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Operating EB2800i and EG2800i Generators

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Operating EB2800i and EG2800i Generators

The home backup-focused EG2800i and job site-ready EB2800i are recent additions to Honda’s generator line up, providing the self-grounding and tough construction of a frame generator in a lightweight package. If you own or are buying one of these generators, there are a few things you should know about these units to get the most out of them.

Before You Begin

Carbon monoxide from the exhaust can kill you in a matter of minutes, even if it’s running in a garage with the door and windows open. Always run the generator outdoors at least three feet away from buildings.

If you just got this generator, take a look at our earlier article on setting them up. Oil needs to be added to the engine before its first start-up.

Controls

Most of the controls can be found on the panel at the front of the generator.

Choke rod: upper left
Engine On/Off switch: a large red switch on the lower left
Indicator lights: To the right of the choke rod
Eco throttle: To the right of the engine switch
Power receptacles: On the right side of the control panel
Circuit protectors: Just to the right of the receptacles.
Ground terminal: Lower right

There are also three areas on the engine itself that you’ll need to find to run the generator:

Fuel valve lever: On the right side, directly below the fuel tank
Starter handle: On the right side, next to the control panel.
Dipstick/filler cap: On the left side near the base of the engine.

Tips for Starting

The Oil Alert system will cut power to the ignition if the oil level is too low to protect the engine. If the system is tripped, it will switch on the bottom indicator light. Even if it hasn’t been tripped, it’s a good idea to check the oil level before starting the engine.

Before starting, make sure the generator is at least 10 feet away from fuel containers to prevent the ignition of gas fumes.

The fuel lever and engine need to be switched on for the motor to start, while the Eco Throttle should be off. If the engine is cold, the choke rod should be pulled out to the “Closed” position.

Once the engine is running, if everything is working correctly, the “OUTPUT INDICATOR” light should be green.

Stopping

Unplug all cords from the outlets and turn the engine switch to “OFF.” If you won’t be using the generator for a while, turn the fuel lever to “OFF” to keep fuel from leaking into the carburetor.

Power Demands

Both the EB2800i and EG2800i have a maximum output of 2,800 watts. With 120 volt appliances, that’s equivalent to 23.3 amps. Power draw at this maximum load should be kept below 30 minutes at a time. For longer power use, the maximum draw should be limited to 2,500 watts or 20.8 amps. If there is a short or the power demand exceeds 2,800 watts, the Overload Alarm in the middle of the indicator lights will switch on, and the circuit protector will trip.

Electric motors are reactive loads: they take more power to start up than they need to run, causing spikes in electricity demand. Motors are used in air conditioners and refrigerators as well as more obvious appliances like drills and mixers.

Eco Throttle

When switched on, the Eco Throttle automatically reduces engine speed to match generator output to the current load. This conserves fuel, reduces noise and saves wear and tear on the generator. Eco Throttle should be switched on once the engine is running.

GFCI Testing

When using the EB2800i at a job site, OSHA regulations require testing of the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) system before the generator can be used as a power source. Here’s how you test the outlets:

1. Start the engine.
2. Unplug all cords from the outlets
3. Make sure the circuit protection is on for both outlets by pushing in the buttons.
4. Push the “TEST” button in the middle of each outlet. The “RESET” button should pop up, and a small green GFCI LED next to this button will light up. Push the RESET button back in to use the outlet.

If the reset button won’t push down or the GFCI light stays on after reset, the generator should be inspected and repaired before use.

Grounding

These generators are grounded to the frame, which in almost all cases is enough to meet the grounding requirements for the National Electric Code (NEC) and OSHA so long as the generator is sitting on the ground. If external grounding is needed, a wire can be connected from the grounding terminal to a grounding electrode.

Maintaining Your New Generator

www.hondalawnparts.com is a certified dealer for Honda Power Equipment so we can provide you with factory original replacements for everything on your generator. With built-in factory parts descriptions and diagrams, it’s easy to find exactly what you need, and we can ship your order to any address in the U.S. or Canada.

Setting Up the EB2800i and EG2800i Generators

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EB2800i

The EB2800i and EG2800i are recent additions to Honda’s generator lineup, combining low noise and low weight with tough frame construction. If you just bought one of these models, there are a few things you should know before you start using it.

Safety

Running an internal combustion engine indoors can kill you in just a few minutes, even if you have doors and windows open. Carbon monoxide in the exhaust keeps red blood cells from carrying oxygen, leading to asphyxiation and death. Plan ahead by getting extension cables to deliver power where you need it while leaving the generator outside. Always run the generator at least three feet (one meter) away from any building walls or roofs.

If you hook your generator up to your household wiring, you are legally required to have it connected to a transfer switch installed by a professional electrician. This switch cuts the connection between the house wiring and the grid, where it could electrocute line workers.

What You Need to Set Up Your Generator

Every generator Honda makes is tested at the factory. There may be some residual fluids left over, but gas and oil still need to be added during setup. Unlike some equipment, oil is not included in the box. Honda recommends using SAE-certified 10W30 motor oil for most operating conditions. Along with oil and fresh gas, you’ll also need a long funnel to add oil to the engine.

Unboxing the Generator

These generators weigh a little under 70 lbs so they can be moved by a single people. The box is designed so that the generator can be lifted straight up out of the top. Inside, you should find three items:

  • The Generator
  • The Owner’s Manual
  • A registration card

Your generator can be registered by sending in the registration card, filling out a form on the Honda Power Equipment website, or scanning the QR code in the “Registration” section of the owner’s manual. You need to register your generator to get recall information and make warranty claims.

Oil

Add oil before trying to start the generator. Even with the Oil Alert system, it’s possible to damage internal components by repeatedly turning over the engine.

To add oil, start by unscrewing the oil dipstick/cap, located at the base of the engine next to the frame rail. Pull it out and set it aside.

Place a rag under the filler neck and use a funnel to add 10W30 oil to the crankcase. It should take between 12-13.5 oz. (340-380 ml.) The oil is at the right level once it’s at the edge of the filler neck. Screw the dipstick back into the engine.

The Oil Alert system will shut down the engine if there isn’t enough oil in the crankcase. Indicator lights for the system are located on the front panel.

Fuel

The engine can run on automotive gasoline that has an octane rating of at least 86 and a maximum of 10% ethanol. This fuel should be fresh, purchased within 30 days, or within 90 days if it has been treated with a stabilizer: if you store the generator for long periods, it’s a good idea to drain the fuel tank and carburetor. The tank should be filled no higher than the red fuel level mark inside the tank screen.

Starting

Even if it’s the first time or fiftieth time you’re starting the engine, the procedure remains the same:

1. Find the fuel lever, located between the fuel tank and the engine on the starter grip side, to “ON.”

2. Turn the Eco-Throttle switch, located on the control panel to the right of the engine switch, to “OFF.”

3. Pull out the choke rod, located on the upper left of the control panel, to the closed position.

4. Turn the engine switch to “ON.”

5. Hold down the generator with one hand, then gently pull the starter grip until you feel resistance with the other hand. Give the grip a hard pull. It should start.

6. As the engine warms up, slowly move the choke lever back in. Let the generator warm up for three minutes. If the engine runs fine with the choke completely open, the generator is ready to use.

Stopping

Again, there’s no special procedure for your first use of the engine.

1. Disconnect any cables or appliances connected to the generator.

2. Turn the engine switch to “OFF.”

3. Turn the fuel lever to “OFF.”

Getting Parts for Your New Generator

If you want genuine Honda oil for your generator’s engine, or you need parts for maintenance and repairs over its life, you can get everything you need at www.hondalawnparts.com. Our site makes it easy to find parts by letting you search by your model and see factory diagrams and descriptions, so you know you’re ordering exactly what you need. We ship across the U.S. and Canada.

The EB2800i and EG2800i: Honda’s New Open Frame Inverter Generators

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Honda OFI Generators_EB2800i and EG2800i copy

This year, Honda has added two new fully framed inverter generators to their lineup: the EB2800i and the EG2800i. These units are small enough to be portable while still delivering reliable performance for both industrial and home users, helping to bridge the gap between Honda’s small portable generators and their large, rolling full frame units.

EB2800i

This industry-focused model is powered by a GC190LA engine. This prosumer power plant balances reliability with ease of use by including features like automatic decompression, electronic ignition and an automatic choke make this motor easy to start. The choke, engine switch and performance indicators are built into the control panel for easy access.

As the name suggests, this generator produces a peak of 2,800 watts for load spikes with a constant maximum output of 2,500 watts. This electricity runs through an inverter, creating a clean waveform that’s safe to use with electronics. Honda’s Eco-Throttle system adjusts engine speed automatically to match the load for up to 12 hours of runtime from the 2.1 gallons fuel tank. Even if you manage to keep it at 100% load, the engine will run a little over 5 hours before refueling. While operating, this generator produces between 61 and 69 dBa, which is about as loud as a conversation or being inside a busy office.

A pair of 120-volt duplex outlets provide four places to plug in devices. These outlets have independent GFCI protection, shutting off one outlet when there’s a short while the other outlet will keep functioning. This generator is both OSHA and ETL compliant and it comes with a USDA-qualified spark arrester/muffler, so it’s safe to use in almost any work environment.

The generator’s components are built into a full frame to protect them from damage while providing plenty of areas to lift it for transport. Total weight is just 67 lbs, making it easy for two people to carry the unit or lift it into the back of a truck. Want to make it easier to move around? Honda offers a kit to add wheels so it can be rolled to the work site.

EG2800i

While this may be the residential version of the EB2800i, that doesn’t mean it skimps on features. Everything from the engine to the inverter carries over with the only difference showing up at the control panel. Instead of two duplex plugs, there are two individual 20 amp 120-volt outlets and a 30 amp 125v outlet for a locking plug. This third outlet makes it easy to hook this generator up to a home electrical system using a transfer switch. Want more flexibility? The locking plug outlet can be used with an extension cord to provide an indoor power point with multiple standard outlets while leaving the generator outside where its exhaust fumes won’t get trapped. As for the 120-volt outlets, each one has its own circuit protection so a short won’t shut off the other outlet.

Warranty

Honda covers both models for three years of residential use and one year of commercial use.

Getting Parts for the EB2800i and EG2800i

Whether you have the newest generator or an old mower, you can get parts for it from www.hondalawnparts.com. We’re not just an official Honda Small Engine Equipment dealer, we’ve built Honda’s own parts diagrams into our site, making it easy to find what you need to keep your equipment running. We can ship anything you need to any address in the U.S. and Canada.