Honeywell™ Engine "The Big-Bore" with Electric Start •337cc OHV engine is designed for increased power and durability
Sound Filtered Oversized Muffler •Assures quiet portable power generator operation
Smart Start™ •Includes color-coded starting controls and 24-hour support
Power and Security •Durable generator is backed by a 3-year limited warranty
Electronics Friendly SurePower™ Alternator •Provides voltage-regulated power
Comfort and Convenience •Simplified power control center and bonus 20' 4-in-1 power cord •Never-flat wheels •High-leverage handle for easy mobility •First liter of oil with a funnel to pour it •12vdc start battery included
I am torn between a 5500 and 7500 Honeywell. I live in Massachusetts, 1800 sq foot house. The generator would be for emergencies, I plan on installing a transfer panel and power 5 lights, my fridge, stove, oven, water heater, and steam heat.
They would not all be running at once, can I get by with the 5500???
Thanks
Ben Johnson by Ben Johnson from Massachusetts on March 09, 2011
A: It is best to up-size a generator to prevent issues with voltage. Proper sizing of the generator is based on 80% of the generators running capacity, so when a large load kicks in the unit has enough flexibility to handle it and still provide clean voltage output.
Self-excited generators respond to severe overloading differently than the power line. When overloaded, the engine is not able to supply enough power to bring the electric motor up to operating speed. The generator responds with high initial starting current, but the engine speed drops sharply. The overload may stall the engine. If allowed to operate at very low speeds, the electric motor starting winding will burn out in a short time. The generator winding might also be damaged. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: who services Honeywell generators in the rochester NY area ( zip 14526) by Linda from New York on January 24, 2011
A: The following link will help you find a service center in your area.
Ordered on Wed and delivered on Mon. R&L delivery guy was on time and using his dolly, rolled the generator into my garage. This new generator replaced a 25yr old Honda 2200 watt generator. I upgraded because during the last power outage it was in the 20's and I couldn't run my fridge, lights, and a heater all at he same time.
Adding the wheels and handle were no problem but the funnel shipped with the generator was not adequate to add the oil. You defiantly need a funnel with a long or flexible neck. The generator started right up. A week after receiving the new generator the power went out for 5 hours and I had no problem rolling it out, connecting it up, and starting it.
Overall, a good experience ordering and delivery with EDG.
Ordered on Wed and delivered on Mon. R&L delivery guy was on time and using his dolly, rolled the generator into my garage. This new generator replaced a 25yr old Honda 2200 watt generator. I upgraded because during the last power outage it was in the 20's and I couldn't run my fridge, lights, and a heater all at he same time.
Adding the wheels and handle were no problem but the funnel shipped with the generator was not adequate to add the oil. You defiantly need a funnel with a long or flexible neck. The generator started right up. A week after receiving the new generator ... more
February 22, 2011
Richard Bedford, NH
Prompt Delivery & Easy Setup
I needed a power source for the house when the rare ice or wind storm took out the power. The wife's poor health means I couldn't lose power.
The delivery was prompt, and the setup was easy. It started right up with the electric start. I ran it with no load for 15 minutes, then, after a good visual, ran it with a load (space heater) for 30 minutes.
As others have mentioned, it is noisy, but that should be expected. Now I need to wire the house so I can use it to run the heat and well.
February 19, 2011
Marcia Ames, IA
Why I need a generator!!!
In August of 2010 in our area (Ames, Iowa) the rains came and then more rain came. I was sewing in my basement and the lights went out. I knew immediately we were going to be in trouble with the sump pump because of the amount of rain coming. I have a battery back up on the sump pump but that was not keeping up.
So, for 45 minutes until the lights returned, I bailed water from the sump pump hole to the sanitary sewer drain. Fortunately, the lights returned just before I had to surrender. I was quickly being overwhelmed with rain water.
So, we have shopped for a generator and eventually found Generator Direct We were very pleased with our purchase. Delivery was great, the man was able to put the box in the exact location. With my plumber's help in getting the electrical work done, we fired it up (kind of a party like atmosphere) and we are now ready for next central Iowa downpour. Thanks
In August of 2010 in our area (Ames, Iowa) the rains came and then more rain came. I was sewing in my basement and the lights went out. I knew immediately we were going to be in trouble with the sump pump because of the amount of rain coming. I have a battery back up on the sump pump but that was not keeping up.
So, for 45 minutes until the lights returned, I bailed water from the sump pump hole to the sanitary sewer drain. Fortunately, the lights returned just before I had to surrender. I was quickly being overwhelmed with rain water.
Bought this generator based on reviews, Honeywell name, and being well priced. Searched several generator distributors and electric generators direct was the best priced as well as service and shipment.
Only issue was the first start-up had trouble starting. But was fine once it started. It was -20 degrees that day. Runs great and surprisingly quiet. Would recommend this generator to customers.
January 29, 2011
Bernard Inverness, FL
I Really Like It
I suppose there might be some way that this generator could be improved upon, but I don't know how. I'm 80 and got a friend (77) to help me assemble it.
2 things, though:
All the assembly except the battery was metrics... I screwed up the hex on the hot terminal before I realized it was not metric.
We had to tip it up about 30 degrees on its side to put the oil in.
One other minor thing... the handle of the in-line fuel shutoff is at right angles to the function... unusual.
January 25, 2011
Allen Moog Lake View, AR
Very Pleased
I had another generator and used it for 5 days straight. But it got sick this year and I couldn't get it started so I started looking for one I could get service near.
My wife is on oxygen and I have to do home dialysis and have to keep my fluids warm,so service is very important. I got it put together in a short time and it started right up and ran fine.
We haven't needed it yet but it feels good to know it's there if we need it I have a low amp battery charger on it . I like the tires as they will never go flat. (the other one I had to keep airing the tires up) Everything went together fine and no missing parts.
I'm very pleased with it so far.
I had another generator and used it for 5 days straight. But it got sick this year and I couldn't get it started so I started looking for one I could get service near.
My wife is on oxygen and I have to do home dialysis and have to keep my fluids warm,so service is very important. I got it put together in a short time and it started right up and ran fine.
We haven't needed it yet but it feels good to know it's there if we need it I have a low amp battery charger on it . I like the tires as they will never go flat. (the other one I had to keep airing the tires u... more
January 03, 2011
Mark Lanz Bothell, WA
Great Generator, Best Price, Fast Delivery
Last year we spent several shivering days waiting for the utility company to restore power. I have learned these last six decades that if you want anything done right, do it yourself and if you can't do it yourself it's probably not worth doing.
This year I purchased this electric start generator, so even if I am not here, my wife can wheel it out of the garage, crank it up, attach the included cord, (great thought), and have overnight power.
Great generator, best price, fast delivery. Thank you for a great product.
December 30, 2010
Walt Tyree Crab Orchard, WV
Reliance Control Panel and Honeywell HW5500E
Easy to follow instructions. Very good system. When power goes out, just start the generator then flip switches to power home. I power everything except for hot water heater, furnace and dryer with a 5500 watt generator. Can easily turn off and on circuits to power loads as needed.
When power is restored just flip the switches to line and turn off generator. I also got the flush wall mount and like it, but it does not make this panel fully flush with the wall. I recommend this as there is no need for extension cords for items like the refrigerator. It can be powered without pulling it out and unplugging the power cords.
Honeywell generator easy to assemble - Started with no problems - Electric Start is awesome! So Far VERY pleased with the performance!
Easy to follow instructions. Very good system. When power goes out, just start the generator then flip switches to power home. I power everything except for hot water heater, furnace and dryer with a 5500 watt generator. Can easily turn off and on circuits to power loads as needed.
When power is restored just flip the switches to line and turn off generator. I also got the flush wall mount and like it, but it does not make this panel fully flush with the wall. I recommend this as there is no need for extension cords for items like the refrigerator. It can be powered wit... more
November 13, 2010
Sarah Yorktown, VA
The Jury Is Still Out But...
We have an inflatables business-you know bounce houses, giant slides etc. This generator was purchased to help with those jobs and because of the electric start. I am mom to 5 kiddos, and often my oldest son will not be with me to start the generator. Recoil start is just not an option.
That said, we ordered the generator and it arrived within the specified time-which was great because I made the mistake of waiting until the last minute before a big work weekend where the generator was needed- to order it.
Aside from missing 2 screws, everything else was in the box. It was put together and the instructions were fairly easy to understand. Once it was assembled we filled it with gas and fired it it right up.
We were able to run 5 large inflatables effortlessly for almost 10 hours before we needed to add fuel.
If we need another one, we will purchase this one again.
We have an inflatables business-you know bounce houses, giant slides etc. This generator was purchased to help with those jobs and because of the electric start. I am mom to 5 kiddos, and often my oldest son will not be with me to start the generator. Recoil start is just not an option.
That said, we ordered the generator and it arrived within the specified time-which was great because I made the mistake of waiting until the last minute before a big work weekend where the generator was needed- to order it.
Aside from missing 2 screws, everything else was in the bo... more
August 03, 2010
Raj Triyambak Milwaukee, WI
Peace of mind worth the cost
The generator was shipped and delivered promptly.
Taking it out of box and installing the wheels required two people. Instructions were easy to follow, and it started on the first try (electric switch).
It's heavier and louder than I anticipated.
There was a huge storm in Milwaukee one week after I got the generator. The generator came in handy to keep my sump pumps going.
The peace of mind is worth the cost.
July 22, 2010
Bobby Haberman Wurtsboro, NY
So Far So Good
My order was delivered as promised. The free lift gate and shipping was great. The driver unloaded the generator with a pallet jack and left it right where I requested.
The only problem was a mis-communication about delivery time. It rained on and off so I covered the box with plastic the first night. I opened the box, confirmed all parts where included, and read the set up manual.
I was alone and was able to attach the wheel kit and add the oil that was included. *Please note that a long neck funnel makes the oil job easier.
I connected the battery and added gas. I was told to pull the cord a couple of times to get the oil moving I don't think it's necessary since the factory starts every generator before it ships. I then pressed the electric start switch after I pulled the choke out and it started within 2 cranks.
I was surprised that the generator was pretty quiet, about the noise level of my lawn mower- maybe less. I read some of the reviews before buying this model; some said they were disappointed by the noise level, I'm not.
I'm waiting for my electrician to finish my electric hookup. So, like I said, so far so good.
I'm pleased with the price, the product, and the service from Electric Generators Direct. Once the generator is hooked up and in use I will do a followup.
If you need a generator please consider Electric Generators Direct- not many companies offer superior customer service and support, following up with a real interest in their customers needs and satisfaction.
My order was delivered as promised. The free lift gate and shipping was great. The driver unloaded the generator with a pallet jack and left it right where I requested.
The only problem was a mis-communication about delivery time. It rained on and off so I covered the box with plastic the first night. I opened the box, confirmed all parts where included, and read the set up manual.
I was alone and was able to attach the wheel kit and add the oil that was included. *Please note that a long neck funnel makes the oil job easier.
I am in outside sales for a wholesale distributor. I know we do a lot of things right or we would not be the second largest in our industry. However, you far surpass my company in service and information.
I shared my experience with our home office operations people, hoping that we can upgrade our service level to approach yours. In short, you far exceeded my expectations!
By the way, the generator is great as well.
July 07, 2010
John Price Billings, MT
Honeywell HW5500E - 5500 Watts Portable Home Generator with Electric Start Review
Since I ordered this generator to replace one that was stolen, I thought I would upgrade a little.
I figured electric start would be a nice option, but had no idea the generator would be so big.
Our last one was a Coleman Powermate 5000 watt, and me and my wife could put it in the back of our pickup quite easily.
Since we purchased it for camping, it gets lifted in and out of the pickup every time we go camping. Since it is too large for her to lift, it has never been used, and most likely never will.
It seems like a great machine, but we've never done anything but start it up when we got it. It is nice, but too big for our purposes.
EGD RESPONSE: This model is primarily designed for backing up your home during a power outage. Simply add either a manual transfer switch or lots of extension cords, you'll be protected from the next black out.
Since I ordered this generator to replace one that was stolen, I thought I would upgrade a little.
I figured electric start would be a nice option, but had no idea the generator would be so big.
Our last one was a Coleman Powermate 5000 watt, and me and my wife could put it in the back of our pickup quite easily.
Since we purchased it for camping, it gets lifted in and out of the pickup every time we go camping. Since it is too large for her to lift, it has never been used, and most likely never will.
The generator seems to perform well, handling multiple devices and appliances from multiple outlets.
It starts quickly when cold, but takes a little coaxing to get restarted when warm. I was hoping it would be a little quieter.
April 06, 2010
E. Burrus Nowata, OK
Appears to be very well built
I purchased this 5500E for the outages in electricity that we have in this part of the country due to summer storms and winter ice storms.
I have not had to use it yet but it started immediately when I checked it out.
Ordering was simple and delivery was quick. Since I will use it infrequently I was pleased with the 3 year guarantee since most generators seem to have only a one year guarantee.
This appears to be a very well built generator.
February 12, 2009
Mike Reid Louisville, KY
Best Generator For The Money
I bought this unit after ice storm for peace of mind.
Delivery from Electric Generators Direct.com was prompt, and R&L was a great choice for shipper.
Assembly was simple and startup was a breeze. I got the best price on electric start generator anywhere- worth the cost.
May 28, 2008
Tony Weir Bolingbrook, IL
Easy Machine
All the benefits of the HW5500 but with the sought after electric start feature. If you start and stop your generator frequently or have any physical ailments, this model is ideal for you.
Note the highlighted in yellow operator controls. All touch points are coded yellow to make them visible for a non-confusing generator experience. And, your shoulder will like the e-start feature too!