Honda Generator Group Buy - Questions

Re: Honda Generator Group Buy

You're right. Maybe I've test run the one powering the computers in my home office long enough?


 Good straight men are hard to find. Thanks!
 
Re: Honda Generator Group Buy

Those who think they want more than the 2KW Honda, check the weight of the 2 and 3KW before getting committed. THe 2 KW is light and you can carry it around with one hand. THe 3KW is 100+ lbs and takes 2 people to move it.

I've got an 10KW diesel welder/generator for long term standby use, but since we've had the 2000W Honda we have used it for power outages (all have been short term, no more than 4 hours) since it is so easy to move about and so quiet. For a few houras, its easy enough to switch loads as needed. Past about 4 hours, I'd go get the Miller out of the barn and use the transfer panel.
 
Re: Honda Generator Group Buy

sfergson727 said:
I've been racking my brain trying to think of what I could use a portable generator for....What are some of you guys planning to do with them, if not for marine use? I've never been one to pass up a good deal, but I have to be able to justify it.
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We are always losing power so a gen is needed. I looked at Honda models and while very nice they are too expensive. I bought good unit from Home Depot.
 
Re: Honda Generator Group Buy

Stray Cat said:
Henry, it is recommended that a qualified electrician install a generator transfer switch. I installed a unit from Reliance Controls. www.reliancecontrols.com If you do it yourself, make certain the installation complies with local electrical codes.

The transfer switch allows the isolation of each circuit using a seperate breaker. The one I have is different than the operation of a genset found on a boat, however it is doing the same thing in that it is prohibiting AC power from being placed back on the utilities line. If wired correctly, you do not have to turn the main panels disconnect off. That way when power comes back on, you will see power returning to circuits that were not connected to the portable generator. Once power returns from the utilitiy company, I flip the switches on the transfer switch from "GEN", back to "MAIN", and the circuit returns to the breaker for that circuit to the distribution panel.
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This is very important, for use in a home during a power outage.

There have been utility worker fatalities :smt021 caused by improper home/generator connections.

Improper connections have "back fed", thru the home service connection, thru the utility transformer, (which every home is connected to) and re-energized "de-energized" primary lines (high voltage, 7200) that the utility crews were repairing.

I have a Honda generator, it is like all things Honda, remarkable, but be cautious and hire a licensed electrician to properly "hook you up" for any storm use.
 
Re: Honda Generator Group Buy

D-Sill-D said:
This is very important, for use in a home during a power outage.

There have been utility worker fatalities :smt021 caused by improper home/generator connections.

Improper connections have "back fed", thru the home service connection, thru the utility transformer, (which every home is connected to) and re-energized "de-energized" primary lines (high voltage, 7200) that the utility crews were repairing.

I have a Honda generator, it is like all things Honda, remarkable, but be cautious and hire a licensed electrician to properly "hook you up" for any storm use.
Click to expand...
Exactly! We went thru 3 hurricanes in 04 and lost power for a week to two weeks each one (17 days after Charley) . People here were plugging their gen into the dryer plug to back feed the panel:wow: Some were not even as much flipping off the main! The power company and police were coming around checking to see how you were hooked up! I disconnected my main neutral and two hots, taped them and connected my gen to the panel bus bars. 5 gallons of gas when I wake up and 5 gallons before bed ran the window a/c I temporarily installed my bedroom, all the lights, refrigerator and tv's. I would wake up around 5am, turn the a/c off and turn on the water heater. Have our showers, turn the heater back off and fire up the a/c. It was very hot and muggy and the mosquitos were terrible! All this was done on a 5500 Troy built with electric start from Home Depot. I even had to throw together a top and three sides to keep the rain off of it. We also loose power alot here during the summer storms.
 
Re: Honda Generator Group Buy

The hotdog guy has a Honda 2k running his cart and lights. the thing has been running from dark until dawn for about 8 years without a hiccup. I'll find some use for one. We've had a few NYC blackouts in the last 15 years. I'm sure there will be more.
 
Re: Honda Generator Group Buy

Will you be purchasing any of the linking kits Jim? Could go for another 1K unit and a dual linking kit. Would be nice to have 2K for my RV when we are dry parking it. Like Frank said it is a pain and over kill to have to haul the 5K unit when dry park RVing.
 
Re: Honda Generator Group Buy

sfergson727 said:
I've been racking my brain trying to think of what I could use a portable generator for....What are some of you guys planning to do with them, if not for marine use? I've never been one to pass up a good deal, but I have to be able to justify it.
Click to expand...

Powering the lights in your home via a transfer switch would be a good start.

I do not see a reason for marine use, but for home during blackouts is not a bad idea.
 
Re: Honda Generator Group Buy

fwebster said:
Those who think they want more than the 2KW Honda, check the weight of the 2 and 3KW before getting committed. THe 2 KW is light and you can carry it around with one hand. THe 3KW is 100+ lbs and takes 2 people to move it.

I've got an 10KW diesel welder/generator for long term standby use, but since we've had the 2000W Honda we have used it for power outages (all have been short term, no more than 4 hours) since it is so easy to move about and so quiet. For a few houras, its easy enough to switch loads as needed. Past about 4 hours, I'd go get the Miller out of the barn and use the transfer panel.
Click to expand...

I use the Lincoln Super 8 with 4 outlets. Great machine if you have a use for it.
 
Re: Honda Generator Group Buy

I have a troy built 8300 and I paid to have electricians install a smaller breaker panel which connects to the main breaker panel.

Basically what this does is disconnect circuits from my main when the smaller main master breaker is flipped to the generator side. I am going to install a small air conditioner unit this spring in my bedroom. Panel was around $1,000.00 installed.

What I have is all about all of my over head lights connected, as well as the wall outlets, and the kitchen and GFI bathroom so I can go from room to room and using the original wall switches

I have five ceiling lamps in the kitchen, and together they only use about 120 watts, the microwave is hooked up the coffee pot stays plugged in, all works normal no moving the refrigerator to run a cord. I also have a small hot plate and an electric gridle.

The refrigerator typically uses about 750 watts, so when I am in the kitchen I may make coffee, then turn off, putting the coffee in a thermos. and then alternating microwave, hot plate usage.

It is nice to just lave all plugged in and use the regular wall switches.

I also have my garage door opener and the outside flood lamps connected in to thsi panel

Naturally I cannot run all items at any one time.

:thumbsup:
 
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Re: Honda Generator Group Buy

I'll take one for sure...these are really handy on the boat. We don't have an on-board genny so this is a must-have on those hot nights when you want the A/C going to get a restful night of sleep.

There are a few steps you have to take to do this though. For one, the best place to run it is inside the cabin. That way, when it runs out of gas in the middle of the night you don't have far to go to fill 'er up. I like to hang a jerrycan from the ceiling and run a hose down to the tank. Get yourself a cheap shut off and you can refuel without even getting up! After a while your body gets trained to know when a refill is required and you can complete the exercise without even fully waking!

Now you have to take care with the exhaust, but there is a quick and easy solution. Take a slinky and stretch it from the muffler to your nearest porthole, then grab your trusty duct tape and wrap it around to make a pipe. Don't be chintzy with the tape either, or else your kids will be able to easily disassemble it back into a plain ol slinky. If you don't have kids, then don't waste any more duct tape than necessary. That stuff is like gold.

The last issue is with the CO detector. These fussy things are really temperamental, sounding off at the smallest whiff. I find relocating it to the cockpit works pretty well plus it's closer to your engines so you get an earlier warning of fumes from the engines. That can be deadly.

You're welcome in advance for this great advice for next summer!! :thumbsup:


(Sorry, couldn't help myself...hopefully it is taken as the bit of sarcastic humour it is meant to be! :smt001)
 
Re: Honda Generator Group Buy

I have emailed my rep, have not heard back yet. There is certainly enough interest here for me to feel like I won't get stuck with 25 generators. When I hear something back I'll let you all know.
 
Re: Honda Generator Group Buy

Jim, I'm in for a KW portable unit. Already have a KW for the home with full automatic load transfer switch hooked into the home. Can't beat it when the power goes out and everyone around you a dark & cold as 90% of the power outages are during the winter.
 
Re: Honda Generator Group Buy

If anyone wants to see a chart on the average power demands around the home, check out this link. I just ordered this transfer switch so I can hook up a generator that I purchased a few months ago. The generator that I purchased for my house is 7500 watts. It is on wheels, but I don't consider it portable. I think it weighs over 200bls. That Honda 2000 is a nice small unit that is portable.

http://www.reliancecontrols.com/Documents/ProTran%20Instructions.pdf
 
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$$$$?????

I'm actually waiting on a bid for a 10kvw. natural gas/ automatic transfer 3/4 house generator installation. Should do most of the house, debating on the A/C though.

Would be interested in a 2kvw portable though once we know the cost.
 
Re: Honda Generator Group Buy

dpvandy01 said:
$$$$?????

I'm actually waiting on a bid for a 10kvw. natural gas/ automatic transfer 3/4 house generator installation. Should do most of the house, debating on the A/C though.

Would be interested in a 2kvw portable though once we know the cost.
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kvw? Kilovoltwatt?
 
Re: Honda Generator Group Buy

CSR_Admin said:
I have emailed my rep, have not heard back yet. There is certainly enough interest here for me to feel like I won't get stuck with 25 generators. When I hear something back I'll let you all know.
Click to expand...


As a point of reference...A couple of years ago I paid 975 for my Honda 2,000 shipped online.
 
Re: Honda Generator Group Buy

What model is the EI? What does the "I" mean?

I found this online but no "I" model.
What do the Honda generator numbers mean?

Honda generator numbers look like EM5000SXK2A EANC-1000001. These numbers
are all located on a tag, on the generator frame.

The first spot E is for Honda Generator, all Honda generators start with E.

The next spot M denotes the generator style: B = construction, D = DC battery
charging, G = economy, M = deluxe, N = economy, P = economy, S = liquid cooled
(except ES3500 and ES4000), V = rv, W = welder/generator, U = ultra quiet, X = extra
quiet, Z = economy.

If there is another letter after the last spot: D = 120/240 rv generator (EVD4010), S =
electric starter (EMS4500), W = welder (EXW171).

The next spot 5000 is the maximum wattage or amperage.

The next spot S is the generator or starter type: S = electric starter, i = inverter type,
c = cycloconverter type, D = diesel, GP = gaseous powered, C = made in China.

The next spot X is the engine type. If it is blank = side valve, X = OHV.

The next spot K2 is the generator version.

The next spot A denotes the market. A is for the USA market, all generators sold in
the USA should end with A.
 
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Re: Honda Generator Group Buy

I'm not sure, but I think it stands for their models with "Inverter" technology. Do a google search for Honda generator, it will explain how the inverter technology works...pretty slick.
 
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