Honda Launches New Inverter Generator

Honda Power Equipment, Alpharetta, Ga. has added to its portable power line with the introduction of the all-new EU2200i inverter generator. Part of Honda Power Equipment’s Super Quiet Series of generators, the new EU2200i lineup replaces Honda’s EU2000i model.

The new EU2200i generator provides a maximum ac output of 120V/2200W/18.3A and rated output of 120V/1800W/15A.  The unit has a run time of 3.2 to 8.1 hours on a single 0.95 gallon tank, depending on the generator load.  Honda reports the unit has an operating sound level of 53 dB at quarter load and 62 dB at rated load.

“The all-new Honda EU2200i inverter generator delivers 10 percent more power than the outgoing model, letting customers power more of what they need, but with virtually no change in weight or cost,” said Michael Rudolph, vice president – Honda Power Equipment.

The all-new EU2200i lineup includes four models—the EU2200i, the EU2200i Camo, the EU2200i Companion and the EB2200i for industrial use.

The Honda EU2200i Camo generator features Realtree APG wrap, replacing the traditional Honda Red on the generator.  The EU2200i Companion model can parallel to either another EU2200i, or the existing Honda EU2000i K1/T1 models. The EU2200i Companion model deletes the 12V DC outlet, and instead of the 20A 125V duplex outlet, is equipped with a 30A 125V locking plug and 20A 125V single outlet.

The new Honda EB2200i was designed for industrial uses and meets LA-ETL and OSHA requirements. The EB2200i deletes the 20A 125V duplex outlet, DC charging and parallel outlets for a 20A 125V GFCI duplex outlet GFCI neutral bond.

The new Honda EU2200i generator has a three-year residential and three-year commercial warranty and will be available at Honda Power Equipment dealers nationwide in early spring, 2018.

The new generator lineup delivers 10 percent more power (200 watts) than the outgoing EU2000i—all at the same price of the outgoing model.

The Honda EU2200i generator lineup also features Honda-developed inverter technology, as well as modifications in the design of the new generator.

Featuring a totally enclosed body, as with all Super Quiet Series, Honda said it designed the EU2200i with new features for customers ease of use, simplified maintenance and durable, dependable operation.  Key functional enhancements on the Honda EU2200i generator include:

• A bigger oil filler opening, a longer spout and larger oil drain gutter make for easier and cleaner oil changes.
• A fuel shutoff valve (“fuel off” position) allows the engine to continue to run until the majority of the fuel in the carburetor is consumed and the engine shuts off, which helps prevent stale fuel issues and is useful for storing the generator.
• A stamped metal recoil rope insert designed to provide increased product durability and reduce potential damage to the generator body.
• An increase in the ventilation area of 2.31 sq. in. compared with the outgoing model reduces cabinet air intake resistance, resulting in improved inverter cooling, Honda said. The addition of new ducts allows for the air to move more evenly over internal parts while improving the overall air flow for better cooling of key components.
• The stator/rotor configuration of the EU2200i is improved. The new magnets, responsible for producing electricity, are thinner, keeping the diameter of the stator unchanged, reducing the weight of the component and providing more power output, Honda said.
• Operational contact points are color-coded in gray, and guide the user through the starting operation.

The Honda EU2200i generator is powered by the Honda Engines GXR120 Commercial Series engine. The four-stroke 121cc GXR120 engine was originally developed to power heavy duty construction rammers. Using an overhead camshaft (OHC) orientation similar to the Honda GX100 in the outgoing EU2000i, Honda designers incorporated a maintenance-free, low-noise timing belt to create a small, light and quiet engine.

Honda said its exclusive Eco Throttle feature contributes to improved fuel efficiency, allowing the engine to automatically adjust its speed to produce only the power needed for the application in use.  Because the engine does not have to run at full speed constantly, Eco Throttle reduces noise and fuel consumption and also helps to reduce exhaust emissions, Honda said.

The OHC was designed and engineered specifically for increased efficiency, with optimal power transfer for better fuel efficiency. Its precision-engineered components result in lower vibration, and the ball bearing-supported crankshaft is designed to deliver smooth operation and long engine life, said Honda.

The GXR120 engine includes a special cast-iron cylinder sleeve and a high carbon-steel, dual-ball bearing crankshaft designed to provide improve engine strength and durability. A compact muffler, combined with the OHC engine layout, reduces operation noise by one decibel (dB) compared with the current Honda GX100 engine that powers the outgoing EU2000i generator.

The lubrication system features a dual-breather chamber designed to optimize engine lubricating performance. In addition, an automatic decompression system allows eases engine starting, Honda said, while an Oil Alert feature prevents the engine from operating if the oil level is too low.

As far as the inverter is concerned, Honda said its engineers have integrated parts from the engine and generator set, such as the combination flywheel/alternator, resulting in a more compact, lighter product that is purpose-built to produce reliable power. Honda’s inverter technology takes the raw power produced by the generator and uses a Honda-designed microprocessor to condition it through a multi-step process.

The generator’s alternator produces high voltage multi-phase ac power. The ac power is then converted to dc. Finally, the dc power is converted back to ac by the inverter. The inverter also smooths and cleans the power to make it high quality. A special microprocessor controls the entire process, as well as the speed of the engine as demand changes.

Inverter technology also has allowed Honda to substantially reduce weight and noise on a number of its models. The all-new EU2200i, weighs in at a dry weight of 46.5 lbs.

“The 200-watt power increase offered by the new Honda EU2200i generator gives users the opportunity to step up to more uses and bigger applications over the EU2000i model, without an increase in generator weight, size or cost,” said David Bush, senior marketing strategist – Honda Generators. “For example, an extra 200 watts could mean the addition of a slow cooker, or a box fan or a computer, to what’s already being powered—all adding up to greater value.”