4 Troubleshooting Tips for your Standby Generator

One of the biggest advantages of doing a regular maintenance routine on your standby generator that includes running the engine with a demand load is that you can address potential issues before you really need backup power. Here are 4 of these potential problems, as well as some troubleshooting ideas that can shed some more light on the issue and define the repair process to get the generator back to peak performance levels as quickly as possible.

·         The generator doesn’t start – This is a fairly common issue when the generator has been sitting idle for an extended period so, if that’s the case, start your troubleshooting process with the issues that are most often associated with months of inactivity. The most likely culprits are the spark plug, a dead battery, and unstabilized gas in the tank that has thickened to the constancy of varnish. If these suspects aren’t the problem, it could be carburetor, which may require professional expertise for a repair.

·         The engine wavers while running – A generator engine that is running rough probably isn’t getting a steady flow of fuel, which points first to the fuel filter. If the engine continues to waver while running after cleaning this filter, the issue may again be related to the carburetor.

·         An engine that starts but then shuts down – If this problem occurs with a relatively light demand load on the generator during a maintenance run, the problem may be a clogged air filter, so check that first. If the problem persists after cleaning the air filter, check to see if the fuel filter needs cleaning.

·         The engine runs and appliances power up briefly, but then shut down – The likely cause of the issue is the circuit breaker on the electrical panel. Flip the breaker back to the “On” position and see if that solves the issue. If the breaker shuts down again, there may be an issue with the demand load being too much for the breaker to handle. The easy solution would be connecting the appliance that consumes the most electricity (the refrigerator for example) to another outlet on a different circuit. If that circuit trips, it may be time to upgrade the panel or install a second one that is dedicated to the most energy-intensive appliances including the air conditioner and the refrigerator.

Regular maintenance is a great way to keep your generator operating at peak efficiency. The second benefit of a regular routine is that troubleshooting and fixing these issues after a maintenance run on your standby generator is far more preferable than trying to figure things out in the minutes following a blackout that has put your home in the dark.

 

4 Steps to Take as Soon as Your Portable Generator Arrives

Whether your portable generator will be used to supply power during a blackout, for outdoor activities, or both, taking the following steps once it arrives will ensure that your new power source is operated safely and efficiently.

* Select the locations where your generator will be positioned – This is a critical step regardless of how your generator will be used. You’ll want to plan its positioning so that it does not expose people to carbon monoxide emissions while also having it close enough for extension cords to reach the appliances, lighting or equipment that the generator will power. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations as meted out in your operator’s manual to ensure that your generator operates from a safe location.
* If rain is going to be an issue, install a shelter to protect the generator – Electricity and water don’t mix, meaning that if your generator will be running during rainy weather you’ll want to protect it with a well-ventilated shelter. If there is the potential for water to seep in underneath your sheltered generator, elevate it with blocks or a platform to prevent the risk of operation in standing water.
* Buy extension cords rated for heavy loads and exterior use – Determine the items that will be powered by the generator and buy the appropriate number of extension cords. These extension cords will have three prongs and be able to transfer the heavier electrical currents that are produced by the generator. Light duty extension cords can overload quickly, presenting a fire hazard.
* Do a practice run – Before putting your portable generator into action, do a full practice run. If the machine will have to be moved into position, include that task as part of the practice regimen. A dry run can alert you to unforeseen challenges, allowing you to prepare for them in advance.

Taking these steps upon the arrival of your portable generator will allow you to plan for its use. The time spent in preparation can help you avoid the alternative of learning on the fly in the minutes before an event or in the dark after the power goes down.

Three Steps to Prepare Your Generator When a Big Storm is on the Way

Having either a portable or a standby generator can give you the security of knowing that you’ll be able to keep your lights on and keep your essential appliances running if a big storm interrupts power in your area. Here are three steps to prepare your generator for operation when extreme weather is headed your way:

1) Fuel up – With recent examples such as the damage and extended blackouts that resulted from Hurricane Sandy, you can bet that residents will be out in force the next time a major storm is forecasted to hit an their area. Once a storm warning is issued, get out to buy enough fuel to run your generator for several days. Check your operators’ manual to determine daily fuel requirements for your generator so that you can buy enough fuel to avoid the possibility of needing to head out in rough weather, dealing with blocked roads, fuel shortages, and other challenges that may be present in the days following an extreme weather event.
2) If you have a portable, put it in place before the weather arrives – Having a protective shelter to locate your portable generator will allow you to put it in place ahead of the weather, a much easier task than rolling it out in pouring rain.
3) Give your generator a test run – Putting your generator through its paces in a practice run prior to the actual event can let you know in advance whether your generator is going to function at its highest level of efficiency. An early test run will give you the opportunity to make repairs before you really need your generator.

Buying plenty of fuel, getting your generator in place, and doing a practice run can have it ready to go when you need it. After all, it’s going to be much better to be in the comfort of your home rather than braving the elements to take these steps as the weather is turning nasty.    

Common Mistakes made with Generators During Emergencies

Having a generator to provide backup power during an emergency can make the difference between sitting in a cold quiet house waiting for the return of electricity and being able to function on a relatively normal basis regardless of how long it takes for power from the grid to resume. Having a generator, however, does not automatically ensure that the lights will remain on and that appliances will continue to run, especially if some of the common mistakes are committed.

These mistakes include:

• Not having fuel on hand – This mistake usually occurs after the generator has been sitting idle for a while. Proper maintenance calls for tanks to be emptied prior to extended periods of non-use, which can result in an “out of sight, out of mind” situation where the need for fuel isn’t recognized until someone tries to start the generator.
• Not having a sheltered area for the generator – Generators cannot be run indoors or in a garage due to the emission of carbon monoxide. They also can’t be run with direct exposure to water, meaning that there should be a dedicated shelter to protect the generator from the elements. Without a shelter, a generator can’t be run until rain stops, which can leave a household in the dark until weather passes.
• Forgetting where extension cords are stored – Running a portable generator requires extension cords to be connected to the items that will be powered during an outage. While it may be tempting to use them for other purposes, have extension cords stored in a specific location that will only be used for the generator.  
• Forgetting about maintenance – A generator will require some maintenance, especially if it hasn’t been in operation recently. Follow the maintenance protocols in the operators’ manual to ensure that your Honda generator starts when you need it.

Avoiding these mistakes can make sure that your generator can do exactly what you bought it for. Otherwise, that generator that could be powering your house in an emergency may just sit around until you can get it to work after the storm moves on.

4 Tips for the Safe Use of Portable Generators to Power Open Air Events

As summer approaches, the uses for portable generators increase as families head out for camping trips, throw outdoor birthday parties, and host other open-air events. Here are 4 tips that will make sure you get all the power you need in the safest manner possible:

•  Fill the tank – Topping up the fuel tank prior to use can reduce the chances that you’ll need to re-fuel during an event. The problem with re-fueling is that the generator should be allowed to cool down before fuel is added to the tank to prevent ignition caused when the fuel comes in contact with a sizzling-hot surface.

• Keep the portable generator down-wind from the event – An outdoor venue should provide plenty of ventilation but locating the generator down-wind from the gathering can ensure that people aren't exposed to emissions.

• If rain is in the forecast put up a shelter to keep the generator dry – Operating a generator in wet conditions always adds a level of danger so protect it with a shelter or canopy and make sure that extensions cords are not exposed to water. 

• Keep children away – Generators are fascinating machines, especially for small children. Make sure that your portable generator is out of reach or that a parent is positioned to keep children from getting too close.

Being out in the open-air is one of the treats of summer. These tips can help to make sure that your open-air events are powered efficiently and safely.

3 Reasons for Using a Transfer Switch with Your Generator

While automatic transfer switches are most often used with standby generators, they can also be used with portable generators that have electric starters. Another option, if a portable generator is being used for backup power, is to install a manual transfer switch.

Whether you have a standby or a portable generator, there are several reasons to incorporate a transfer switch. Here are three of the big ones:

1) A transfer switch eliminates the need for numerous extension cords – Rather than running extension cords through the house, a transfer switch allows for appliances to be powered by the home’s circuitry.

2) You can power up your hard wired items – Furnaces, air conditioners, lighting and other appliances in many cases cannot be hooked up to a generator with an extension cord. They can be powered through the home’s circuitry if a transfer switch is in place.

3) Using a transfer switch is only way to safely connect your generator directly to the circuits in the home – Transfer switches effectively separate generated power from electricity coming from the main. This prevents back-feeding, which can occur when power is returned and the excess electricity coming from the generator is transmitted back to the power lines. Back-feeding can both start fires and cause severe injury via electrocution of people working on power lines.

While having a generator will allow you many benefits during an outage, installing a transfer switch can add an extra layer of convenience as well. The safety of transfer switches is another benefit, the value of which is impossible to calculate.

Selecting the Right Honda Generator for Your Needs

Selecting the right Honda generator for you needs starts with the determination of what types of appliances and/or equipment will need to be powered in situations where grid provided electricity is not available. These needs can range from recreational uses to the necessity of delivering electricity during extended power outages caused by extreme weather.

For recreational uses, portable Honda generators can provide plenty of power whether being used for outdoor events, camping, or for recreational vehicles. For these situations, Honda’s EU2000iA can deliver enough electricity for large power tools, microwaves, and kitchen appliances.

At the top end of power needs, “whole house” generators can power everything from medical equipment to home theater and everything in between. Powering an entire house may not be necessary, however, and the wide variety of Honda generators means that you get customize a solution to power exactly what you need to in the case of an outage or a blackout.

By defining the appliances and the circuits they are connected to, a minimum power requirement can be determined which can then assist in the selection of the right sized Honda generator. This list can start with anything from toasters to higher usage equipment but must include the following as these appliances typically use the greatest amount of power and will play the largest role in determining the generator that can provide the solution you will require.

These appliances include:

* Electric heaters
* Electric water heaters
* Air conditioners
* Refrigerators and freezers
* Medical equipment
* Electric dryers
* Well pumps
* Electric stoves

The power required by these appliances can then be totaled to see the type and size of generator that would be required. Also to be considered is whether there is a necessity for powering sensitive electronic equipment such as computers, printers, scanners, etc. If this type of equipment is going to be powered, selecting a Honda generator with inverter technology is advised due to level load of electricity which is delivered. Inverter technology uses microprocessors to deliver power to the exact level of demand which can greatly improve performance and drastically reduce the risk of computer crashes. Honda Inverter technology is a relatively new development in generators which has added a new level of performance for those that require precisely measured power delivery.

Deciding Between a Portable and a Standby Generator

The importance of examining all issues prior to deciding on a Honda portable or a standby generator cannot be understated. While the general purpose of both types of generators is the same, the types of use and the conditions in which each one might be employed can be quite different. Portable generators are generally more versatile and are commonly used for recreational purposes such as camping, providing power for outdoor lighting, and powering other types of outdoor equipment. Portable generators can also be used to power up a residence, normally in a limited fashion, in the event of a power outage.

Residential standby generators, on the other hand, generally serve two purposes; automatically starting in the event of a power outage and delivering essential uninterrupted electrical power to designated appliances, rooms, tools, and devices. The fixed nature of standby generators limits their versatility but gives them a critical advantage when power must remain uninterrupted and long term power generation is mandated. The reason for this is that residential standby generators are generally designed to remain connected to the home’s circuitry through the main electric panel. This connection allows for a generator to power up either automatically using an automatic transfer switch, or by push button at the onset of a power outage. An added advantage and an extra layer of protection provided by a residential standby generator is that the addition of a USB battery accessory can ensure that power remains on during the changeover to generated power.

A portable generator, on the other hand, could possibly require fueling, movement from storage (possibly in inclement weather), and manual connection to the home’s circuitry. Under these circumstances, the transfer to power generated by a portable generator may take too long when medical devices or computers are in an “always on” status.

Another factor in the decision between a portable Honda generator and a standby is the length of time that power generation is going to be required. A smaller portable may have a run time of four hours between refueling which is fine for recreational use but could spell disaster in an extended power outage. Where longer runtimes may be required, a standby generator which is connected to a natural gas line allows for unlimited generation without refueling.

Honda’s full line of portable and residential standby generators at HarborPowerHouse.com can provide power solutions whether the need is for light recreational use or for “always on” power. For more information, visit: Honda Generators or call (877) 837 2648.

Choosing the Right Honda Home Backup Generator

Home backup generators are becoming increasingly popular for many reasons including; the need for “always on” power, lower generator prices, and advances in the technology resulting in quiet generators. The wide range of uses, power output, and size options now means that buyers can purchase a Honda Home Backup Generator designed to precisely fit their needs. Making the choice of the right generator comes down to defining the following requirements:

* Size requirements – Size requirements refer to the need for a portable home backup generator or one that is stationary. Advances in technology have resulted in portable generators with power output levels similar to stationary generators giving them a wide range of uses. The versatility of portable Honda Generators gives them the capability to meet the demands of many outdoor and in home uses ranging from camping to providing residential standby power. Where a stationary generator would be required are situations where power must be restored immediately should an outage occur. Stationary generators with automatic transfer switches or push button starters can restore power within seconds of an outage, a critical feature for users relying on at-home medical devices, for example.

* Power requirements – The wattage requirements of appliances and devices which must remain on will determine the necessary power output for the appropriate home backup generator. By calculating the sum total of the wattage use of each appliance and/or device a buyer can then determine the minimum required output at maximum capacity from a generator. This calculation should be based on “startup” wattage requirements to ensure that there is enough power generation to meet specific needs. For example, a typical refrigerator’s startup wattage requirement can be as much as two and a half times greater than the wattage it takes to “run” it.

* Safety requirements – Once the power output requirements for a home backup generator are determined, the requirements for running the generator at optimum safety levels can be defined. Where computers handling sensitive data or medical devices are concerned an unlimited power supply accessory should be considered. This can prevent data and power loss during the transfer of power to the generator. Home backup generators are connected to a home’s power system through its main electrical panel. This connection, and grounding the generator, should always be done by a licensed electrician. Lastly, wherever possible, the generator should be located in an area where it is protected from rain and snow. Protection can come in many forms, ranging from a covered patio to a housing built specifically for the generator.

The most important aspect of any home backup generator is that it provides its required power when called upon. Honda’s full line of generators has been delivering legendary reliability, durability, and peace of mind for decades. For more information, visit us online at: Home Backup Generators

Honda’s Super Quiet Generator Series

Honda’s Super Quiet Generator series is ideal for lighter demand requirements for both home and outdoor use. Advances in technology have made these quiet generators run with a purr that won’t disturb a natural setting or the neighbors. The Super Quiet series, which employs Honda's patented Eco-Throttle technology, adjusts engine speeds for maximum efficiency depending on output requirements. This reduces fuel usage, engine noise, and noxious emissions. The Super Quiet Series includes:
* The Honda EU1000iA – This portable model carries the lightest load of the Honda generator line weighing in at 29 pounds. Its light weight and small tank make it a great option for outdoor and light duty home use. Despite their small size, Honda’s Eco-Throttle technology extends these generators run times to over eight hours at a one quarter load demand. The EU1000iA is the perfect solution for powering lights, televisions, low demand appliances, and small power tools.
* The Honda EU2000iA – These Quiet Generators are considered to be the best value in the series carrying a wattage rating of 1600 watts. Perfect for medium range power needs such as microwave ovens and larger power tools, these quiet generators definitely live up to Honda’s reputation for reliability and durability. The portable generator weighs in at 46 pounds and can run continuously for four hours at full capacity and 15 hours at one quarter load.
* The Honda EU2000iA Companion – Another member of the Super Quiet series, the companion is designed to run in parallel with the EU2000iA. This effectively doubles the power output, giving the pairing enough power to run large appliances, such as an air conditioner. The Companion is designed as an exact complement and delivers continuous run times which match those of the EU2000iA.
Honda’s reputation for reliability and durability continues with their technologically advanced quiet generators. For more information on the Super Quiet series, visit us at Honda Generator

Emergency Home Generator

For many, a loss of electrical power is simply not an option. Whether related to medical needs, severe weather, or other needs for “always on” power, Honda Emergency Home Generators deliver the reliability and durability required for the peace of mind that comes with knowing that electrical power needs will always be met, regardless of the reason for, or length of a power outage.
Honda Emergency Home Generators are designed to become a permanent solution for standby power requirements for either the home or a small business. Depending on the specifications of each model, these generators can restore power during an outage in time frames ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes. For users requiring “always on” power, Honda has emergency home backup generators which come with an automatic transfer switch or push button starter which can start the generator and restore power within seconds of an outage.
These emergency home generators have the versatility of being able to deliver power for hours when running at full capacity or for extended periods when dedicated toward providing power for a specific room, appliance, or electrical device. With their connection to the main electrical panel for either a home or small business, Honda’s Emergency Home Generators can direct standby power toward a specific need or toward powering every aspect of a home or business.
The line of Honda Emergency Home Generators offers a full range of solutions for situations where losing power simply isn’t an option. These generators are also designed to fit into any budget with power output levels to meet any level of demand. For more information, please visit us at Honda Generators

Three Things to Consider When Buying a Residential Standby Generator

Residential Standby Generators serve two purposes; automatically starting in the event of a power outage and delivering essential electrical power to designated appliances, rooms, tools, and devices. There are several issues to consider when the decision comes down to choosing a residential standby generator versus a portable unit. They are:

* The biggest difference between these types of generators from portable units, besides mobility, is that Residential Standby Generators are generally designed to remain connected to the home’s circuitry through the main electric panel. This allows for a generator to power up either automatically, via an automatic transfer switch, or by push button at the onset of a power outage. A portable unit, on the other hand, could require fueling, a rollout from storage, and connection to the home’s circuitry. For a residential standby generator, an automatic switch to generated power normally takes between ten to thirty seconds. A push button start takes about the same time once the generator has been turned on. An added advantage to a residential standby Honda Generator is that the addition of a USB battery accessory can ensure that power remains on during the changeover to generated power. This is essential for a range of uses ranging from preserving data on a computer to delivering uninterrupted power to an at-home medical device.

* Advances in portable power generation have increased power output levels to the point where power delivery can rival the smaller residential standby generators. Still, depending on power requirements and other factors, going with a stationary generator can be the logical choice. Here, there are two considerations, the first one being the power requirements for appliances, rooms, and devices which must remain on during an outage. Refrigerators and air conditioners, for example, require heavy wattage for both startup and running time. The addition of other power needs can easily mandate the higher power output of a residential standby generator. The second consideration is whether a generator which meets the needs of the home can easily be moved into place in the event of an outage. The weight of the unit, severity of local weather, and the difficulty of moving a portable from storage to the main electrical panel must be taken into account.

* Another consideration is the expected run time of the generator. Smaller portable generators, for example, have run times at full capacity of approximately four hours. In an extended outage, a portable could require refueling several times. Under a variety of circumstances, this may not be an option. Residential standby generators, conversely, can be connected to a natural gas line, allowing for run times as long as power remains down and eliminating the need to refuel.

Honda’s full line of portable and residential standby generators can meet the power needs for any home anywhere. For more information, visit us at: Honda Power Equipment