The Yamaha EF2400iSHC is a portable inverter generator with a 4-stroke gasoline engine. It can provide surge wattage of 2400 watts and running wattage of 2000 watts. Our Yamaha EF2400iSHC review starts with a summary of its performance before answering questions about its controls, features and operation.

Yamaha EF2400iSHC Inverter Generator: Summary

This portable generator has an inverter that provides clean power for running sensitive equipment such as televisions and computers. It has enough power for a microwave oven, hair dryer, refrigerator or freezer.

The Yamaha EF2400iSHC inverter generator might have a small problem. Its electronic Smart Throttle system cannot be turned on or off with a manual switch. There is no switch on the control panel or anywhere else. Therefore, the Smart Throttle is always on.

This might not be such a big issue, but sometimes you might want the engine to run continuously at its normal revolutions without constantly adjusting the engine speed or surge wattage. If you want to power outdoor entertainment equipment such as powerful DJ speakers, then get a generator which has a manual on/off switch for its fuel economy mode.

The positive aspects of the Yamaha EF2400iSHC inverter generator are its excellent weight to wattage ratio, its quality construction, its quiet operation, its gasoline petcock to shut off the gasoline and its visible fuel gauge (check availability on Amazon).

Does the Yamaha EF2400iSHC have a 4-stroke engine?

It has a 4-stroke, 171cc, single cylinder, OHV, air cooled engine that runs on gasoline. The oil and gasoline are not mixed together. You add gasoline into the fuel tank. You pour the oil into the engine oil pan. The Yamaha EF2400iSHC generator is CARB-compliant and can be sold in 50 states.

How big is the fuel tank?

The Yamaha EF2400iSHC generator has a fuel tank capacity of 1.6 gallons. It can probably run for about 3 hours at its rated load of 2000 watts before needing a refuel. The engine runs on regular unleaded gasoline. Never use gasoline that contains lead.

How much does it weigh?

It has a dry weight, meaning no fuel or oil, of 75 pounds. The Yamaha EF2400iSHC has a strong, but lightweight, frame made from die-cast aluminum. It has two handlebars that make it possible for one strong person to carry it a short distance. It is easier for two persons to carry it: each person grabs a handlebar.

Does it have an electric starter?

The Yamaha EF2400iSHC unfortunately does not have an electric starter. You start it by pulling the handle and cord of the recoil start. It starts up easily with the recoil start. It might start easily for many years to come if you maintain the engine, spark plug and use the correct oil as well as fuel.

How much power does it produce?

Its AC surge power output is 2400 watts while its AC rated power output is 2000 watts. The AC plug panel provides two 16.7-amp (rated) or 20-amp (surge) AC receptacles at 120 volts. The single DC output provides a current of 12 volts (8 amps) for charging automotive batteries. Take note that a 12-volt DC charging cable is included with the Yamaha EF2400iSHC generator.

Can two EF2400iSHC generators be connected in parallel?

The Yamaha EF2400iSHC unfortunately does not have the ability to be connected in parallel to provide a combined power output. It does not have parallel operation receptacles on its control panel.

Does the Yamaha EF2400iSHC make a lot of noise?

Its noise level is stated to be 60 dBA when producing power at its rated load of 2000 watts. You can hear it running, but it is not annoyingly loud. Its relative quietness, even at full load, is one of its best features.

Can it run a small air conditioner?

It seems that Yamaha does not recommend the EF24000iSHC for powering air conditioners. Even so, a few people have run small air conditioners with this Yamaha inverter generator. It might start the electric motor of a small, efficient 9000 BTU RV air conditioner without overloading its maximum surge AC output of 2400 watts.

Can it start a 13500 BTU RV air conditioner?

Some owners say that the Yamaha EF2400iSHC is able to start and run the 13500 BTU air conditioner of a recreational vehicle. We are not entirely convinced. It might be safer to use a 3000-watt inverter generator instead for such air conditioners (read our Yamaha EF3000iSEB review).

You might install a hard start capacitor if you want to run a 13500 BTU RV air conditioner with the Yamaha EF2400iSHC generator. Nevertheless, you would be pushing this 2400-watt inverter generator to its limits and this might decrease its service life.

Control Panel

The control panel of the Yamaha EF2400iSHC inverter generator has an engine switch, DC protector switch, oil warning light, AC pilot light, overload indicator light, AC receptacle, DC receptacle and a ground earth terminal.

Engine Switch

This little switch has two positions: ON or STOP. Press it to the ON position when you want to start and run the engine of the generator. Press it to the STOP position to stop the engine. The engine will not run if it is in the STOP position.

Oil Warning Light

The oil warning light will shine red when the oil level drops too low. The engine stops automatically when this happens. Please note that the engine will not start if the oil level is insufficient. You should add engine oil to the maximum level before starting the engine.

DC Protector

Direct current is put out when the switch is in the ON position. The DC protector automatically turns OFF if there is a problem with the flow of the current. Press the DC protector button to ON if you have solved the problem and want to continue charging the battery.

Fuel Level Gauge

There is a small fuel gauge below the fuel tank cap. Its indicator moves between F and E (full and empty). This is a nice little feature that is absent from many inverter generators.

Engine Oil

The Yamaha EF2400iSHC generator is shipped without engine oil. You need to add 0.6 liter (0.63 US quart) oil before using the generator. Use an engine oil grade of API service SE type or higher.

Here are the recommended engine oils for the Yamaha EF2400iSHC generator:

• Use SAE 10W oil when running the generator in temperatures below zero degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Utilize SAE #20 in temperatures between zero and 25 degrees Celsius (32 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Make use of SAE #30 when temperatures are mostly above 25 degrees Celsius (above 80 degrees Fahrenheit).
• You might also use Yamalube 4 (10W-40).

How To Start And Stop The Yamaha EF2400iSHC

Do not run the generator in an enclosed space such as inside a house, garage or garden shed. Exhaust smoke contains carbon monoxide, which can cause unconsciousness and death within a few minutes of inhalation. Here is a list of things to check and do when starting the generator:

• Remember to check the fuel gauge and the oil level.
• Do not connect electrical devices to the receptacles.
• You can now turn the fuel cock lever to the ON position.
• Pull the choke lever out to enrich the air/fuel mixture for easier starting.
• Push the engine switch to the ON position.
• Use the recoil starter to start the engine.
• Let the engine run for a minute and then push back the choke lever when the engine is warmed up and running smoothly.

How do you stop the Yamaha EF2400iSHC generator? First, you need to disconnect all electrical devices from the generator outlets. You may then stop the engine by pressing the engine switch to the STOP position. Go ahead and close the fuel cock lever: turn it to the OFF position.

AC And DC Connections

Make sure that the electrical device you want to connect is turned off before you plug it into the AC outlet. Start the engine and plug the appliance into the AC receptacle. Check if the AC pilot light is green. You may now turn on the electric device.

The overload indicator light will shine red if the AC circuit is being overloaded by the connected appliances or if the inverter unit becomes too hot. This overload activates the electronic circuit breaker, which stops the generation of current. The engine is not automatically turned off, so it continues to run. Turn off all the connected appliances and stop the engine if the breaker trips. Reduce the total wattage of the appliances being used.

Please note that the AC output electronic breaker automatically resets when you stop and restart the engine.

The generator has a DC voltage of 12 volts. Start the engine and keep the DC protector in the ON position before you attempt to connect a battery for DC charging.

Important: do not try to charge a valve regulated lead acid battery with the Yamaha EF2400iSHC generator.

Yamaha EF2400iSHC: Verdict

The Yamaha EF2400iSHC is surprisingly quiet, a little heavy, good quality, easy to start and great for smaller power needs. It packs a few extra surge watts into a portable package (view it on Amazon).