Which generator delivers more running wattage, the Onan P2500i or the EU2200i?

Cummins Onan P2500i delivers higher continuous output with 2200 running watts on gasoline.

Is the Onan P2500i quieter than the EU2200i?

Honda EU2200i is quieter at 50% load, measured at 51 dBA at 23 feet.

Which model is better suited for a whole home transfer switch interlock?

Cummins Onan P2500i features a factory floating neutral ready for standard transfer switch hookup without modification.

ReaLoadREVIEWS

Home Backup & Portable Power Guide

ReaLoad Engineering Benchmark

Cummins Onan P2500i vs. Honda EU2200i

Highlight Differences

Fuel Benchmark:

Elevation:

ReaLoad Technical Verdict & Engineering Dossier

Motor Surge & HVAC Starting

Honda EU2200i delivers 2,200W surge, sufficient for a 3.5-Ton central A/C with soft-starter. Inverters under 7,500W surge will trip breaker overcurrent protection on direct compressor starts.

72-Hour Fuel Logistics

At 50% load over 72 hours, continuous gasoline generators consume ~56 gallons (11x 5-gallon cans). Direct utility Natural Gas hookup eliminates fuel storage degradation, winter freezing, and gas station queues.

NEC 250.20 Neutral Bonding

Cummins has factory floating neutral, safely compliant with 3-pole transfer switches and manual panel interlocks without ground loop faults.

Natural Gas Leader

Honda EU2200i

1,440 W running on NG (+1440 W lead)

Acoustic Winner

Honda EU2200i

48 dBA at 23ft (-4 dBA quieter)

Easiest Home Hookup

Cummins Onan P2500i

Floating Neutral (Home Interlock Ready)

Best $/Running Watt

Cummins Onan P2500i

$0.32/W ($699)

Technical Specification	Enclosed Inverter Cummins Onan P2500i $699Read Review	Enclosed Inverter Honda EU2200i $1,199Read Review
Running Watts Power Output	2,200 WBest	1,800 W
Peak Starting Surge Power Output	2,500 WBest	2,200 W
240V Output Amps Power Output	9.2 ABest	7.5 A
Sine Wave Purity Power Quality	<1.7% THD (Pure Sine)	<1.4% THD (Pure Sine)Best
Fuel Burn (25%) Fuel Consumption	0.16 GPH	0.12 GPHBest
Fuel Burn (50%) Fuel Consumption	0.28 GPH	0.19 GPHBest
Runtime (25% Load) Fuel Consumption	10 HoursBest	8.1 Hours
Fuel Tank Capacity Fuel Consumption	1 GallonsBest	0.95 Gallons
14-50R 50A Outlet Outlets & Receptacles	None (Use Adapter)Best	None (Use Adapter)Best
L14-30R 30A Outlet Outlets & Receptacles	None	1x NEMA L14-30R (30A)Best
TT-30R RV Outlet Outlets & Receptacles	NoneBest	NoneBest
5-20R Duplex Outlets Outlets & Receptacles	1x NEMA 5-20R Duplex	2x NEMA 5-20R DuplexBest
Engine Start Method Starting & Safety	Electric Push-Button & Recoil Pull	Wireless Remote, Electric Key & Recoil
Carbon Monoxide Sensor Starting & Safety	CO Watchdog / Shield Sensor (ANSI/PGMA G300)	CO Watchdog / Shield Sensor (ANSI/PGMA G300)
Noise Level (23ft) Acoustics & Physical	52 dBA	48 dBABest
Chassis Dimensions Acoustics & Physical	19.7" L × 11.8" W × 18.1" H	20" L × 11.4" W × 16.7" H
Dry Weight Acoustics & Physical	48 lbs	47.4 lbsBest
Neutral Bonding NEC 2026 Hookup	Floating Neutral (Ready for Home Interlock)	Floating Neutral (Ready for Home Interlock)
Verified Street Price Cost & Value	$699.00Best	$1,199.00

ReaLoad Technical Verdict Dossier

Motor Inrush Starting Surge

The Cummins Onan P2500i delivers 2500W peak surge compared to 2200W on the Honda EU2200i. Starting a 3.5-ton central air conditioner requires an electronic soft-starter to reduce compressor inrush below breaker trip thresholds.

72-Hour Outage Fuel Logistics

At 50% electrical load over a 72-hour power outage, Onan P2500i consumes about 20 gallons while EU2200i burns 14 gallons. Homeowners need 5 sealed 5-gallon gasoline cans or utility natural gas.

Home Panel Interlock Safety

Cummins Onan P2500i provides a factory floating neutral ready for standard 3-pole manual transfer switches. Follow NEC 250.20 safety grounding rules.

Head-to-Head Telemetry Comparison

Specification	Cummins Onan P2500i	Honda EU2200i
Running Watts (Gasoline)	2200W	1800W
Peak Watts (Gasoline)	2500W	2200W
Operating Noise @ 23ft	57 dBA	51 dBA
Factory Neutral Status	Floating Neutral	Floating Neutral
Dry Weight	48 lbs	47.4 lbs
Verified Street Price	$699	$1199