HONDA EP2500CX User Manual

Owner’s Manual
GENERATOR
EP2500CX
o2008 Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
-All Rights Reserved
See page 61 for initial use instructions.
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.
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.

INTRODUCTION

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 all 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
understand its coverage and your responsibilities of ownership. The
Distributor’s Limited Warranty
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 and is supported by the parts and service divisions of American Honda. Your Honda servicing dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns.
Best Wishes, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Distributor’s Limited Warranty
is a separate document that should
to fully
1

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:
on the generator.
Safety Labels Safety Messages
of three signal words, DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. These signal words mean:
preceded by a safety alert symbol and one
You WILL KILLED SERIOUSLY HURT
you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN KILLED SERIOUSLY HURT
you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN HURT
instructions.
such as
Safety Headings Safety Section Instructions
This entire book is filled with important safety information please read it carefully.
such as
how to use this generator correctly and safely.
be or if
be or if
be if you don’t follow
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
GENERATOR SAFET Y .
2
.

CONTENTS

............................................................................................CONTROLS .12
.......................................................................................Choke Lever .12
........................................................................................Starter Grip .13
.............................................................................................FEATURES .14
System .14
.........................................................................................Fuel Gauge .15
................................................................................GENERATOR SAFETY .6
..................................................IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION .6
......................................................................Operator Responsibility .6
.................................................................Carbon Monoxide Hazards .6
.......................................................................Electric Shock Hazards .7
........................................................................Fire and Burn Hazards .7
.................................................................................Refuel With Care .8
.................................................................SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS .9
........................................................................CONTROLS & FEATURES .10
...........................................COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS .10
................................................................................Fuel Valve Lever .12
....................................................................................Engine Switch .13
.............................................................................AC Circuit Breaker .13
..............................................................................Oil Alert
...............................................................................Ground Terminal .14
...............................................................................BEFORE OPERATION .16
................................................ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED? .16
.........................................................................................Knowledge .16
..............................................IS YOUR GENERATOR READY TO GO? .16
...............................................................................Check the Engine .17
3
CONTENTS
..............................................................................................OPERATION .18
.....................................................SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS .18
......................................................................STARTING THE ENGINE .20
......................................................................STOPPING THE ENGINE .22
.....................................................................................AC OPERATION .23
.................................................................................AC Applications .24
................................................................................STANDBY POWER .25
...............................Connections to a Building’s Electrical System .25
.................................................................................System Ground .25
.......................................................................Special Requirements .26
.............................................................SERVICING YOUR GENERATOR .27
.............................................THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE .27
......................................................................MAINTENANCE SAFETY .28
............................................................................Safety Precautions .28
................................................................MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE .29
...........................................................................................REFUELING .30
...............................................................FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS .31
..................................................................ENGINE OIL LEVEL CHECK .32
...........................................................................ENGINE OIL CHANGE .33
....................................................ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS .34
........................................................................AIR CLEANER SERVICE .35
.............................................................FORM AIR FILTER CLEANING .37
.................................................................SEDIMENT CUP CLEANING .38
.........................................................................SPARK PLUG SERVICE .39
................................................................SPARK ARRESTER SERVICE .41
4
..................................................................................................STORAGE .43
....................................................................STORAGE PREPARATION .43
.............................................................................................Cleaning .43
.....................................................................................................Fuel .43
..........................................................................................Engine Oil .46
...................................................................STORAGE PRECAUTIONS .47
................................................................REMOVAL FROM STORAGE .47
......................................................................................TRANSPORTING .48
CONTENTS
.......................................TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS .49
...................................................................ENGINE WILL NOT START .49
.......................................................................ENGINE LACKS POWER .50
....................................................NO POWER AT THE RECEPTACLES .51
..........................................TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION .52
................................................................TECHNICAL INFORMATION .52
...................................................................Serial Number Location .52
....................Carburetor Modification for High Altitude Operation .53
............................................Emission Control System Information .54
.............................................................................................Air Index .56
....................................................................................Specifications .57
.................................................................................Wiring Diagram .58
...............................................................CONSUMER INFORMATION .59
..............................................................Dealer Locator Information .59
...........................................................................Honda Publications .59
.........................................................Customer Service Information .60
..................................................................INITIAL USE INSTRUCTIONS .61
...........................................................................................ENGINE OIL .61
.......................................................................................................FUEL .61
...........................................................................BEFORE OPERATION .62
........................................................................................................INDEX .63
.............................QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION .Inside back cover
5

GENERATOR SAFETY

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Honda generators are designed for use with electrical equipment that has suitable power requirements. Other uses can result in injury to the operator or damage to the generator and other property. Most accidents can be prevented if you follow all instructions in this manual and on the generator. The most common hazards are discussed below, along with the best way to protect yourself and others.
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, odorless gas. Breathing carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to death.
If you run the generator in an area that is 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.
6
GENERATOR SAFETY
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 all of the 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.
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.
7
GENERATOR SAFETY
Refuel With Care
Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode. Allow the engine to cool if the generator has been in operation. Refuel only outdoors in a well-ventilated area with the engine OFF. Do not overfill the fuel tank. Never smoke near gasoline, and keep other flames and sparks away. Always store gasoline in an approved container. Make sure that any spilled fuel has been wiped up before starting the engine.
8
GENERATOR SAFETY

SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS

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 servicing dealer for a replacement.
9

CONTROLS & FEATURES

COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS

Use the two illustrations on these pages to locateand identify the most frequentlyused controls.
AC RECEPTACLES
GROUND TERMINAL
AC CIRCUITBREAKER
10
CONTROL PANEL
ENGINE SWITCH
CHOKE LEVER
AIR CLEANER
FUEL VALVE LEVER
CONTROL & FEATURES
OIL FILLER CAP/ DIPSTICK
SEDIMENT CUP
OIL DRAIN PLUG
STARTER GRIP
FUEL TANK CAPFUEL GAUGE
SPARK PLUG
MUFFLER/SPARK ARRESTER
11
CONTROL & FEATURES
CONTROLS Fuel Valve Lever
The fuel valve lever is located between the fuel tank and carburetor.
The fuel valve lever must be in the ON position for the engine to run.
After stopping the engine, turn the fuel valve lever to the OFF position.
Choke Lever
The choke lever opens and closes the choke valve in the carburetor.
The CLOSED position enriches the fuel mixture for starting a cold engine.
The OPEN position provides the correct fuel mixture for operation after starting, and for restarting a warm engine.
OOFFFF
CCLLOOSSEEDD
FUEL VALVE LEVER
OONN
CHOKE LEVER
OOPPEENN
12
Engine Switch
CONTROL & FEATURES
The engine switch controls the ignition system.
OFF Stops the engine.
ON Running position, and for
starting.
Starter Grip
Pulling the starter grip operates the recoil starter to crank the engine for starting.
Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against the engine. Return it gently to prevent damage to the starter. Do not let the starter rope rub against the generator body, or the rope will wear out prematurely.
OOFFFF
OONN
ENGINE SWITCH
STARTER GRIP
AC Circuit Breaker
The circuit breaker will automatically switch OFF, if there is a short circuit or a significant overload at the receptacles.
The circuit breaker may be used to switch the generator power ON or OFF.
AC CIRCUIT BREAKER
OONN
OOFFFF
13
CONTROL & FEATURES
FEATURES Oil Alert
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).
If the engine stops and will not restart, check the engine oil level (see page ) before troubleshooting in other areas.
Ground Terminal
The ground terminal is connected to the frame of the generator, the metal non-current-carrying parts of the generator, andthe ground terminals of each receptacle.
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.
System
32
14
GROUND TERMINAL
CONTROL & FEATURES
Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge is a mechanical device that measures the fuel level in the tank. The red indicator in the window will reference the level in relation to full or empty. To provide increased operating time, start with a full tank before beginning operation. Check the fuel level with the generator on a level surface. Always refuel with the engine OFF and cool.
FUEL TANK CAP
FUEL GAUGE
EMPTY
FULL
FUEL GAUGE
15

BEFORE OPERATION

ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED?

Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will significantly reduce your risk of injury.
Knowledge
Read and understand this manual. Know what the controls do and how to operate them.
Familiarize yourself with the generator and its operation beforeyou begin using it. Know how to quickly shut off the generator in case of an emergency.
If the generator is being used to power appliances, be sure that they do not exceed the generator’s load rating (see page ).24

IS YOUR GENERATOR READY TO GO?

For your safety, and to maximize the service life of your equipment, it is very important to take a few moments before you operate the generator to checkits condition. Be sure to take care of any problem you find, or have your servicing dealer correct it, before you operate the generator.
16
Improperly maintaining this generator, or failing to correct a problem beforeoperation, could cause a malfunction in which you could be seriously injured.
Always perform a pre-operation inspection before each operation, and correct any problem.
BEFORE OPERATION
To prevent a possible fire, keep the generator at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from building walls and other equipment during operation. Do not place flammable objects close to the engine.
Before beginning your preoperation checks, be sure the generator is on a level surface and the engine switch is in the OFF position.
Operating this generator less than 3 feet (1 meter) from a building or other obstruction can cause overheating and damage the generator. For proper cooling, allow at least 3 feet(1 meter) of empty space above and around the generator.
Check the Engine
Check the oil level (see page ). A low oil level will cause the Oil Alert system to shut down the engine.
Check the air filter (see page ). A dirty air filter will restrict air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine and generator performance.
Check the fuel level (see page ). Starting with a full tank will help to eliminate or reduce operating interruptions for refueling.
32
35
30
17

OPERATION

SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS

Before operating the generator for the first time, please review the
GENERATOR SAFETY OPERATION
For your safety, do not operate the generator in an enclosed area such as a garage. Your generator’s exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas that can collect rapidly in an enclosed area and cause illness or death.
.
section and the chapter titled
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.
BEFORE
To prevent a possible fire, keep the generator at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from building walls and other equipment during operation. Do not place flammable objects close to the engine.
Operating this generator less than 3 feet (1 meter) from a building or other obstruction can cause overheating and damage the generator. For proper cooling, allow at least 3 feet(1 meter) of empty space above and around the generator.
18
OPERATION
Before connecting an AC appliance or power cord to the generator:
Use grounded 3-prong extension cords, tools, and appliances, or double-insulated tools and appliances. Inspect cords and plugs, and replace if damaged. Make sure that the appliance is in good working order. Faulty appliances or power cords can create a potential for electric shock. Make sure the electrical rating of the tool or appliance does not exceed that of the generator. Never exceed the maximum power rating of the generator. Power levels between rated and maximum may be used for no more than 30 minutes. Operate the generator at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from buildings and other equipment. Do not operate the generator in an enclosed structure.
19
OPERATION

STARTING THE ENGINE

Refer to
SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
IS YOUR GENERATOR READY TO GO
Refer to
AC OPERATION
(see page ) for connecting loads to the
23
generator.
Make sure that the AC circuit
1. breaker is in the OFF position. The generator may be hard to start if a load is connected.
Turn the fuel valve lever to the
2. ON position.
on page and perform the
checks (see page ).
AC CIRCUIT BREAKER
18
16
OOFFFF
FUEL VALVE LEVER
Move the choke lever to the
3. CLOSED position to start a cold engine.
Leave the choke lever in the OPEN position to restart a warm engine.
20
CCLLOOSSEEDD
OONN
CHOKE LEVER
OOPPEENN
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