Honda HP2S Generator Review

Honda has recently launched its first portable home back-up system. It’s automatic, uninterruptible and intelligent when switching during a power outage or emergency. Because it’s portable, in the case of an emergency, you can move it to just about any location necessary. It’s also great for recreational use or jobsite use that’s not near the home.
It combines a Honda generator, a smart transfer switch, and a battery back-up that I will refer to as a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Source). It was developed by the American Power Conversion (APC) exclusively for Honda Powered Equipment

The technology advancements for residential power management have taken a gigantic leap forward with the new HP2S. Easily installed and operated, it requires very little interaction between you and it once the power has gone out.

How the System Works

To get your system going, know that you will need to contact a certified electrician to come out and install the transfer switch. But before that happens, you must first program the transfer switch, pre-selecting the appliances or electrical systems to be powered during an outage. When utility power is interrupted, the UPS maintains power to the pre-selected emergency systems like the lights, while you turn on the generator.

Once the generator is powered up, the transfer switch automatically transfers power to the pre-selected systems. It also monitors electricity usage, temporarily cutting back (also referred to as load shedding) power to some systems and delivering power to others. This allows the generator to run as if it were up to 50% more powerful.

What Is the HP2S Portable Power Generator?

Conventional transfer switches distribute all available power across their connected systems, while the HP2S Universal Transfer Switch (UTS) uses advanced load-shedding technology from its Honda generator power plant, using only the wattage required to power up the pre-programmed system. The UTS also adjusts the generator’s engine speed to allow maximum efficiency. Load shedding also allows the UTS to recognize systems requiring additional power at any given time, and to shut down any systems not immediately required by the operator. The bottom line is that load shedding contributes to high generator fuel efficiency while minimizing system overloads.