HONDA EB5000X User Manual

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas that can build up to dangerous levels in closed areas.

Breathing carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness or death.

Never run the generator in a closed, or even partly closed area where people may be present.

The generator is a potential source of electrical shock if misused. Do not expose the generator to moisture, rain or snow. Do not let the generator get wet, and do not operate it with wet hands.

Keep this owner’s manual handy so that you can refer to it at any time. This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the generator and should remain with the generator if resold.

The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatever. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.

Congratulations on your selection of a Honda generator. We are certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest generators on the market.

We want to help you get the best results from your new generator and to operate it safely. This manual contains the information on how to do that; please read it carefully.

As you read this manual, you will find information preceded by a symbol. That information is intended to help you avoid

damage to your generator, other property, or the environment.

We suggest you read the warranty policy to fully understand its coverage and your responsibilities of ownership. The warranty policy is a separate document that should have been given to you by your dealer.

When your generator needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda servicing dealer is specially trained in servicing Honda generators. Your authorized Honda servicing dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns.

Best Wishes,

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

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A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY

Your safety and the safety of others are very important. And using this generator safely is an important responsibility.

To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others.

Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining a generator. You must use your own good judgement.

You will find important safety information in a variety of forms, including:

Safety Labels on the generator.

Safety Messages preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words, DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.

These signal words mean:

You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.

You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.

You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions.

Safety Headings such as IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.

Safety Section such as GENERAT OR SAF ET Y .

Instructions how to use this generator correctly and safely.

This entire book is filled with important safety information please read it carefully.

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	CONTENTS
GENERATOR SAFETY ..............................................................................	. 5
Safety Label Locations .......................................................................	. 5
Important Safety Information ............................................................	. 6
COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION ..............................................................	. 8
CONTROLS ..............................................................................................	. 10
Engine Switch ....................................................................................	. 10
Starter Grip ........................................................................................	. 10
Fuel Valve Lever ................................................................................	. 11
Choke Rod ..........................................................................................	. 11
Voltage Selector Switch (Dual Voltage System) ............................	. 12
Ground Terminal ...............................................................................	. 12
Oil Alert System ..............................................................................	. 13
Auto Throttle System ......................................................................	. 13
Circuit Breaker ...................................................................................	. 14
Circuit Protector ................................................................................	. 15
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) ...........................................	. 16
GENERATOR USE ...................................................................................	. 20
Connections to a Building’s Electrical System ...............................	. 20
Ground System ..................................................................................	.20
Special Requirements .......................................................................	. 20
AC Applications .................................................................................	. 21
AC Operation .....................................................................................	. 22
AC Receptacle Selection ...................................................................	. 23
Auto Throttle System ......................................................................	. 29
High Altitude Operation ....................................................................	. 30
PRE-OPERATION CHECK .......................................................................	. 31
Engine Oil ..........................................................................................	. 31
Refueling ............................................................................................	. 32
Fuel Recommendations ....................................................................	. 33
STARTING THE ENGINE/STOPPING THE ENGINE ..............................	. 34
MAINTENANCE ......................................................................................	. 36
The Importance of Maintenance ......................................................	. 36
Maintenance Safety ..........................................................................	. 37
Maintenance Schedule .....................................................................	. 38
Engine Oil Change ............................................................................	. 39
Air Cleaner Service ...........................................................................	. 40
Fuel Sediment Cup Cleaning ...........................................................	. 41
Spark Plug Service ............................................................................	. 42
Spark Arrester Maintenance ............................................................	. 43

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TRANSPORTING/STORAGE ...................................................................	44
TROUBLESHOOTING ..............................................................................	47
TECHNICAL INFORMATION ...................................................................	49
Emission Control System Information .............................................	49
Air Index ..............................................................................................	51
WIRING DIAGRAM ..................................................................................	52
SPECIFICATIONS .....................................................................................	54
ASSEMBLY ...............................................................................................	57
WARRANTY SERVICE INFORMATION ..................................................	65
DEALER LOCATOR INFORMATION ..................................................	65
CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMATION .............................................	65
Honda PUBLICATIONS ......................................................................	66
INDEX .......................................................................................................	67

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GENERATOR SAFETY

SAFETY LABEL LOCATION

These labels warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury. Read them carefully.

If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your Honda generator dealer for a replacement.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Honda generators are designed to give safe and dependable service if operated according to instructions. Read and understand this owner’s manual before operating your generator. You can help prevent accidents by being familiar with your generator’s controls, and by observing safe operating procedures.

Operator Responsibility

Know how to stop the generator quickly in case of emergency. Understand the use of all generator controls, output receptacles, and connections.

Be sure that anyone who operates the generator receives proper instruction. Do not let children operate the generator without parental supervision.

Carbon Monoxide Hazards

Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas. Breathing carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to death.

If you run the generator in a confined or even partly enclosed area, the air you breathe could contain dangerous amount of exhaust gas.

Never run your generator inside a garage, house, or near open windows or doors.

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Electric Shock Hazards

The generator produces enough electric power to cause a serious shock or electrocution if misused.

Using a generator or electrical appliance in wet conditions, such as rain or snow, or near a pool or sprinkler system, or when your hands are wet, could result in electrocution. Keep the generator dry.

If the generator is stored outdoors, unprotected from the weather, check the ground-fault circuit Interrupter (GFCI), and all other electrical components on the control panel, before each use. Moisture or ice can cause a malfunction or short circuit in electrical components that could result in electrocution.

Do not connect to a building’s electrical system unless an isolation switch has been installed by a qualified electrician.

Do not connect to swimming pool equipment installed before adoption of the 1965 national electric code.

Fire and Burn Hazards

The exhaust system gets hot enough to ignite some materials.Keep the generator at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from buildings

and other equipment during operation.

Do not enclose the generator in any structure.Keep flammable materials away from the generator.

The muffler becomes very hot during operation and remains hot for a while after stopping the engine. Be careful not to touch the muffler while it is hot. Let the engine cool before storing the generator indoors.

Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain conditions. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks where the generator is refueled or where gasoline is stored. Refuel in a wellventilated area with the engine stopped.

Fuel vapors are extremely flammable and may ignite after the engine has started. Make sure that any spilled fuel has been wiped up before starting the generator.

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COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION

ENGINE SWITCH

CONTROL PANEL

CHOKE ROD

AIR CLEANER

FUEL VALVE LEVER
STARTER GRIP
	OIL FILLER CAP/DIPSTICK
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
	OIL DRAIN PLUG
CONTROL PANEL	120 ONLY 120/240
1: Except EB3800X
	VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH

GFCI TEST BUTTON

AC CIRCUIT PROTECTORS

GFCI RESET BUTTON

120/240V AC RECEPTACLE

1

AUTO THROTTLE

SWITCH

CIRCUIT BREAKER

120V AC RECEPTACLES GROUND TERMINAL

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LIFTING HANGER	TRANSPORT HANDLE

FUEL TANK CAP

FUEL GAUGE

SPARK PLUG CAP

FRAME SERIAL NUMBER

STAND

MUFFLER

WHEEL

*Record the engine and frame serial numbers and date of purchase for your future reference. Refer to these serial numbers when ordering parts and when making technical or warranty inquiries (see page 65 ).

Engine serial number:

Frame serial number:

Date of purchase:

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CONTROLS

Engine Switch

To start and stop the engine.

Switch position:

OFF: To stop the engine.

ON: To run the engine.

ENGINE SWITCH

ON

OFF

Starter Grip

To start the engine, pull the starter grip lightly until resistance is felt, and then pull briskly.

Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against the engine. Return it gently to prevent damage to the starter.

RECOIL STARTER

STARTER GRIP

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Fuel Valve Lever

The fuel valve is located between the fuel tank and carburetor. When the valve lever is in the ON position, fuel is allowed to flow from the fuel tank to the carburetor. Be sure to return the fuel valve lever to the OFF position after stopping the engine.

FUEL VALVE LEVER

OFF

ON

Choke Rod

The choke is used to provide an enriched fuel mixture when starting a cold engine. It can be opened and closed by operating the choke rod manually. Pull the rod out toward CLOSED to enrich the mixture for cold starting.

OPEN

CLOSED

CHOKE ROD

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Voltage Selector Switch (Dual Voltage System)

The voltage selector switch switches the main power carrying windings of the generator to produce ‘‘120V ONLY’’ or ‘‘120/240V’’. If a 240V appliance is connected to the 4-prong receptacle, the switch must be in the ‘‘120/240V’’ position. If only a 120V appliance is being connected to any of the 120V 3-prong receptacles, select the ‘‘120V ONLY’’ position.

Switch Position

120/240V: The 120V and 120/240V receptacles can be used simultaneously.

120V ONLY: ONLY the 120V receptacles can be used. Do not use the 120/240V receptacle in this position. The most power will be available at the 30A 120V locking plug receptacle.

VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH

120/240V 120/240V 120V ONLY

120V ONLY

GROUND TERMINAL

Ground Terminal

The generator ground terminal is connected generator, the metal non-current-carrying parts the ground terminals of each receptacle.

to the frame of the of the generator, and

Before using the ground terminal, consult a qualified electrician, electrical inspector, or local agency having jurisdiction for local codes or ordinances that apply to the intended use of the generator.

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Oil Alert System

The Oil Alert system is designed to prevent engine damage caused by an insufficient amount of oil in the crankcase. Before the oil level in the crankcase can fall below a safe limit, the Oil Alert system will automatically stop the engine (the engine switch will remain in the ON position). The Oil Alert system should not take the place of checking the oil level before each use.

If the engine stops and will not restart, check the engine oil level (see page 31 ) before troubleshooting in other areas.

Auto Throttle System

The Auto Throttle system automatically reduces engine speed when all loads are turned off or disconnected. When appliances are turned on or reconnected, the engine returns to the rated speed.

Switch Position

AUTO: Recommended to minimize fuel consumption and further reduce noise levels when no load is applied to the generator.

OFF: The Auto Throttle system does not operate.

Recommended to minimize warm-up time when the generator is started and when starting a load with large startup power equipments.

AUTO THROTTLE SWITCH

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

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Circuit Breaker

The circuit breaker will automatically switch OFF if there is a short circuit or a significant overload of the generator at the receptacle, or if the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) detects a ground fault current.

Check the following if the circuit breaker switches OFF automatically:

When the GFCI RESET button is extended (page 18):

Unplug all appliances from the receptacles and check the appliance for any defects as described in TROUBLESHOOTING (page 47).

After making repairs, push the GFCI RESET button then turn the circuit breaker ON.

When the GFCI RESET button is not extended:

Check that the appliance is working properly and does not exceed the rated load capacity of the circuit before switching the circuit breaker ON again.

The circuit breaker may be used to switch the generator power on or off.

GFCI RESET BUTTON

ON

CIRCUIT BREAKER

OFF

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Circuit Protector

The circuit protectors will automatically switch OFF if there is a short circuit or a significant overload of the generator at the 20A 120V, 30A 120V locking plug, or 120/240V locking plug receptacle. If a circuit protector switches OFF automatically, check that the appliance is working properly and does not exceed the rated load capacity of the circuit before resetting the circuit protector ON.

CIRCUIT PROTECTORS

ON

1

OFF

1: Except EB3800X

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Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

Using the generator in rain, snow or near water can lead to death from electric shock. Keep the generator dry.

All receptacles on the generator are protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for protection against the shock hazard of ground fault current. The GFCI has TEST and RESET buttons and is connected to the circuit breaker.

An example 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 will not protect against short circuits or overloads. The circuit breaker in the control panel that supplies power to the circuit provides that protection (refer to circuit breaker on page 14 ).

GFCI TEST BUTTON

GFCI RESET BUTTON

CIRCUIT BREAKER

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Observe the following precautions to ensure proper GFCI operation and to reduce shock hazards:

Use grounded 3-conductor extension cords, tools, and appliances, or double-insulated tools and appliances.

Inspect cords and plugs, and replace if damaged.

Do not use cord lengths greater than 164 feet (50 meters), and do not use multiple tools and appliances with built-in noise filters. Such use may activate the GFCI and trip the circuit breaker.

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Inspection:

Always check GFCI operation before using the generator.

You risk electric shock if you operate this generator with a faulty GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter).

Test GFCI before use.

If the GFCI fails testing, do not use your generator. Contact your Honda dealer.

1.Unplug all tools and appliances from the generator.

2.Start the engine.

3.Turn the circuit breaker to the ON position.

4.Turn the Auto Throttle switch to the OFF position.

5.Press the GFCI TEST button. The RESET button should extend, and the circuit breaker should switch to the OFF position.

If the GFCI and circuit breaker do not function as described, take the generator to an authorized Honda generator dealer for repair.

GFCI RESET BUTTON

GFCI TEST BUTTON

CIRCUIT BREAKER

OFF

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6.Press the GFCI RESET button. The RESET button should stay in, flush with its base plate.

With the RESET button in and engine running, turn the circuit breaker to the ON position. The circuit breaker should remain in the ON position. The circuit breaker will not remain in the ON position if the RESET button is extended.

If the GFCI and circuit breaker do not function as described, take the generator to an authorized Honda generator dealer for repair.

GFCI RESET BUTTON

CIRCUIT BREAKER

ON

During generator use, if the GFCI RESET button extends and the circuit breaker trips, this usually indicates a faulty power tool, appliance, or cord.

If that occurs, perform test steps 1 through 6 to verify that the GFCI and circuit breaker are in proper working order. If the GFCI and circuit breaker test correctly, then you will know that the fault is in the power tool, appliance, or cord. Repair or replace the faulty power tool, appliance, or cord before further use.

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GENERATOR USE

Connections to a Building’s Electrical System

Connections for standby power to a building’s electrical system must be made by a qualified electrician. The connection must isolate the generator power from utility power, and must comply with all applicable laws and electrical codes. A transfer switch, which isolates generator power from utility power, is available through authorized Honda generator dealers.

Improper connections to a building’s electrical system can allow electrical current from the generator to backfeed into the utility lines. Such backfeed may electrocute utility company workers or others who contact the lines during a power outage, and the generator may explode, burn, or cause fires when utility power is restored. Consult the utility company or a qualified electrician.

Ground System

Honda portable generators have a system ground that connects generator frame components to the ground terminals in the AC output receptacles. The system ground is not connected to the AC neutral wire. If the generator is tested by a receptacle tester, it will show the same ground circuit condition as for a home receptacle.

Special Requirements

There may be Federal or State Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, local codes, or ordinances that apply to the intended use of the generator. Please consult a qualified electrician, electrical inspector, or the local agency having jurisdiction.

In some areas, generators are required to be registered with local utility companies.

If the generator is used at a construction site, there may be additional regulations that must be observed.

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