The Honda EU3000iS is a 3000-watt generator with inverter technology that provides stable power for your computer, fridge, television, microwave oven or RV air conditioner. Our Honda EU3000iS review provides a summary, it answers many questions. It also discusses the controls and operation of this 3000-watt Honda inverter generator. We see whether it is the best 3000-watt inverter generator that money can buy.

Honda EU3000iS Inverter Generator: Summary

The Honda EU3000iS is more expensive than most other 3000-watt inverter generators, but it is more reliable and it produces less noise.

This Honda inverter generator model has a dry weight of 130 pounds which is too heavy for one person to move or carry. It needs at least two people (each grabbing a handle) to move, load and unload this 3000-watt Honda inverter generator.

It does not come with built-in wheels, but wheel kits are available. You can buy a wheel kit to make the generator easier to push around.

The Honda EU3000iS unfortunately does not have a remote starter. This is a modification you have to do at your own risk since Honda does not make a remote starter for the EU3000iS.

It is not a loud generator when you consider it has a 196cc engine. At full speed it is quieter than expected and it will not be too loud when camping out.

This Honda generator is a good entry-level choice for recreational vehicles. It can start and run up to a 13500 BTU air conditioner as well as the lights and the television. However, you might need to shut down the air conditioner if you want to use the microwave or the stove for cooking.

The Honda EU3000iS incorporates inverter technology to provide stable and reliable power for sensitive equipment such as computers.

The newer EU3000iS model now has the CO-MINDER feature that is an advanced carbon monoxide detection system. If it detects dangerous levels of carbon monoxide close to the generator, then it shuts down the generator automatically.

You might find online sellers and offers for the Honda EU3000iS on Amazon, although it seems like stock is either limited or second hand.

Does the Honda EU3000iS have a remote start kit?

Honda does not offer a remote start kit for the Honda EU3000iS generator. You might find a generic remote start kit and install it on the generator. However, if the remote start kit causes problems with the generator it cannot be claimed under the warranty. The installation is therefore at your own risk and for your own wallet.

What is the noise level when working at full speed?

Its noise level is 58 dBA when it is working at its rated power of 2800 watts, according to the specifications provided by Honda. Watch the video below to see a sound comparison between the Honda EU3000iS and the Yamaha EF3000iSEB.

Can it power a RV air conditioner?

Yes, it has enough surge power to start and run most 13500 BTU air conditioners. Do not use too many other appliances when the air conditioner is running, maybe just the lights and television.

Calculate the surge and rated power requirements of the air conditioner plus the other appliances you want to run and see what the total is. You could always turn off the air conditioner when you want to use the stove or microwave to be on the safe side. The generator has its own AC circuit protector which protects the generator against accidental overloading.

Can the 12V DC output power a phone charger or inverter?

The 12-volt DC output is not regulated and may only be used for charging automotive batteries. The DC receptacle cannot be used for any other 12-volt appliance or application.

How long can it run at rated output of 2800 watts?

It runs for approximately 7 hours at its rated power on a single tank of fuel before it needs to be refueled.

Are the handles the only way to move the generator?

No, it is not the only way to move the generator. Honda offers a swivel wheel kit for the EU3000iS inverter generator. The kit has small swivel wheels in the front and two slightly bigger wheels at the back. It seems easy enough to install (when the fuel tank is empty) and the wheels works well on hard surfaces. The wheels are too small for easy movement on rough surfaces such as grass or sand.

There is also another kit available: it is a 2-wheel kit with a telescoping handle. It has 8-inch rubber wheels at the front and a telescoping stainless steel handle at the back. This kit allows you to push the Honda EU3000iS generator forwards with the handles and the two front wheels.

What kind of plug outlets does the Honda EU3000iS have?

It has two 120V 20A receptacles and one 120V 30A locking plug receptacle, but it does not have 220V power outlets. It has one 12V, 12A, 144W DC output for charging automotive batteries.

How well does it run at high altitude?

The standard carburetor setup is for operation at altitudes lower than 5000 feet (1500 meters). If you always use the generator at an altitude higher than 5000 feet, then you should let a Honda service dealer modify the carburetor.

Above 5000 feet the air becomes too thin for the standard carburetor air-fuel mixture. The mixture will be too rich with fuel. The carburetor modification changes the air-fuel mixture to the correct ratio. However, the engine will still lose about 3.5% horsepower for every 1000-foot increase in altitude. This means that you might not be able to power the same loads at a high altitude that you could power at a low altitude.

Remember to let a Honda service dealer modify the carburetor again if you ever want to use it at altitudes lower than 5000 feet to prevent the engine from overheating due to a lean air-fuel mixture.

Is it possible to run the Honda EU3000iS on propane?

Yes, it is possible to install a tri-fuel conversion kit. However, it is not recommended by either Honda, the EPA or the CARB. If any part of the generator is damaged by the conversion to propane, that part will not be covered by the warranty.

Can you connect the EU3000iS and EU2000i in parallel?

It is not possible. You may only use two similar Honda generators in parallel operation. You can only connect two Honda EU3000iS inverter generators together for parallel power.

Engine Switch And Starter Grip

The engine switch manages the ignition system. It has three positions. You can insert or remove the engine switch key in the OFF position. You may start the engine in the ON position with the recoil start. Use the recoil starter grip if the battery does not have enough charge to start the engine. The engine also runs in the ON position. You can use the electric starter by turning the engine key to the START position. Turn it back to ON once the engine has started with the electric start. Turn the engine switch to the OFF position to stop the engine.

Fuel Valve Lever And Choke Knob

This lever lets the gasoline flow to the engine. Turn it to the ON position before starting the engine and turn it to the OFF position after shutting down the engine.

You may pull out the choke knob to the CLOSED position to decrease the amount of air in the air-fuel mixture for a richer mixture when trying to start a cold engine. You can push the choke knob back to the OPEN position once the engine is warmed up so the air-fuel mixture is mixed in its normal ratio.

Eco-Throttle System

The engine runs at its full speed when the Eco-Throttle is turned off, regardless of whether there is an appliance connected or not. If the Eco-throttle switch is turned on, then the engine speed drops if no load or a small load is connected to the generator. The engine speed increases quickly if a heavy load is connected. This helps to increase the fuel economy of the Honda EU3000iS by a significant amount. It also reduces engine noise when small loads are connected, making it a few decibels quieter.

To Use Or Not To Use The Eco-Throttle System

The Eco-Throttle can lead to better fuel consumption, and reduced noise levels, when it is turned on. It works well when the appliance load is not high.

It is better to turn off the Eco-Throttle when connecting an appliance that needs surge power to start its electric motor or compressor. Turn the Eco-Throttle switch off before connecting and turning on an appliance with surge power demand. Also, avoid turning on multiple appliances when the Eco-Throttle system is active.

Last but not least, keep the Eco-Throttle system OFF when you want to charge a battery with the DC output.

AC And DC Circuit Protector

The Honda EU3000iS has three AC outlets: two outlets for 120V 20A and one locking plug outlet for 120V 30A. The AC circuit protector switches off the flow of current from the outlets if the connected appliances exceed any of these outlet ratings. Check to see what the problem is before resetting the AC circuit protector to the ON position.

The DC circuit protector switches off if the DC battery charging circuit is overloaded by the battery. Troubleshoot the problem before resetting the DC circuit protector. Keep in mind that the DC protector does not prevent a battery from overcharging.

Indicator Lights

The topmost light is the output indicator light which shines green when the generator is running smoothly and producing normal current at the power outlets.

The indicator light in the middle is the overload indicator. It shines red when the generator is overloaded at more than 3 kVA. The current will be cut off after about 4 seconds of overloading and the green output indicator light will turn off. The engine will still run, but no current is being produced and sent to the appliances. You should recheck the current load of the appliances before resetting the AC circuit protector switches.

The bottom indicator light is for the oil alert system. The oil indicator light will shine red if the oil level in the crankcase falls below a certain minimum level. The engine will stop running to prevent possible damage due to insufficient oil.

What To Check Before Starting The Honda EU3000iS

• Is the generator at least three feet away from the nearest building?
• Is there enough empty space around generator for ventilation?
• Are there any flammable objects close to the generator?
• Is the engine switch turned off?
• Oil level sufficient?
• Air filter clean?
• Fuel level sufficient?
• Are the extension cords, plugs and appliances in good shape?
• Do the appliances exceed the rated or surge power of the generator?

How To Start The Honda EU3000iS

It might be difficult to start the generator if the appliances connected to the generator are turned on and trying to start in addition to the generator. Turn off the appliances before turning on the generator.

The next thing to do is to turn on the fuel valve, so the fuel can go to the carburetor and combustion chamber. Turn the Eco-Throttle switch off so that the engine can warm up more quickly. The engine is probably cold, so close the choke by pulling out the choke knob.

Now you can turn the engine switch all the way to the START position to engage the electric starter. Return the engine switch to the ON position when the engine has started. If the engine does not start after about 5 seconds, give it a rest for 10 seconds before using the electric starter again. This prevents the starter motor from overheating.

Please note that leaving the engine switch in the on position when the engine is not running will eventually discharge its internal battery. Remember to keep the engine switch in the OFF position when the generator is not being used.

You can follow the previous instructions and turn the engine switch to the ON position when you want to use the recoil starter. Pull the starter grip towards you, letting it return naturally to the housing without letting go of the starter grip. Keep doing this until the engine starts.

Open the choke knob by pushing it back once the engine is warmed up. The engine should be warmed up after running a few minutes. You may now press the Eco-Throttle switch to the ON position if you want to use it.

How To Start The EU3000iS If The Battery Is Dead

If the battery is dead, you can remove the battery, recharge it, replace the battery inside the generator and then use the electric starter.

However, if you do not have the time or are in the wrong place to recharge the battery, you can start the generator with its recoil start. Do this for manual starting:

• Turn off all the appliances connected to the generator.
• Fuel valve lever should be ON.
• If the engine is cold, then you might CLOSE the choke knob.
• Engine switch is ON.
• Pull the starter grip until the engine starts.
• Let the engine warm up before pushing the choke to the OPEN position.

How To Stop The Honda EU3000iS

You may dial the engine switch to the OFF position if you ever need to stop the engine in a hurry. If it is not an emergency shutdown, then you can start the stopping procedure by turning off or disconnecting all the appliances that you were powering with the Honda inverter generator. Now you may shut the engine off by turning the engine switch to the OFF setting. Remember to shut off the fuel valve lever.

Charging a Battery With The DC Receptacle

You may only use the DC outlet for charging a 12-volt automotive battery. Do not use the Eco-Throttle system while charging a battery because this will decrease the DC current output. Keep the Eco-Throttle switch off when using the DC receptacle.

AC Parallel Operation

You may connect two Honda EU3000iS inverter generators together with a Honda parallel operation cable kit. You plug the cables into the parallel operation outlets of the generators.

The parallel operation cable kit comes with its own instructions that you should follow to connect two EU3000iS inverter generators together. You can start the two generators once the parallel connection is secure. Check the output indicator light of the two generators to see if it is shining green. Plug in and turn on the appliance you want to run.

Do not try to connect two different model Honda generators together. It must be the exact same model for it to work safely and effectively. Buy and use only a Honda approved parallel operation cable kit.

It is important not to remove, or to connect, the parallel operation kit while the generators are running. If you want to use only one of the Honda EU3000iS generators, then remove the parallel operation kit before restarting the generator you want to use on its own.

The maximum power output of two Honda EU3000iS inverter generators working in parallel is 6 kVA. Do not run the generators at this high peak for more than a few minutes because it will decrease the service life. The rated power output of the two generators running in parallel is 5.6 kVA.

Honda EU3000iS Inverter Generator: Verdict

The Honda EU3000iS inverter generator is highly recommended. It might be heavy to move around, so it is worth installing the wheel kit. It is fuel efficient and can power the air conditioner of a smaller recreational vehicle, but maybe not a large RV. The Honda EU3000iS might be the best 3000-watt inverter generator on the market (find sellers on Amazon).

P.S. You might also read this review of the Generac iQ3500 portable inverter generator. Generac says that it beats Honda! They market the iQ3500 as being more powerful and quieter than the Honda EU3000iS.