Telly
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2003
- Messages
- 2,395
As three generations of us were sitting in the dark after a holiday storm, one of our kids mentioned that there were small portable generators that were really quiet. He had seen them in use at outside events, often running under a table. He came up with some model #'s, and I looked into it after power was restored. As it turned out, time was tight, the Honda Holidays sale was almost over.
For me, the choice was the Honda EU2000i. It comes in two versions, both with the same 2000 watt maximum capability (1/2 hour maximum), 1600 watt continuous.
The base EU2000i has two 125v 20 Amp-style outlets, and a DC outlet for charging batteries.
The EU2000i Companion has one 125v 20 Amp outlet, and a 30 Amp 3 prong twist-lock 125v outlet, no DC output. Both 2000i types can be paralleled mix/match for more total power, if desired.
I envisioned a simple setup - Two extension cords plugged into it, and the cords run through a window on the back of the house. Found a Honda answer post online that suggested that if one was not going to use two 2000i's in parallel, to go with the base 2000i, rather than the Companion. So that is what I bought. After running it for test, powering refrigerator, box fan, etc., I began to re-think the cords through the window idea. I was concerned about exhaust/carbon monoxide infiltration into the house through the window gap, even if I tried to stuff something around the cords. No matter which way the wind blows, it always seems to put some air flow towards those windows.
So decided to make a pass-through power setup. A 30 Amp inlet box mounted on the outside wall, conduit runs directly through the wall to a 4 x 20 Amp outlet block in a new box set into the wall. So all extension cord running is inside the house, nothing through a window. For the outside connection to the generator, I made a 30' 10 gauge 3 wire cord with a twist lock to fit the inlet box, and a 20 Amp straight plug to match the generator's receptacle. Now I could see the advantage to spend $100 more to buy the Companion version instead, with its twist-lock receptacle. Oh well, I'm learning. The cord setup I have works, but I lay out the heavy cord carefully by the gen to avoid pull/misalignment on the 20 Amp straight blade (non-locking) generator receptacle.
I also upgraded my original idea on running the smaller gas furnace. I bought a single-circuit furnace transfer box, and wired that in at the furnace. So I can power the blower motor and controls via an extension cord from the wall pass-through outlet over to the furnace transfer boxes' front panel.
All works well. It IS quiet. Running it on Eco-Throttle, the engine speed is matched to the load. So for example, running overnight, it will be sitting at/near engine idle speed if the refrigerator or furnace is not running at the moment. A few light bulb loads barely move the throttle. Once running, the refrigerator's compressor uses less power than the incandescent bulbs inside it that turn on when you open a door!
The "KILL A WATT" (heard about it first here on E-R.org many years ago) is a big help on determining loads.
From what I have read, the Honda EU2000 series is a favorite of the RV crowd. Does anyone have one? Any tips on its care and feeding? If the generator runs out of gas with load attached, does it quit/disconnect power gracefully, or does it do an up and down or low voltage brownout scenario? I couldn't find any info on how it dies as it runs out of gas.
Any other generator tips or experiences appreciated!
For me, the choice was the Honda EU2000i. It comes in two versions, both with the same 2000 watt maximum capability (1/2 hour maximum), 1600 watt continuous.
The base EU2000i has two 125v 20 Amp-style outlets, and a DC outlet for charging batteries.
The EU2000i Companion has one 125v 20 Amp outlet, and a 30 Amp 3 prong twist-lock 125v outlet, no DC output. Both 2000i types can be paralleled mix/match for more total power, if desired.
I envisioned a simple setup - Two extension cords plugged into it, and the cords run through a window on the back of the house. Found a Honda answer post online that suggested that if one was not going to use two 2000i's in parallel, to go with the base 2000i, rather than the Companion. So that is what I bought. After running it for test, powering refrigerator, box fan, etc., I began to re-think the cords through the window idea. I was concerned about exhaust/carbon monoxide infiltration into the house through the window gap, even if I tried to stuff something around the cords. No matter which way the wind blows, it always seems to put some air flow towards those windows.
So decided to make a pass-through power setup. A 30 Amp inlet box mounted on the outside wall, conduit runs directly through the wall to a 4 x 20 Amp outlet block in a new box set into the wall. So all extension cord running is inside the house, nothing through a window. For the outside connection to the generator, I made a 30' 10 gauge 3 wire cord with a twist lock to fit the inlet box, and a 20 Amp straight plug to match the generator's receptacle. Now I could see the advantage to spend $100 more to buy the Companion version instead, with its twist-lock receptacle. Oh well, I'm learning. The cord setup I have works, but I lay out the heavy cord carefully by the gen to avoid pull/misalignment on the 20 Amp straight blade (non-locking) generator receptacle.
I also upgraded my original idea on running the smaller gas furnace. I bought a single-circuit furnace transfer box, and wired that in at the furnace. So I can power the blower motor and controls via an extension cord from the wall pass-through outlet over to the furnace transfer boxes' front panel.
All works well. It IS quiet. Running it on Eco-Throttle, the engine speed is matched to the load. So for example, running overnight, it will be sitting at/near engine idle speed if the refrigerator or furnace is not running at the moment. A few light bulb loads barely move the throttle. Once running, the refrigerator's compressor uses less power than the incandescent bulbs inside it that turn on when you open a door!
The "KILL A WATT" (heard about it first here on E-R.org many years ago) is a big help on determining loads.
From what I have read, the Honda EU2000 series is a favorite of the RV crowd. Does anyone have one? Any tips on its care and feeding? If the generator runs out of gas with load attached, does it quit/disconnect power gracefully, or does it do an up and down or low voltage brownout scenario? I couldn't find any info on how it dies as it runs out of gas.
Any other generator tips or experiences appreciated!
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