HONDA EU3000is User Manual

Owner’s Manual

GENERATOR

EU3000is

o2001-2008 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. -All Rights Reserved

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 Distributor’s Limited Warranty to fully understand its coverage and your responsibilities of ownership. The Distributor’s Limited Warranty 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.

The illustrations herein are mainly based on: NON-CALIFORNIA TYPE

The illustration may vary according to the type.

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 ............................................................	. 7
COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION ..............................................................	. 9
CONTROLS ..............................................................................................	. 11
Engine Switch ....................................................................................	. 11
Starter Grip ........................................................................................	. 12
Fuel Valve Lever ................................................................................	. 12
Choke Knob .......................................................................................	. 13
Eco-Throttle Switch ..........................................................................	. 13
Output Indicator Light .......................................................................	. 14
Overload Indicator Light ...................................................................	. 14
Oil Alert System ................................................................................	. 15
Parallel Operation Outlets ................................................................	. 15
AC Circuit Protector ..........................................................................	. 16
DC Receptacle ....................................................................................	. 16
DC Circuit Protector ..........................................................................	. 16
Ground Terminal ...............................................................................	. 17
GENERATOR USE ...................................................................................	. 18
Connections to a Building Electrical System ..................................	. 18
Ground System .................................................................................	. 18
Special Requirements .......................................................................	. 19
AC Applications .................................................................................	. 20
AC Operation .....................................................................................	. 21
AC Parallel Operation Applications .................................................	. 22
AC Parallel Operation .......................................................................	. 24
DC Operation .....................................................................................	. 25
Eco-Throttle System .........................................................................	. 28
High Altitude Operation ....................................................................	. 29
PRE-OPERATION CHECK .......................................................................	. 30
Is Your Generator Ready to Go? ......................................................	. 30
Engine Oil ..........................................................................................	. 31
Refueling ............................................................................................	. 32
Fuel Recommendations ....................................................................	. 33
STARTING THE ENGINE ........................................................................	. 34
STOPPING THE ENGINE ........................................................................	. 36

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MAINTENANCE .......................................................................................	37
The Importance of Maintenance .......................................................	37
Maintenance Safety ...........................................................................	38
Emission Control System Information .............................................	39
Air Index ..............................................................................................	41
Maintenance Schedule ......................................................................	42
Engine Oil Change .............................................................................	43
Air Cleaner Service ............................................................................	44
Spark Plug Service .............................................................................	46
Fuel Sediment Cup Cleaning ............................................................	48
Spark Arrester Maintenance .............................................................	50
Battery .................................................................................................	53
Fuse Replacement ..............................................................................	56
TRANSPORTING/STORAGE ...................................................................	57
Transporting .......................................................................................	57
Storage ................................................................................................	58
TROUBLESHOOTING ..............................................................................	60
WIRING DIAGRAM ..................................................................................	62
SPECIFICATIONS .....................................................................................	63
WARRANTY SERVICE INFORMATION ..................................................	64
Dealer Locator Information ...............................................................	64
Customer Service Information ..........................................................	64
Honda Publications ............................................................................	65
INDEX .......................................................................................................	66

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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 generator dealer for a replacement.

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6

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 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.

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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 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.

Use only a Honda approved parallel operation kit (optional equipment) when connecting two EU3000is generators for parallel operation.

Never connect different generator models and types.

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

	PARALLEL OPERATION
OUTPUT	OUTLETS	DC RECEPTACLE
	DC CIRCUIT
INDICATOR	PROTECTOR
LIGHT		AC CIRCUIT
OVERLOAD		PROTECTORS
INDICATOR
LIGHT
OIL ALERT
INDICATOR
LIGHT

	ENGINE SWITCH
	CHOKE KNOB	AC RECEPTACLES
	FUEL VALVE LEVER
	ECO-THROTTLE SWITCH

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	NON-CALIFORNIA TYPE
	MUFFLER	SPARK PLUG CAP FRONT
		HANDLE
		AIR
		CLEANER
	OIL FILLER CAP/
	DIPSTICK	CALIFORNIA TYPE
	OIL DRAIN	MUFFLER	SPARK PLUG CAP
	PLUG
			FRONT
	OIL MAINTENANCE	FRAME SERIAL	HANDLE
	COVER	NUMBER
	LEFT SIDE
	MAINTENANCE COVER	OIL FILLER CAP/	AIR
		DIPSTICK
			CLEANER
		OIL DRAIN
		PLUG
		OIL MAINTENANCE
		COVER
		LEFT SIDE	FRAME SERIAL
			NUMBER
		MAINTENANCE COVER

FUEL TANK CAP

STARTER GRIP

REAR HANDLE

GROUND TERMINAL

Record the frame serial number for your future reference. Refer to this serial number when ordering parts, and when making technical or warranty inquiries (see page 64 ).

Frame serial number:

Date purchased:

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CONTROLS

ENGINE SWITCH

To start and stop the engine.

Key position:

OFF: To stop the engine. Key can be removed/inserted. ON: To run the engine after starting.

START: To start the engine by operating the starter motor.

OFF ONSTART

ENGINE SWITCH

Return the key to the ON position once the engine has started. Do not use the starter for more than 5 seconds at a time. If the engine fails to start, release the switch and wait 10 seconds before operating the starter again.

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STARTER GRIP

Use the starter grip to start the engine in the event that the electric start system is malfunctioning (see page 35 ).

STARTER GRIP

Direction to pull

FUEL VALVE LEVER

The fuel valve is located on the control panel. When the fuel 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.

ON

OFF

FUEL VALVE LEVER

12

CHOKE KNOB

The choke knob opens and closes the choke valve in the carburetor.

Pulling the choke knob to the CLOSED position enriches the fuel mixture for starting a cold engine.

Pushing the choke knob to the OPEN position provides the correct fuel mixture for operation after starting, and for restarting a warm engine.

CHOKE KNOB

CLOSED OPEN

ECO-THROTTLETM SWITCH

The Eco-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 proper speed to power the electrical load.

If high electrical loads are connected simultaneously, turn the EcoThrottle switch to the OFF position to reduce voltage changes.

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

OFF: The Eco-Throttle system does not operate.

ECO-THROTTLE SWITCH

ON

OFF

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OUTPUT INDICATOR LIGHT

The output indicator light (green) is illuminated when the generator is operating normally. It indicates that the generator is producing electrical power at the receptacles.

OUTPUT

INDICATOR

LIGHT (GREEN)

OVERLOAD INDICATOR LIGHT

If the generator is overloaded (see page 63 ), or if there is a short circuit in a connected appliance, or if the inverter is overheated, the overload indicator light (red) will go ON. The overload indicator light (red) will stay ON, and after about four seconds, current to the connected appliance(s) will shut off, and the output indicator light (green) will go OFF.

OVERLOAD

INDICATOR

LIGHT (RED)

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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 indicator light comes on and the Oil Alert system will automatically stop the engine (the engine switch will remain in the ON position).

If the engine stops or the Oil Alert indicator light comes on when you turn the engine switch to START or pull the starter grip, check the engine oil level (see page 31) before troubleshooting in other areas.

OIL ALERT

INDICATOR

LIGHT

PARALLEL OPERATION OUTLETS

These outlets are used for connecting two EU3000is generators for parallel operation (see page 24). A Honda approved parallel operation kit (optional equipment) is required for parallel operation. This kit can be purchased from an authorized Honda generator dealer.

PARALLEL OPERATION

OUTLETS

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AC CIRCUIT PROTECTOR

The AC circuit protectors will automatically switch OFF if there is a short circuit or a significant overload of the generator at the 120V 20A receptacle or 120V 30A locking plug receptacle. If an AC 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 AC circuit protector ON.

AC CIRCUIT PROTECTOR for Receptacle

AC CIRCUIT PROTECTOR

120V 20A	AC CIRCUIT PROTECTOR	ON
	for Receptacle

OFF PUSH

120V 30A

DC RECEPTACLE

The DC receptacle should ONLY be used for charging 12-volt automotive type batteries. The DC charging output is not regulated.

DC CIRCUIT PROTECTOR

The DC circuit protector automatically shuts off the DC battery charging circuit when the DC charging circuit is overloaded, when there is a problem with the battery, or when the connections between the battery and the generator are improper.

DC CIRCUIT	OFF	PUSH
PROTECTOR
	ON

DC RECEPTACLE

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GROUND TERMINAL

The generator ground terminal is connected to the frame of the generator, the metal non-current-carrying parts of the generator, and the 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.

GROUND TERMINAL

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GENERATOR USE

CONNECTIONS TO A BUILDING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Connections for standby power to a building 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 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 not show the same ground circuit condition as for a home receptacle.

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SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Keep all cooling holes open and clear of debris, mud, water, etc. Cooling holes are located on the side panel, the control panel, and the bottom of the generator. If the cooling holes are blocked, the generator may overheat and damage the engine, inverter, or windings.

Do not lay the generator on its side when moving, storing, or operating it. Oil may leak and damage the engine or your property.

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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AC APPLICATIONS

Before connecting an appliance or power cord to the generator:

Make sure that it is in good working order. Faulty appliances or power cords can create a potential for electrical shock.

If an appliance begins to operate abnormally, becomes sluggish, or stops suddenly, turn it off immediately. Disconnect the appliance, and determine whether the problem is the appliance or the rated load capacity of the generator has been exceeded.

Make sure that 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.

Substantial overloading that continuously lights the overload indicator light (red) may damage the generator. Marginal overloading that temporarily lights the overload indicator light (red) may shorten the service life of the generator.

Limit operation requiring maximum power to 30 minutes. Maximum power is:

3.0 kVA

For continuous operation, do not exceed the rated power. Rated power is:

2.8 kVA

The total power requirements (VA) of all appliances connected must be considered. Appliance and power tool manufacturers usually list rating information near the model number or serial number.

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