How can i test the power output of my Honda 2000i?

[Damdifino]

I suspect my Honda 2000i isnt putting out optimium power. For example, it labors hard to run an 1875 watt hair dryer, even when it's the only thing connected. Same with a 1400 watt air popcorn maker. Is there a direct way to test the power output with a meter, etc?

[Huntindog]

All generators have limits. You have found yours.
It is operating normally.

If you want more power.... You need to pair another 2000 with it, or get a bigger one.

[ktmrfs]

MrWizard wrote:
Honda 2000i
continuous is adv stated 1600w

13.3a at 120 = 1596

put the hair dryer on medium or low, might need a new hair dryer with more settings, or a lesser Max heat level

and also remember these are sea level ratings
if you like the mountains or high desert, the max output available from the Honda will be LESS than 1600

same goes for hot days 100+ temps will derate/lower the max output for overload

its NOT a 2000w generator
at its best it is 1600 VA aka Volt Amps, with a pure resistive load

and unless you plugged in the hair dryer or pop corn machine via extension cord, there are OTHER additional loads, like the converter
and even the fridge , IF you have it on automatic instead of manual LP setting

try your popcorn machine using an extension cord with the generator

exactly. and FWIW it will run at 1600VA at sea level continously. somewhere around 1800VA it will shut down after 30 minutes or less, 2000VA is good for a few seconds at best.

above sea level it may have trouble giving 1600VA continously.

[road-runner]

If you really want to test the output, you need to be able to measure it. A kill-a-watt meter is up to the job. The way I do it is to get close to the 1600 VA continuous rating, then add different size incandescent lamps to the load while monitoring the output. Forget the ratings of the load devices, they're all voltage dependent. That 1875 watt hair dryer rating is at 125 volts, which the eu2000i will not be producing with that big a load. As you increase the load past 1600 VA you'll find that the output power starts trending down because the voltage goes down. My observation is that once the voltage at the the eu2000i outlet goes under 115, you've reached maximum power output. You can pull more amps by increasing the load, but the voltage will drop such the the power output goes down. With an 1875 watt hair dryer as the only load, my eu2000i outputs 122.6 volts, 14.05 amps, 1720 watts.

[Damdifino]

time2roll wrote:
1875 is in the surge capacity good for 30 minutes.
I do hope your hair is dry by then.

Lol! I'm neither drying my hair nor popping corn. Just using those appliances to apply a load on the genny.

[corvettekent]

I got tired of running outside to start the Honda generator in the morning so I installed a 2000 watt inverter. Now the wife can turn on the inverter and dry her hair.

[time2roll]

1875 is in the surge capacity good for 30 minutes.
I do hope your hair is dry by then.

[TomG2]

Boon Docker wrote:
Actually at 1850 watts the generator is running at 115 percent of it's 1600 watt continuous capacity.

Surprised the little generator did not run backward with such a load.

Every portable generator I looked at has a surge and running watts rating whether they were made in Omaha or the Orient.

[Boon_Docker]

Actually at 1850 watts the generator is running at 115 percent of it's 1600 watt continuous capacity.

[Chum_lee]

When it comes to specifications, . . . generally:


The large print and graphics are written/drawn by the sales, marketing, and advertising departments.

The small print is written by the engineers.

Chum lee

[Chum_lee]

When it comes to specifications, . . . generally:


The large print and graphics are written/drawn by the sales, marketing, and advertising departments.

The small print is written by the engineers.

Chem lee

[Walaby]

Ditch the hair dryer. We're camping, not getting ready for a date!

yeah, I can see where a 1850 watt appliance would be a strain for a 2000 watt power source. You're at (actually slightly above) 90 percent capacity.

Mike

[MrWizard]

Honda 2000i
continuous is adv stated 1600w

13.3a at 120 = 1596

put the hair dryer on medium or low, might need a new hair dryer with more settings, or a lesser Max heat level

and also remember these are sea level ratings
if you like the mountains or high desert, the max output available from the Honda will be LESS than 1600

same goes for hot days 100+ temps will derate/lower the max output for overload

its NOT a 2000w generator
at its best it is 1600 VA aka Volt Amps, with a pure resistive load

and unless you plugged in the hair dryer or pop corn machine via extension cord, there are OTHER additional loads, like the converter
and even the fridge , IF you have it on automatic instead of manual LP setting

try your popcorn machine using an extension cord with the generator

[MEXICOWANDERER]

As a minor assistant amateur Pacific War historian, I can tell you both the Japanese and the Chinese "Tell You What You Want To Hear".

This is a lot more polite than what first comes to mind.

[naturist]

I agree with the others. There are two wattage ratings to every generator, surge and continuous, and the former is always higher than the latter. I think you'll find the 2,000 watt rating on the Hondas is for surge, and if I remember correctly, the continuous is 1800 watts. You are putting an 1875 watt continuous load on that generator, and I'd expect it to be taxed. I'm surprised it doesn't kick itself offline.