Honda EU3000i - 2800 Watt Portable Inverter Generator (50 state model)

Q: What is the difference between the Honda EB, EM and EU generators?

by Thomas W Murphy from Wisconsin on June 26, 2014

A: Thanks for your inquiry.

The Honda EU series is considered the "Super Quiet" series and range from 1,000 watts to 7,000 watts. These units are totally enclosed and primarily used for recreational purposes.

The Honda EB series are considered "Industrial" and range from 3,000 watts to 10,000 watts. These units have Full GFCI protected outlets to meet OSHA standards on jobsites.

The Honda EM series are considered the "Deluxe" series and range in 4,000 watts to 6,500 watts. These units have electric start and are primarily used for home backup.

by Jared, Product Expert

Q: I was interested in buying the Generac GP17500E. I did my homework and believe it is the one for me. The questions I have are:

1. Can I convert it to propane?

2. How long will a 15lb propane tank last on this generator if I'm not powering the whole house and just the bare necessities?

Thank you Ryan
by Ryan from New York on October 16, 2013

A: Thanks for your inquiry.

We at Power Equipment Direct do not recommend converting your gasoline portable generator to an alternative fuel and doing so will void the manufacturer’s warranty and may cause damage to the generator itself. These conversions are not recommended by any of the generator manufacturers.

Gasoline has an Ignition Point of 475–536 °F. When a generator is manufactured to run solely on gasoline these temperatures are taken into consideration and the engine components are made to handle these temperatures.

Propane (LP) has an Ignition Point of 920-1020°F and Natural Gas (NG) has an Ignition Point of 900–1500°F. These higher temperatures will cause damage over time on any “gas only” powered engine.

The following guidelines cover Honda engines (Also applies to other engine manufacturers) modified to run on fuels other than the one for which they were designed, such as converting an engine to run on propane (LP) or natural gas (NG).


• Honda gasoline engines are certified to operate on unleaded fuel with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher, containing no more than 10% ethanol (E10).

• Any change to the original configuration of a certified Honda engine is a potential violation of the Clean Air Act prohibition against tampering (40 CFR §1068.101(b)(1)). The tampering prohibition is important because poorly designed and installed modifications can increase emissions.

• The Clean Air Act prohibits anyone from removing or rendering inoperative any device or design element installed on engines in compliance with regulations. These actions are considered tampering, which carries a civil penalty up to $37,500 for each engine or equipment in violation.

• Engines converted by a third party (OEM, dealer, converter, etc.) to run on a different fuel type must be recertified with the EPA on the new fuel to comply with applicable emission standards. The third party must recertify under a new family and notify Honda to not include the modified engines in the original family.

• Converted engines to be sold for use in California must meet CARB requirements and the converter must obtain approval from CARB. EPA certificates or tampering exemptions will not satisfy the requirement for CARB certification.

• Once certified, the third party must remove the Honda emission control label and apply a compliant emission control label for the new fuel indicating the new certifying manufacturer. Honda will no longer assume any responsibility as the certifying manufacturer.

• The Honda Distributor's Limited Warranty does not extend to parts affected or damaged by the conversion to or use of fuel other than the fuel for which the engine was originally designed.


• Honda offers V-twin engines specifically designed and certified for use in LP/NG applications. The engines incorporate special design features that address the higher combustion temperatures and reduced lubrication to the valve guide area (since it is a dry fuel, not liquid). Please contact your sales representative or distributor for additional information.


Disclaimer: The guidance provided is intended for Honda dealer/distributor informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You must contact the appropriate certifying agencies if you require information on how regulations apply to your specific application.

The regulations and additional information can be found at these web sites:

EPA - EPA

CARB - CARB


The run times will always vary based on the actual load put on the generator.



by Jared, Product Expert

Q: When running this generator, all appliances run good except hot water heater and battery charger. They both show reversed polarity. But they work good when hooked to shore power. What could cause this?
by Danny from North Carolina on September 30, 2013

A: Thank you for your interest in Electric Generators Direct!

The problem that you have described is actually quite common. By the sound of it, you are operating this portable generator without first providing an earthen ground. Your system works properly while on shore power because that ground is present. In order to rectify this issue, you will want to drive a copper rod several feet into the earth and run a short pig tail from the ground terminal on the generator to the rod.

You will want to refer to the owners manual for the manufacturer's pre-operation checklist and recommended operating instructions.

Owner's Manual
by Jared, Product Expert

Q: Is there a way i can get a manual for my Honda generator?
by James Wetzel from Wisconsin on June 20, 2012

A: Here is the owner's manual link for the Honda generators....

Honda Generator Manuals
by Jared, Product Expert