Honda Power Equipment Expands Availability of Co-Minder

Honda EG2800i portable generator
The Honda EG2800i with the new CO detection system for generators.

Honda Power Equipment, a business unit of American Honda Motor Co. Inc., continues the rollout of its Co-Minder technology (CO detection system for generators) across its full line of portable generators. The company is adding three models to those now available with the advanced carbon monoxide (CO) detection system. These models are the EG2800i Economy Series unit, along with the EB2800i and EB6500 Industrial Series models. This system is designed to help protect users from injury or death from accidental CO poisoning. Previously, the company announced the integration of the Co-Minder system on its EU1000i, EU3000iS, EG4000 and EB10000 generators. Today, seven Honda Co-Minder models are on sale nationally with this technology. By the end of this year, all Honda portable generator models will feature the Co-Minder technology.

About the Launch

Honda launched its Co-Minder system for generators in July 2020. This is a bold move that strengthens the company’s ongoing commitment to Safety for Everyone. It also enhances the overall consumer experience concerning the operation of Honda Power Equipment products. The Honda Co-Minder system continuously measures carbon monoxide levels in the air near the generator. It then automatically shuts down the unit before detected CO reaches a dangerous level. The technology also incorporates a robust, fast-reacting sensor that continuously monitors for carbon monoxide in the air near the generator. If the sensor detects a CO level at or exceeding 800 parts per million (ppm) at a given time, or an average of 400 ppm for 10 minutes (per Portable Generators Manufacturers’ Association [PGMA] G300-2018 standards), it triggers the generator to shut down automatically.

“The Honda CO-MINDER carbon monoxide detection system exemplifies our corporate commitment to providing industry-leading products and safety features, and we proudly embrace our position as the industry’s first manufacturer committed to installing our advanced CO detection devices on 100 percent of our portable generators for commercial, residential and recreational applications,” said Will Walton, Vice President of Honda Power Equipment.

Spotlight on Newest Honda Co-Minder Generators

Positioned squarely for the budget-minded consumer, Honda Economy Series generators offer a ‘no-frills’ approach to backup power. All of this without sacrificing durability or performance.

  • The Honda EG2800i model is a reliable source of power for home backup and other portable power applications. It is the ideal choice for keeping the basics running. Equipment such as a refrigerator, freezer, furnace blower motor, several lights, microwaves and TVs during a power outage. The open-frame inverter (OFI) generator incorporates a number of advanced design features.
  • Powered by the Honda GC190 engine, the Honda EG2800i weighs in at a dry weight of less than 68 pounds and comes equipped with a 30 Amp/120 Volt receptacle for easy connection to a home transfer switch. The Honda EG2800i offers a maximum of 2,800 watts of electricity with a wave form distortion factor of less than five percent; the generator also is equipped with Eco Throttle that allows the generator to conserve fuel. It does this by varying engine speed to the optimum level (given usage load). Additionally, it improves fuel efficiency and maximizes run time. Moreover, a large 2.1-gallon gas tank provides 2 hours of operation per tankful of gas at rated load or 11.9 (E10) hours at ¼ load.

Contractors everywhere rely on Honda Industrial Series generators. These models have earned a leading reputation in the construction and rental industries for their rugged reliability and outstanding performance.

Honda E2800I OFI

The Honda EB2800i OFI model is a perfect power match for light construction applications. It delivers the contractor market reliable power for multiple tool use on the job site and more of what Honda customers have come to expect. Including quiet operation, high-quality power, fuel efficiency, and long run times in a lightweight, portable package.

At a dry weight of less than 68 pounds, the EB2800i portable generator is designed with the single worker in mind. It is light enough for one person to load and unload from a truck, operate, and carry around the job site. Even with its light weight, it still provides ample power for a variety of tools. Tools including small compressors, air circulation fans, large concrete drills, multiple hand tools, electric concrete vibrators, circular saws and battery chargers up to 2,800 watts. The Honda EB2800i, offers a maximum 2,800 watts of electricity with a wave form distortion factor of less than five percent. It also complies with current OSHA regulations while ensuring safe operation with ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected receptacles.

Honda EB6500

The Honda EB6500 generator provides 6,500 watts (120/240V) of backup power while incorporating premium features and benefits at an outstanding value. Powered by the Honda iGX390 commercial grade overhead valve (OHV) engine and supported by a heavy-duty frame, the Honda EB6500 features the iAVR Power advantage—a Honda Generator exclusive system that realizes a 50 percent reduction in voltage fluctuation over current AVR systems. For up to ten seconds, the Honda iAVR allows for increased wattage above the maximum rating. This is for starting high-amp load applications.

Honda EB6500

The Honda EB6500 boasts a long run time, (up to 9.8 [E10] hours at 50 percent load) for extended work hours, and a special muffler results in quiet sound levels of 64 dB(A) at 50 percent load and 67 dB(A) at rated load. In addition, the Honda EB6500 generator is equipped with a two-wheel kit and lift hook. It is also OSHA worksite compliant, meeting job site emission and safety requirements. The model also includes GFCI technology. It offers GFCI 20-amp duplex receptacles that protect a user from electrical shock by shutting down the circuit when current is flowing along an unintended path, or ground fault.

Honda Power Equipment will introduce the Co-Minder technology on the balance of its generator product line throughout the remainder of 2020. This including Honda Deluxe Series models.

Operating a Generator

Take it outside! As the only safe place to operate a portable generator, taking it outside is absolutely mandatory to keep your family safe from carbon monoxide. But there’s even more you can do. By educating yourself about all carbon monoxide risks, you’ll prepare yourself better to protect your family from this colorless, odorless threat. The Portable Generator Manufacturers’ Association (PGMA) provides a fact sheet and website dedicated to safe portable generator operation. The information can be found at www.takeyourgeneratoroutside.com.

About Honda Power Equipment

Honda Power Equipment, a business unit of American Honda Motor Co. Inc., markets a complete range of outdoor power equipment. The line includes outboard marine engines, general purpose engines, generators, walk-behind and robotic lawn mowers. Additionally, Honda produces pumps, snow blowers, tillers and trimmers for commercial, rental and residential applications.

Lightweight, compact Honda generators for commercial and consumer applications produce between 1,000 and 10,000 watts of power. This provides smooth, dependable power for recreation, construction, rental, computers, appliances and emergency use. Advanced Honda 4-stroke engines power all Honda generators. The generators also incorporate technology that make them among the world’s quietest. Honda generators for typical residential use average 64-73 decibels. The Super Quiet Series operates at noise levels as low as 49 decibels—roughly the noise level in a private office. All Honda generator models meet 50 state exhaust and evaporative regulations also.

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