Which generator delivers more running wattage, the EU2200i or the EU2200i Companion?

Honda EU2200i delivers higher continuous output with 1800 running watts on gasoline.

Is the EU2200i quieter than the EU2200i Companion?

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?

Honda EU2200i features a factory floating neutral ready for standard transfer switch hookup without modification.

ReaLoadREVIEWS

Home Backup & Portable Power Guide

ReaLoad Engineering Benchmark

Honda EU2200i vs. Honda EU2200i Companion

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

Honda 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 (-0 dBA quieter)

Easiest Home Hookup

Honda EU2200i

Floating Neutral (Home Interlock Ready)

Best $/Running Watt

Honda EU2200i

$0.67/W ($1,199)

Technical Specification	Enclosed Inverter Honda EU2200i $1,199Read Review	Enclosed Inverter Honda EU2200i Companion $1,299Read Review
Running Watts Power Output	1,800 WBest	1,800 WBest
Peak Starting Surge Power Output	2,200 WBest	2,200 WBest
240V Output Amps Power Output	7.5 ABest	7.5 ABest
Sine Wave Purity Power Quality	<1.4% THD (Pure Sine)Best	<1.5% THD (Pure Sine)
Fuel Burn (25%) Fuel Consumption	0.12 GPH	0.10 GPHBest
Fuel Burn (50%) Fuel Consumption	0.19 GPHBest	0.22 GPH
Runtime (25% Load) Fuel Consumption	8.1 HoursBest	8.1 HoursBest
Fuel Tank Capacity Fuel Consumption	0.95 GallonsBest	0.95 GallonsBest
14-50R 50A Outlet Outlets & Receptacles	None (Use Adapter)Best	None (Use Adapter)Best
L14-30R 30A Outlet Outlets & Receptacles	1x NEMA L14-30R (30A)Best	None
TT-30R RV Outlet Outlets & Receptacles	NoneBest	NoneBest
5-20R Duplex Outlets Outlets & Receptacles	2x NEMA 5-20R DuplexBest	1x NEMA 5-20R Duplex
Engine Start Method Starting & Safety	Wireless Remote, Electric Key & Recoil	Electric Push-Button & Recoil Pull
Carbon Monoxide Sensor Starting & Safety	CO Watchdog / Shield Sensor (ANSI/PGMA G300)	CO Watchdog / Shield Sensor (ANSI/PGMA G300)
Noise Level (23ft) Acoustics & Physical	48 dBABest	48 dBABest
Chassis Dimensions Acoustics & Physical	20" L × 11.4" W × 16.7" H	20" L × 11.4" W × 16.7" H
Dry Weight Acoustics & Physical	47.4 lbs	46.5 lbsBest
Neutral Bonding NEC 2026 Hookup	Floating Neutral (Ready for Home Interlock)	Floating Neutral (Ready for Home Interlock)
Verified Street Price Cost & Value	$1,199.00Best	$1,299.00

ReaLoad Technical Verdict Dossier

Motor Inrush Starting Surge

The Honda EU2200i delivers 2200W peak surge compared to 2200W on the Honda EU2200i Companion. 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, EU2200i consumes about 14 gallons while EU2200i Companion burns 16 gallons. Homeowners need 3 sealed 5-gallon gasoline cans or utility natural gas.

Home Panel Interlock Safety

Honda EU2200i 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	Honda EU2200i	Honda EU2200i Companion
Running Watts (Gasoline)	1800W	1800W
Peak Watts (Gasoline)	2200W	2200W
Operating Noise @ 23ft	51 dBA	53 dBA
Factory Neutral Status	Floating Neutral	Floating Neutral
Dry Weight	47.4 lbs	46.5 lbs
Verified Street Price	$1199	$1299