The EF1800iS generator has performance and functions suitable for professional use and emergency backups.
▪ High output (1.8 kVA) for high-load devices
▪ Boost mode for devices requiring high startup power
▪ 12 V accessory socket
▪ Smart cock with engine switch and fuel cock
▪ Multi-function LED indicator and digital multimeter
▪ Back panel can be removed without tools
▪ Fuel release cock allows easy removal of fuel from the carburetor without tools
▪ LED lights light the operation panel in dark areas
And other features.
What type of engine oil should I use?
Use 4-stroke engine oil of API classification SE or higher, SAE10W-30 or 10W-40.
Can I also use 2-stroke engine oil or diesel engine oil?
No. It could damage the engine.
Use 4-stroke engine oil of API classification SE or higher, SAE10W-30 or 10W-40.
Can I use the generator to charge rechargeable tools such as a drill?
To charge electric tools, use an inverter generator.
Standard and FW type generators have an unstable voltage and frequency and could damage electronic parts in the charger.
The characteristics of inverter generators may also not match well with certain devices, causing issues. Check with the manufacturer of the electric tool before use.
What is noise level in dB (A)?
dB refers to decibels, a unit of noise level. When adjusted to the differences in how humans perceive sounds and frequencies, it is called “A weighted”, which is shown as dB(A).
In the past, phon was used as the unit for noise levels, but dB is now the standard. Phon and dB are different units, but they represent the same value.
Inverter generators do not have an AC breaker. What happens if it is overloaded?
The inverter generators have an internal electronic breaker.
If power is supplied to a connected electric device that exceeds the rated output (if overloading occurs), the overload warning lamp will light, and the supply of electricity will stop.
* The engine will not stop.
I bought a 50 Hz generator in Tokyo. I will move to Osaka, which uses 60 Hz. Can I still use the generator?
Check the frequency on the electrical device label. If it says it is for both 50 Hz and 60 Hz use, then you can use the generator.
If it does not support both 50 Hz and 60 Hz, use a generator that matches the frequency of the electric device.
If you use a generator of a different frequency, the electric device may not function correctly or could be damaged.
The inverter generators have a frequency change switch, but FW and standard generators do not.
How should I use the frequency change switch on inverter generators?
The frequency of alternating current supplied by power companies is separated with Fujikawa (Shizuoka) and Itoigawa (Niigata) as the border, with 50 Hz for the east side and 60 Hz for the west side. (* Some regions use both.)
Our inverter generators are set to 50 Hz by default.
Change the frequency to match your region.
The frequency cannot be changed while the generator is running. Turn off the engine before changing it.
What do engine oil terms such as API classification, SE grade, and SAE10W-40 mean?
The API (American Petroleum Institute) has set engine oil quality standards classified as SA, SB, etc., with the grade increasing with the letter.
Use oil of SE grade or higher (SJ, SL, etc.) in our generators.
JASO standards indicate oil characteristics and are not an indicator of quality.
The oil’s viscosity changes with temperature. It is harder at low temperatures and softer at higher temperatures.
Oil viscosity is classified according to the SAE standard, such as SAE 10W-40. 10W means low temperature (W=winter), and 40 is the viscosity in high temperatures.
Lower numbers are softer, and higher numbers are harder.
Accordingly, oils indicating both low and high temperatures are called multi-grade. They can be used in a wider range of temperatures and seasons.
Use 10W-30 or 10W-40 oil in our generators.
How long can it operate with a full fuel tank?
See the continuous operating time shown in the specifications.
For example, the EF900iS can be used for about 4.1 hours at the rated load (900 W), or about 11.9 hours at 1/4 that load (225 W). (*)
* With economy controls on
Does the fuel economy or output increase with high octane gasoline?
Our engines are designed for use with regular gasoline.
High octane gasoline does not pose a problem, but it may not increase fuel economy or output.
What is the red level in the gasoline tank?
This level fulfills a specification under the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act (PSE law) ensuring fuel will not leak if the generator is tilted 20 degrees in any direction.
Do not add gasoline in excess of the red level.
What is the ground terminal on the generator? Will I get shocked without the ground? Is there an earth leakage circuit breaker to prevent shocks?
Portable generators are called floating systems. They are not connected to the ground, and hence there is no risk of shock.
Accordingly, they do not need to be grounded for regular use.
However, if you add an earth leakage circuit breaker to prevent shocks, then you will need to use a grounding electrode (ground).
* Under the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act (PSE law), portable generators are not required to have an earth leakage circuit breaker or ground terminal.
What is a metal halide lamp?
It is a type of mercury lamp, but metal halide lamps have better luminous efficacy and color rendering than conventional mercury lamps.
They provide a natural light resembling sunlight.
It says it has a quiet design, but how quiet?
With a 1/4 load and economy controls on, the EF900iS is about 48.5 dB(A).
For estimates of general background noise levels, see the following.
▪ 40 dB(A) Library or quiet residential area
▪ 50 dB(A) Regular office level, air conditioner outdoor unit
▪ 60 dB(A) Regular conversation, department store interior
▪ 70 dB(A) Lively town, vacuum cleaner
* Loudness is experienced differently by the individual, setting, and environment.
Inverter generators use an economy control that automatically controls the engine rotation according to the load of the device in use.
(FW and standard generators are 3,000 rpm at 50 Hz and 3,600 rpm at 60 Hz.)
Engine noise can be further reduced with a cover or sound-absorbing materials.
What is an inverter?
It is a device that changes direct current into alternating current.
Our inverter generators supply quality electricity with little waveform distortion, and it is comparable to household power sources. You can use precision devices such a computers and electric devices such as microcontrollers with peace of mind.
They also have the benefit of being smaller, lighter, and quieter, with better fuel efficiency and the ability to change frequencies.
The catalog says unleaded gasoline. What is that?
This is the regular gasoline that is used in automobiles. Purchase it at a gas station. Note) When purchasing and storing gasoline, use a portable gas container that conforms to the Fire Service Act.
Operation
Why can’t the EF2000iS use alternating current and direct current at the same time?
The EF2000iS uses economy controls as a part of its standard specifications, and it cannot be turned off.
The direct current output changes according to the generator engine rotation.
If alternating current was used, the engine rotation and output would also change, so they cannot be used simultaneously.
Can I use an extension cord?
Long cords are not recommended.
Long cords have more resistance, which lowers the voltage and can cause the connected device to malfunction.
Even if the generator produces 100 V of power, the end of the cord will be 100 V or less.
It depends on the cross-sectional area of the cord and the current, but the voltage will decrease by about 2 V to 3 V for a 10 m cord, 5 V to 6 V for a 20 m cord, and 8 V to 10 V for a 30 m cord.
Can I add an extension pipe to the muffler exhaust port to divert the exhaust further away?
That constitutes modification of the generator. Avoid attaching an extension pipe, etc.
It could lead to a fire or other accident.
Can I regularly use the generator under low loads?
That is not a problem.
* Carbon is more likely to accumulate. Periodically run the generator under the rated load. Also perform periodic inspections earlier.
If I continue to add gasoline, how long can the generator be used continuously? I want to use it for 24 hours straight.
You cannot add gasoline while running the engine.
Gasoline is highly flammable. For your safety, turn off the engine before refueling. After refueling, you can immediately start the engine again.
Also periodically check and replace the engine oil.
In order to reduce the engine noise, I want to soundproof the generator with a box. What should I do?
Do not enclose the generator or cover it with a box.
Doing so could cause cooling and exhaust problems, and the heat could affect the engine performance and cause problems.
Can it provide single-phase 200 V power?
The EF5500iSDE can output single-phase 200 V power.
What should I be aware of when using a generator?
Observe the following, and use the generator correctly.
[Important]
▪ Do not use the generator inside where exhaust gas could accumulate, as it poses a risk of exhaust gas poisoning.
▪ When using the generator, keep it at least 50 cm (and the exhaust port at least 1 m) away from walls and other equipment (left/right, front/back, above).
▪ Do not enclose the generator or cover it with a box during use.
▪ The generator is not intended for use in a vehicle. There is a risk of fire. Do not use it while loaded in a vehicle.
For other cautions, refer to the manual (for safe use).
Can I connect the generator’s direct current output to 12 V direct current devices (radios, etc.).
The generator’s direct current output is intended only for charging flooded batteries (not sealed batteries). Do not connect it to direct current devices.
* The EF1800iS 12 V accessory socket can be used to connect small electronic devices.
I bought my first generator. How should I start it?
First, read the manual. Use the generator correctly.
Refer to the generator usage guide for instructions.
Repair, maintenance, and storage
I bought the generator for disasters. I’ve been storing it without opening the box. Is that a problem?
We recommend removing it from the box and doing a test run as a way to confirm how to use it.
Remove the gasoline from the carburetor before storing the generator.
If the generator is stored for an extended period of time with gasoline in the carburetor, the gasoline will degrade, and the engine may not start.
Refer to the generator usage guide for the storage method.
We recommend running the engine monthly with the lighting on or other load applied for about 10 minutes.
Is there a storage cover to protect from dust?
We have an optional body cover available for each model (separate purchase).
The manual says to remove the gasoline from the tank before transport. I can’t transport the generator with gasoline in the tank?
According to the Fire Service Act, to transport gasoline with a vehicle, the gasoline must be put in a sealable container that conforms to the law.
The generator cannot seal the gasoline. Therefore, remove the gasoline before transport.
How many liters of gasoline can I store at home?
Under the Fire Service Act, gasoline is classified as a class-1 petroleum and class-4 hazardous material.
To store 200 L or more, you must have a license to handle hazardous materials and a certified warehouse that meets the management and structural requirements of the law.
Regulations for storing less than 200 L of gasoline are set by your prefecture. Check the regulations.
How long can I store gasoline after purchasing it?
The storage conditions affect how long it can be stored. There is no set period of time. Use it as soon as possible.
Where can I buy parts?
Contact the store where you purchased the generator or a generator service center listed on the website.
What happens if I continue to use the generator without replacing the oil after the oil replacement interval?
The parts in the engine will wear faster, shortening the engine’s lifespan.
Periodically replace the oil.
If the engine oil decreases, can I add more?
The engine oil will degrade as it is used. Instead of adding more, periodically replace all of the oil.
It should be replaced with about every 100 hours of use or every 6 months.
I have a generator for disaster use. Are there any cautions regarding storage?
We recommend running the engine monthly with the lighting on or other load applied for about 10 minutes.
Remove the gasoline from the carburetor before storing the generator. If the generator is stored for an extended period of time with gasoline in the carburetor, the gasoline will degrade, and the engine may not start.
For details on the storage method, read the manual.
Refer to the generator usage guide for the storage method.
Does the oil decrease (get used) in a 4-stroke engine?
The oil will gradually decrease as it is used to lubricate moving parts such as pistons, crankshafts, and valves.
It will use around 2 to 3 mL of oil per hour of operation.
(Depends on the model, temperature, load, engine maintenance, and other conditions.)
Check the amount of engine oil before using the generator.
What happens if I continue using the generator while the engine oil is low?
The engine oil will continue to be used and decrease.
Once it is less than a set level, the oil warning device will activate to prevent engine seizure, the red lamp will turn on, and the engine will automatically stop.
If there is no (or not enough) engine oil and you pull the recoil starter, the red lamp will turn on to indicate there is no (or not enough) oil. (The engine will not start.)
* The EF900FW does not have a lamp.
What happens if I add too much oil?
There will be more resistance among engine parts, oil will leak from the air cleaner through the breather hose, and white smoke will be emitted from the muffler.
Also, oil will accumulate in the muffler, preventing it from working well.
If you tip the generator in order to add engine oil, there is a higher likelihood of adding too much. Keep the generator flat when adding engine oil.
The engine oil level is the mouth of the inlet when the generator is flat.
Troubleshooting
Electric devices suddenly stopped working.
1. Is the cord unplugged?
Firmly connect the plug.
2. [Inverter model] Is the overload warning lamp on?
[EF900FW] Is the AC protector off?
If current exceeds the output rating during the use of electric devices, the protective device will activate stopping the supply of electricity.
Stop the engine and ensure that the power consumption of electric devices is within the rated output range.
[EF900FW] Set the AC protector to ON.
Then, restart the engine to generate power.
With the EF1800iS, you can stop all electric devices that are connected, press the reset button for 3 seconds, and then restart power generation.
3. [Inverter model] Is the output lamp on?
If the engine is rotating and generating power, the output lamp will be on.
If the output lamp is not on, there could be a failure in the generator. Contact the a generator service shop.
The engine does not start.
1. Is the engine switch set to ON?
The engine will not start if the engine switch is set to STOP. Set the engine switch to ON.
* Some models have an AC switch. This switch is for starting or stopping the flow of electricity to connected electrical devices. It is not used to start the generator.
2. Does the engine have the specified amount of engine oil?
If the engine oil is less than a set level, the oil warning device will activate to prevent engine seizure, the engine will automatically stop, and it cannot be restarted. You can restart the engine once the engine oil is at the specified level.
3. Is there fuel?
Refuel with gasoline. For the MGC901GB, attach two cassette gas cylinders. If gas was stored for an extended period of time, degradation could make it harder to start the engine. Use new gasoline.
4. Is the fuel cock ON (open)?
Fuel will not flow if the fuel cock is OFF (closed). Turn the fuel cock ON (open).
5. If the engine does not start even if you pull the recoil starter handle several times, pull the handle after returning the choke knob to its original position.
6. [When using a new generator for the first time after purchase]
You must pull the recoil starter handle several times (5 to 10 times) to supply all parts of the drive system with fuel.
7. [When using the generator after long-term storage]
Did you remove the gasoline from the carburetor before storing the generator? If the generator is stored for an extended period of time with gasoline in the carburetor, the gasoline will degrade, and the engine may not start. The inside of the carburetor must be cleaned. Contact your nearest Yamaha Motor service shop.
Other
Can I use bio-gasoline with the generator?
Yes.
I received the generator from another person. There is no user manual. What should I do?
You can order one from us (paid). Contact a generator service center listed on the website.
You can also download one in PDF format.
What is PSE?
This is the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act. Its purpose is to ensure the safety of electrical products.
Generators are considered designated electrical products.
How do I dispose of the generator?
Contact your local government or a generator service center listed on the website.
Where can I buy a consolidated outlet (30A) plug?
You can buy official consolidated plugs for the EF2500i, EF2800iSE, EF4000iSE, and EF5500iSDE from any of the stores or generator service centers listed on the website.
What is included with the purchase of a generator?
The following items are included. There may be additional items depending on the model.
1. Spark plug wrench (shape depends on model)
However, tools are not included with the following models.
▪ EF1800iS
▪ EF2500i
▪ EF2800iSE
2. Manual
3. Warranty card
If any of these items are missing, contact the store where you bought the generator.
