Easy to start because of automatic decompression.

Mechanical governors respond quickly to load changes.

Most have ball bearing supported crankshafts, cast-iron cylinder sleeve and chrome-top piston ring provide long life.

Engines are more fuel efficient and use less oil than other brands.

Maintenance free electronic ignition (Except EB12DAG)

Large isolation mounts  keep the generator in place, reducing "walking / dancing" on hard surfaces. (Very similar to "motor mounts")
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All Honda generators use a reliable means of voltage regulation. They produce a "clean" enough current to run sensitive electronics such as computers.

The automatic voltage regulator (AVR) has been used on most Honda generators since 1978. The AVR is an electronic device that ensures constant voltage output regardless of the load applied to the generator (up to the rated load capacity). The AVR senses the voltage in the main winding(s) and adjusts the brush voltage to maintain constant voltage at the AC output receptacles.

Reliable engines and gen-sets are built into all Honda generators. The additional features that are available on different models are engineered to provide the same reliable performance. Refer to the FULL-LINE BROCHURE for the features applicable to each model.
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	All steel with special rust protection inside.
	Rubber isolation mounts reduce vibration to the tank.
	Large fuel fill openings, with automotive caps and neck strainers, make fillups easy while keeping large particles of debris out.
	Some models include a fuel level gauge.

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	4-in-1 tank sump includes a tank filter, a fuel tank sump, a sediment bowl, and an additional screen filter above the sediment bowl.
	The fuel line is short, routed away from any hot engine components and protected in a grommet to reduce bends and kinking. Fuel starvation, vapor lock and damaged fuel lines are reduced.
	Most electric start units have an electronic fuel valve that shuts off automatically when the engine switch is turned off. The EU Series fuel valve is built into the main ON/OFF switch.

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Larger mufflers are engineered to reduce noise. They are isolated to reduce vibration.

	A heat shield built around the entire muffler and header pipe. The shield is attached to the frame, and not the muffler, to reduce vibration.
	Engine cooling air is channeled over the header pipe and the muffler, then discharged out the muffler face to further cool the muffler. This keeps all of the heat from the engine blowing in one direction; AWAY.
	Spark arresters are standard on all Honda generators (except EB12DAG).

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The EX models completely enclose the engine and generator to reduce noise. Sound deadening insulation is used to further reduce noise. Fans on the engine and generator pull air from a common point. On the liquid cooled EX5500, there is a fan on the radiator that also pulls air to cool the radiator. This cooling air is then channeled to a silencer box that surrounds the muffler. The air is pushed across the muffler, cooling it, and then out the exhaust.
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	A subwinding in the generator produces AC voltage. A pair of DC diodes convert the AC to DC.
	A circuit breaker protects the circuit.

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Honda generators, with 120/240 capabilities, have two separate main windings. Each winding is capable of the same output (Example: the EB3500 rated at 120V 25A, produces 12.5A off each main winding). The voltage selector switches the two main windings from a PARALLEL connection (for 120 only) to a SERIES connection for the 120/240 V position.

The benefit of this is to get maximum power from the 120V 30A receptacle without tripping the circuit breaker. The EM3500 has two 14A circuit breakers ganged together. If the generator was in the "120/240V" position and the operator was trying to get the maximum power from the 120V 30A receptacle, it could only be done for a short period of time. The circuit breaker would be overloaded and would trip. In the 120V "only" position, the power of the two main windings is connected in parallel and full power could be obtained without tripping the circuit breaker.

With the voltage selector in the 120/240 position., the power of each main winding is evenly distributed to all the outlets. It is important that the power connected to the different receptacles be applied equally to avoid overloading any one receptacle.
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The automatic idle system is designed to automatically reduce the engine speed to idle when there is no load applied to the generator. This system helps to improve fuel economy and reduce the noise level when the automatic idle system is activated.

The switch, located on the control panel, turns the system ON and OFF. The Auto-throttle control unit, located inside the control panel, is a magnetic switch that senses current passing through the load carrying wires. The Auto-throttle solenoid is the mechanical device that moves the governor arm to the idle position when all loads are removed from the generator.
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The Auto-choke provides easy starting by automatically applying choke before the engine is started.

On recoil start models, once the engine starts, engine vacuum pulls on a diaphragm which is connected mechanically to the choke arm and the choke is opened.

The manual choke lever allows the automatic choke to be controlled by the operator for cold weather starting (below freezing). The manual choke will keep the choke ON until the operator pushes the control to OFF.

Electric start models have a temperature sensitive thermal switch that keeps the choke ON automatically until the engine reaches a certain temperature. The choke will stay on when the engine cooling air temperature is below 77° F. As the engine warms up, and the cooling air temperature rises above 77° F, the choke will be turned OFF automatically.

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An electric, automotive-type switch is conveniently located on the control panel. The engine has its own charging system to keep the battery charged. Add a battery tray kit, and a remote start kit, and the engine can be started from a remote location.

The EU3000is, EX4500, EX5500, ES6500, EB11000 & EB12DAG models, come with the battery installed inside the generator housing. There is exterior access for convenient battery service.

Because the remote start capabilities (on most electric start models), the automatic choke has been modified to include and electric choke solenoid and a thermoswitch to ensure easy starting from remote distances.
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When the engine is turned off, it will make several complete revolutions before coming to a complete stop. Each intake valve opening will continue to allow fuel to enter the combustion chamber, but without spark occurring. If there is a hot piece of carbon in the combustion chamber, or in the muffler, engine run-on or after burning could occur. The fuel cut stops the flow of fuel to the carburetor main jet.

The fuel cut solenoid is located on the bottom of the carburetor. Electrical power from the generator activates the fuel cut solenoid when the engine switch is turned to the OFF position. The beauty of this system is that a battery is not required to power the system.

Once the generator comes to a complete stop, the solenoid will deenergize and a spring inside the solenoid will pull the needle away from the main jet.
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Honda, a leader in innovative designs, was the first engine manufacturer to develop an oil alert system for small engines.

Honda generator engines use a float type oil alert system. The float has magnets that pull the contacts of the oil alert switch closed when the oil level drops. Engines that have pressurized lubrication use a pressure switch that will close when oil pressure drops below a safe operating value.

Oil alert shuts the engine OFF automatically before engine damage can result from insufficient lubrication.
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Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI), automatically open the power circuit in the event there is current leakage in the tool or appliance plugged into the GFCI receptacle. The GFCI will open the circuit protecting the operator from ground faults. Examples of ground fault current is the current that would flow through a person who is using an appliance with faulty insulation and, at the same time, is in contact with an electrical ground such as a plumbing fixture, wet floor, or earth.

The ground fault circuit interrupter receptacle will not protect against short circuits or overloads. The circuit breaker, or circuit protector, provides that protection.
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