When you walk into a power supply store to get a generator, one of your top questions might be, “how many hours do I get out of it?” It’s a crucial factor when the generator is the only option to keep you powered up during an emergency or a camping trip.
Honda designs their generators for three things; fuel economy, quiet operation, and durability. Recreational Honda generators can run between 3 and 8 hours before requiring more fuel, depending on fuel levels. Larger Honda generators, like the EU7000iS, can push 7,000 watts for up to 16 hours.
If you’re looking for a quick, insightful guide of what to expect from your Honda generator, you’re in safe hands. You’ll also pick up tips on how to improve your generator’s lifespan.
How Many Hours Will a Honda Generator Last?
Honda generators run for different amounts of time, but some significant factors influence run time.
- Fuel Supply
- Tank size
- Wattage
- Power draw
Also, there are two ways to look at how many hours you can get from a Honda generator. You can count how many hours the generator lasts when it’s running, more like average operating hours when you power it up. The second way to measure how long a generator lasts is the total hours a typical machine can run over its lifespan.
Over the entire catalog of Honda generators, you’ll find that they tend to have a run time of as low as 3 hours up to 16 hours or more.
Let’s break down those run times for different Honda generators
The EU Honda Generator Series Run Time
The EU Series of Honda generators are for the homeowner focused on quiet operation. The entire line has options for the occasional light user to a homeowner looking for additional power over a longer period.
| Model | Wattage | Run Time | Tank Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU1000i | 1000W max. (8.3A) 900W rated (7.5A) | 3.0h(rated load) to 6.8(at ¼ load) | 0.55 gal |
| EU2200i | 120V 2200W max. (18.3A), 1800W rated (15A) | 3.2hr @ rated load 8.1 hrs @ 1/4 load | .95 gal |
| EU2200i Companion | 120V 2200W max. (18.3A) , 1800W rated (15A) | 3.2hr @ rated load 8.1 hrs @ 1/4 load | .95 gal. |
| EU3000iS | 120V 3000W max.(25A) 2800W rated (23.3A) | 6.9 hr @ rated load 19.6 hr @ 1/4 load | 3.4 gal. |
| EU7000iS | 120/240V 7000W max. (58.3/29.1A) 5500W rated (45.8/22.9A) | 6.4 hrs.@ rated load, 16.0 hrs. @ 1/4 load | 5.1 gal. |
For instance, you can have the super portable EU1000i and EU2200i Companion for camping trips. With enough fuel, you can light up small essential appliances for close to 4 hours. As you go up the wattage scale, generators like the EU7000iS give you bigger tank capacities and more hours.
The EU7000iS can push enough hours to give you better runtime as an emergency whole house generator. Sixteen hours should hold you over for about two nights before getting a bigger capacity whole house generator.
The EM Honda Generator Series Run Time
The EM series is a powerful line for a homeowner with a more demanding power system. These generators will run appliances that are a bit more tasking.
| Model | Wattage | Run Time | Tank Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| EM5000S | 20/240V 5000W max. (41.2/20.8A) / 4500W rated (37.5/18.6A) AC output 7000W (58.3/29.2A) for 10 seconds iAVR output | 7.1 hr @ rated load, 10.5 hr @ 1/2 load | 6.2 Gal |
| EM6500S | 120/240V 6500W max. (54.2/27.1A) / 5500W rated (45.8/22.9A) AC output 7000W (58.3/29.2A) for 10 sec. iAVR output | 6.4 hrs.@ rated load, 9.8 hrs. @ 1/2 load | 6.2 Gal |
You can run an Energy Star freezer, furnace, garage doors, and coffee maker.
They have a bigger fuel tank capacity to give you better runtime while still pushing more wattage.
The EM series has iAVR technology that gives you consistent power for each generator’s run time. Not only do you get to plan out how to manage your fuel, but you also plan around the run time of the generator.
The EG Honda Generator Series Run Time
The EG series is an excellent lineup for home projects and people looking for backup power for a portion of their homes. According to Honda, the run time is enough to see you through a whole day of running high-powered equipment.
| Model | Wattage | Run Time | Tank Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| EG4000 | 120/240V 4000W max. (33.3/16.7A) / 3500W rated (29.2/14.6A)) | 10.1 hr @ rated load, 14.8 hr @ 1/2 load | 6.3 Gal |
| EG4000 | 120/240V 4000W max. (33.3/16.7A) / 3500W rated (29.2/14.6A)) | 10.1 hr @ rated load, 14.8 hr @ 1/2 load | 6.3 Gal |
The EG series is perfect if you constantly travel to offer commercial power-related services. It can power your RV, and once you refuel on site, you have up to 14 hours to power some of your equipment. These are some of the equipment you can run:
- Bench Grinder (8 in.)
- Circular Saw (Heavy Duty, 7 1/4 in.)
- Concrete Vibrator
- Drills
- High-pressure Washer (1 hp)
- Air Compressor (1/2 hp)
The EB Honda Generator Series Run Time
The EB series is a diverse lineup that caters to everyone. The Honda EB2800i generator is a safe option for most outdoor activities that only take a few days. With enough fuel supply, you can power some low-draw equipment for an entire night in the woods.
| Model | Wattage | Run Time | Tank Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| EB2200i | 120V 2200W max. (18.3A), 1800W rated (15A) | 3.2hr @ rated load 8.1 hrs @ 1/4 load | 0.95 gal |
| EB2800i | 120v 2800w max (23.3A) / 2500w rated (20.8A) | 5.2 hrs @ rated load, 11.9 hrs @ 1/4 load | 2.1 gal. |
| EB3000c | 120V 3000W max. (25.0A) / 2600W rated (21.7A) | 6.1 hrs. @ rated load, 9.39 hrs. @ 1/2 load | 2.6 gal. |
| EB5000 | 120/240V 5000W max. (41.7/20.8A) / 4500W rated (37.5/18.8A) AC output 7000W (58.3/29.2A) for 10 sec iAVR output | 7.1 hrs.@ rated load, 10.5 hrs. @ 1/2 load | 6.2 gal. |
| EB6500 | 120/240V 6500W max. (54.1/27.1A) / 5500W rated (45.8/22.9A) | 6.4 hr@ rated load, 9.8 hr @ 1/2 load | 6.2 gal. |
| EB10000 | 120/240V 10000W max. (83.8/41.6A) 9000W rated (75/37.5A) | 5.4 hrs @ rated load, 7.9 hrs @1/2 load | 8.19 gal. |
The EB5000 is the perfect generator if you’re looking for a backup option at a job site that doesn’t require you to bust out your most draining equipment. Rest assured that a full tank will last you at least 7 hours.
The EB10000 is best suited for commercial work. You’re sure you won’t stall at work because of power faults. It’s especially suited for power equipment such as industrial motors, pressure washers, and drills. It comes with a set of wheels that make it easier to transport across multiple places if you have to cover different sites.
How Long Do Honda Portable Generators Last?
As common as generators are, they don’t get used a lot. You only need a generator a few times a year. On average, let’s assume you use a generator for about 4 hours. Most people will use their generators for about 100 hours a year.
With consistent use of 100 hours a year and regular maintenance, you’re looking at 30 years, easy. It’s not a bad lifespan considering you can spend up to $4000 on a Honda generator.
Depending on your location’s power stability — which is great in many areas — you expect about three blackouts a year. They typically don’t go on for days. Therefore, you only use your generator for a couple of hours each year. If you add the weekly run for maintenance purposes, you might extend your portable generator’s lifespan by 13 more hours per year.
Did you know you can also extend your portable generator’s time if you run it at less capacity? Honda portable generators have technologies that let you only run them according to the load.
For instance, most Honda generators are inverter generators. Inverter generators don’t need to run at the full 3600RPM to power your appliances.
iAVR (Intelligent Automatic Voltage Regulation) is a Honda generator feature that makes their machines more durable. The iAVR feature provides a steady supply, meaning you can rely on your generator to give you consistent run time off a tank-full.
How Many Hours Will Honda 2200 Generator Last?
The Honda 2200i generator is the best in its class in terms of quiet operation, fuel economy, and reliability. There are two Honda 2200 models, the EU2200i and the EB2200i. They both would give you 3.2 hours at full capacity or up to 8 hours on 25% of their capacity. Additionally, they have the same wattage and tank size.
However, despite them being similar on almost every front, there is a difference. The EB series comes with OSHA approval and GFCI outlets and protection.
However, you can run two EU2200i generators parallel to give you more run time per full tank.
Note: Parallel connectivity is only available in the Honda EU2200i Companion. The EU2200i does not have a parallel connection port.
The EU2200i has Honda-exclusive technology; Eco-throttle. Eco-throttle only allocates the power needed at the time. It automatically regulates the engine’s speed to reduce its RPM and extend run time through efficient fuel management.
| Model | Wattage | Run Time | Tank Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU2200i | 120V 2200W max. (18.3A), 1800W rated (15A) | 3.2hr @ rated load 8.1 hrs @ 1/4 load | .95 gal |
| EB2200i | 120V 2200W max. (18.3A), 1800W rated (15A) | 3.2hr @ rated load 8.1 hrs @ 1/4 load | .95 gal |
How Reliable Are Honda Generators?
Most users place Honda generators in the same class as other high-performance generators such as Yamaha.
Honda has considered most factors that make the generators easy to use in terms of reliability. They’ve looked at other factors such as fuel economy, portability, and quiet operation. Whether you’re a casual user looking for a camping backup solution or a job site backup, you have incredibly reliable power equipment in your hands.
1. Honda Generators are Portable
Take the Honda EU2200i, for example. It weighs about 47 pounds. Not only is it lightweight, but it also comes with a sturdy handle that makes it easy to carry around. Its design also gives it incredible stability anywhere you place it.
2. Honda Generators Give You Safe Current
There are many incidences when a spike in power can fry your equipment. However, most Honda generators are inverter generators. The conversion of AC to DC then back to AC creates steady electrical waves that remove the spike from the current. Therefore, all your hooked-up equipment gets constant power without any risk.
3. Honda Generators Have Compact Design
Compact design doesn’t only play a vital role in improving your generator’s lifespan. It also means fewer parts inside the machine are rattling and colliding against each other. You get three benefits.
- Quiet operation
- Long life
- Better storage
These are all factors that ensure you trust your Honda generator in most settings, even with people and noise ordinances.
4. Honda’s Safety Measures
An electrical fault could escalate too quickly if you don’t address it quickly enough. One of Honda’s standout safety features is the Co-Minder. Co-Minder is a safety feature that automatically shuts off any Honda generator when excess carbon monoxide is in the air. It reduces any chances of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
5. Automatic Fuel shutoff
Wouldn’t it be great if your generator could use up all its fuel before automatically shutting down? Honda generators come with this feature that uses up any fuel in the carburetor before the engine shuts off. The reward? No more engine complications because of stale fuel.
6. Honda Remote Monitoring
Is there anything that screams reliability more than a remote control? You can control Honda generators through the brand’s exclusive My Generator smartphone app. The app is valuable when you want to wirelessly stop the generator and keep an eye on its operation.
7. Honda Engines
Any time you buy a Honda generator, you are sure you have Honda’s reliable engines. All the engines are optimized for quiet operation cost-saving fuel consumption.
8. Honda’s Strong Company Reputation
Honda has built its brand and presence over many years. It has become synonymous with above-par products whether you’re dealing with generators or other accessories. Also, the company has a large pool of generators for any occasion.
9. Warranty
Backing your product with a solid warranty is a way to show users they have made the right choice in investing in the product. Honda generators carry a 3-year warranty across all their generators.
Final Thoughts
During a power outage, the last thing you need to worry about is an uncertain runtime on your generator. Honda generators have the ideal options for a large section of user groups. With run times ranging from 3 hours off a 0.95-gallon tank to 16 hours, you can rest easy knowing your appliances will stay powered up wherever you take your generator.