Honda’s EN2500 is an economic small sized generator perfect for residential use. It is excellent for camping trips, vacation cabins, or for use at you home. It can power various devices such as televisions, radios, and lights. The EN2500 can even temporarily power refrigerators and freezers to preserve precious foods during an emergency.
The GC160 OHV engine produces 2500W max AC power. It has Oil Alert to prevent overheating and damage to the generator. For a receptacle, it has a 20A 125V duplex NEMA plug. It also features electronic ignition, circuit breakers, muffler, and an option for a transfer switch. This additional option enables the generator to be connected to a home electricity system. At 71 pounds, this is an extremely light generator and easily mobile.
In situations where constant refueling is not desired, the EN2500 excels lasting 7.3 hours@ rated load and 11 hours @ ½ load on one tank of fuel with the capacity to hold 2.9 gallons. However, it is a little noisy at 76 dB. So, one may want to isolate it from other people in the area.
It also is insured by a one year residential warranty and a 90 day commercial warranty.
If you are looking for a practical generator for home use at a low cost, this is definitely a worthy candidate.
Specifics cited from Honda at:
http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/ModelDetail.asp?ModelName=en2500
Honda’s EM3800S is a deluxe model with many features applicable for household use. If you are looking for reliable portable home standby power, this is it.
It is powered by the GX240 OHV engine that produces 3800W max AC output and a 12V 100W DC output. It also comes with a 120/ 240V selector switch which enables one to power devices with electric motors. Its automatic voltage regulator keeps the current steady under different loads. When the oil is low Honda’s Oil Alert system shuts off the generator to prevent damage. It also has options for a storage cover, transfer switch, remote control, hanger kit, and a DC charging cord.
The electric start and electronic ignition makes start up easy and fast. There is also a fuel gauge, circuit breakers, automatic idle, simultaneous AC/DC capability. This is a durable machine with full tube framing.
It can run for 10.4 hours @ rated load and for 15.6 hours @ ½ load on its 6.6 gallon tank. Despite its smaller engine, the extra features increase the overall weight bringing the total to 192 pounds. Yet, don’t fear. There is a two wheel kit that makes transport a ease. At 71 dB, it has a tolerable noise level.
The EM3800S has a 2 year residential warranty and a 1 year commercial warranty.
Specifics cited from Honda at:
http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/ModelDetail.asp?ModelName=em3800S
Honda’s EG5000 model provides an impressive 5000W max output and many features of the industrial series all for a low price.
Its GX340 OHV engine has a displacement of 337 cc that produces a 120/ 240V 5000W max and 4500W rated AC output. Like the EG3500, it has an automatic voltage regulator. It has several receptacles, a 120/ 240V selector switch, standard electronic ignition, circuit breakers, and a muffler. There is also the optional transfer switch, which enables one to connect the generator to a household electrical system. It has a run time of 2.4 hours @ rated load and 3.6 hours @ ½ load on a full 1.9 gallon tank.
Since it does have a higher output than the lower EG models, it is also louder. At 76 dB, one might want to isolate it from neighbors (or others) but it should still be a tolerable level.
This generator can serve a variety of purposes due to its extensive features and high power. 5000W is enough to handle several devices and the AVR ensures that it will run smoothly. This is a great addition to any building site or home at a low cost.
Specifics cited from Honda at:
http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/ModelDetail.asp?ModelName=eg5000