applications. The all-new EB10000 is powered by the Honda GX630 V-Twin Engine, one that offers customers more power, adaptability, greater fuel economy and reduced emissions in a more compact package. 

The entire Industrial Series incorporates a number of advanced design features, including Digital Automatic Voltage Regulator (DAVR) technology for increased performance.  The DAVR holds the voltage stable within one percent over time during standard operation and has a built-in self-diagnosis function to prevent engine speed from exceeding 4,140 rpm for longer than three seconds and abnormal voltage.  In addition, the DAVR adjustments are driven off the main winding, as compared to a sensor winding in conventional AVR systems. 

Other Residential and Commercial Lines
            In addition to its Industrial and Super Quiet models, Honda also manufactures four models in its Economy Series and four units in its Deluxe Series. 

The Economy Series: A Closer Look
            The Economy Series includes the EP2500CX, EG4000, EG5000, and EG6500 models – all reliable sources of no-frills power for home backup. 

The Economy Series models incorporate a number of advanced design features, including Digital Automatic Voltage Regulator (DAVR) technology for increased performance.  The DAVR holds the voltage stability within a +/– one percent change during operation again the U.S. standard of 60hZ.  The DAVR adjustments are driven off the main winding, as compared to a sensor winding in conventional AVR systems.  The DAVR has a built-in self-diagnosis function to prevent engine speed from exceeding 4140 rpm for longer than three seconds and abnormal voltage. 

The EG4000 features the GX270 engine for increased power and versatility with greater fuel economy in the same envelope.  It boasts a run time up to 9.4 hours at the rated load and a dB rating of 72.  The EG5000, powered by the GX390 engine, has a run time of 7.5 hours under a rated load, and a dB rating of 73.  The EG6500, equipped with the GX390 engine, boasts a run time of 7.1 hours and has a dB rating of 74.   These models also are ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-protected to meet OSHA jobsite regulations and offer longer run times, additional outlets for convenient use, and stronger, more durable frames. And, like all Honda generators, these models are equipped with circuit breakers for operator and equipment protection and USDA-qualified spark arrestor/mufflers for fire prevention.

The Deluxe Series: A Closer Look
Designed to enhance Honda's already strong value proposition is the Deluxe Series – ideal for convenient, reliable backup power during outages and brownouts.  The EM4000, EM5000, and EM6500 generator models are available in 3,800, 5,000, and 6,500-watt sizes.  These models feature electric start, remote start capability and exceptionally long run times on one tank of fuel. Also of important note is the i-Deluxe® inverter model – the EM5000is – an existing model that features inverter technology and electric start capability.

The EM models include the exclusive iAVR Power feature that enhances generator performance and power output. iAVR is a Honda Generator exclusive system that realizes a 50 percent reduction in voltage fluctuation over current AVR systems.  For up to 10 seconds, the iAVR allows for increased wattage above the maximum rating to start high-amp load applications.  Each model provides a different level of additional power output:  the EM4000 will produce an additional 1000 watts for up to 10 seconds, the EM5000 will produce an additional 2000 watts for as much as 10 seconds and the EM6500 will produce an additional 500 watts for as long as 10 seconds.

A combination of factors creates the additional iAVR power in the EM generator line.  They include the iGX Honda engine with Digital Capacitive Discharge Ignition (DCDI), Self-Tuning Regulator (STR) governor, and Current Transformer (CT) sensor coupled with the Digital Auto Voltage Regulator (DAVR) alternator.

Each EM unit is powered by a Honda iGX engine. The engine idle speed of each model is set to 2300 in the auto throttle on position with a maximum idle speed of 3600 rpm.

To meet the evaporative regulations, all of the models have a fluorine fuel tube and canister system along with a tethered chain-type gas cap. The models carry the Honda industry-competitive three year warranty. 

Editor’s Note:

Honda Power Equipment, a division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., markets a complete range of outdoor power equipment, including outboard marine engines, general purpose engines, generators, lawnmowers, pumps, snowblowers, tillers and trimmers for commercial, rental and residential applications. Its comprehensive product line is powered exclusively by four-stroke engines.

Information for media regarding Honda products is available at www.hondanews.com.
Consumer information regarding Honda products is available at www.honda.com.   

Updated January 2012