Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Tech Issues: Honda EU2000 parallel operation

Print | Close

Topic: Honda EU2000 parallel operation

Posted By: marc71 on 04/06/17 01:06pm

I have two Honda EU2000 generators that we occasionally operate in parallel operation. The owners manual states to disconnect the cables when not running both generators. I've noticed other campers running one generator while the cable was still connected to the other. To clarify, the camper is plugged into the 30amp plug on the generator and it's not running, the campanion generator is running. Thoughts on this?

2010 Toyota Tundra SR5 TRD double cab 4x4
2015 Jayco Jayflight 32 BHDS
Prodigy Brake Control
Eaz-Lift WD - Eaz-Lift sway control

Posted By: samsontdog on 04/06/17 02:28pm

I do as the manual states actually I put the one away that I am not
using. Less chance to be stolen

samsontdog">">

Posted By: C.B. on 04/06/17 02:39pm

marc71 wrote:

To clarify, the camper is plugged into the 30amp plug on the generator and it's not running, the companion generator is running. Thoughts on this?

Recipe for disaster if AC tries to start or someone tries to use microwave!!!!!! [emoticon]

C.B.

CBVP2004~FORD~F350~CC~LARIAT~SRW~SB~4X4~6.0D~
AUTO~PULLRITE 16K SUPERGLIDE~DEMCO GLIDERIDE~
PRODIGY CONTROLLER~C-BETR MIRRORS~EMS-HW50C~

Butch/Barb=2013-Cedar Creek 36CKTS
Kris/Katy=2006-Cherokee 32B

Posted By: wa8yxm on 04/06/17 02:51pm

No, not a recipe for disaster. the one unit will either stall or cut out.

But I think the non-running unit is drawing power so you are wasting fuel and so on,, Best to disconnect as per the owner's manual.

Home was where I park it. but alas the.
2005 Damon Intruder 377 Alas declared a total loss
after a semi "nicked" it. Still have the radios
Kenwood TS-2000, ICOM ID-5100, ID-51A+2, ID-880 REF030C most times

Posted By: happycamper002 on 04/07/17 09:45am

marc71 wrote:

Your statement is a bit confusing. When you refer to COMPANION GENERATOR, you must be referring to the accompanying generator as a support for the other standard 2000i unit to handle a bigger load.

However, (as you stated) only the companion is running and the 30 Amp plug is plugged-in to the standard unit 2000i.

The standard 2000i doesn't come with the 30 Amp plug. . . only on the 2000ia Companion Model. Note the difference between the 2000i and the 2000ia.

Now, to give you a bit on how these inverter generators work:

The old technology and most older RV generators (and the cheap ones) are equipped with non-inverter type. They generate power and deliver the energy direct from the stator. The inverter type generates DC first and then inverted to AC, hence the word inverter.

This provides better control by controlling the DC portion and also convenience for paralleling operation.

The manual tells you to disconnect the parallel cables when using only one. This is just as logical as one can get doesn't it?

By running only one (assuming you have the RV plugged-in to the 30 Amp twist lock) and the parallel cables are connected to the non-running unit, you are simply energizing the armature to create magnetic flux within its winding. Without the generator spinning, it will not make electricity because you are not breaking the magnetic flux for the stator to create energy.

Leaving them hooked up will be an added demand from the running unit and will shorten the running time of the generator.

Posted By: road-runner on 04/07/17 10:19am

Honda may have reasons for advising against something for reasons other than damage will surely occur. Examples are that paralleled generators need to have the same power rating, or that only two generators can be paralleled. We've read multiple reports from users violating both of these restrictions without any reported problems. If having one paralleled generator running with the other stopped caused a problem, wouldn't that create a huge problem for Honda and the users if one ran out of gas before the other? I think it's a safe assumption that this has happened! Similarly, the paralleled generators aren't normally started at precisely the same time. My guess is that the restriction is more likely to be a safety issue, rather than an electrical issue. Notice that the eu2000i's Owner's Manual also says Honda approved parallel cables are "required". How many users violate this restriction without consequence? I personally would not believe a claim that the stopped unit draws power unless someone has made an actual measurement, which is not a difficult thing to do.

2009 Fleetwood Icon

Posted By: MrWizard on 04/07/17 10:22am

Run the the Honda generator that has the 30 amp plug
Dis connect the other Honda generator
Live wires to a non running device are a bad idea

Now to specifics, no the other inverter armature is Not being energized
Because it is not connected to the a.c. Output is connected to the inverter input
Inverter generator heads make high voltage dc power that goes to the inverter electronics

The non running generator has 120v on its inverter output from the live running one
I don't have the specific details on Honda inverters, (those are a closely guarded secret), but I know enough to know that most likely there are triacs (electronic switches ) in the output lines of the inverter, those are designed to switch power going out of the inverter, not stop power coming in from the wrong direction
Yes I'm simplifying the explanation ,
Any way I think it's better to unplug the parallel kit from the running generator, the one with the 30 amp plug, and leave the non running one totality isolated
Running the one that does not have the twist lock, to power the harness and send power to the other one is doing it backwards

I can explain it to you.
But I Can Not understand it for you !
....

Connected using T-Mobile Home internet and Visible Phone service
1997 F53 Bounder 36s

Posted By: happycamper002 on 04/07/17 12:05pm

Too simplified.

Either model is not rated for a max 30 Amp load. That's the reason you can't have just the one with twist lock (2000i Companion model). Either one is only rated 2kVA.

I've just been to Camping World and bought the Standard 2000i. I asked for the Companion with the twist lock. . . and Tech support told me I can't have the one with 30 Amp. and expect to hook it up as a single unit and draw 30 Amp energy. I have to have the Standard 2000i if I intend to run only one unit.

The Companion has to have another 2000i (well, as Honda says), it has to have a companion.

You can verify with tech support and find out for yourself. Let me know what you come up with and I will return the unit I just bought.

The reason I wanted a twist lock plug is, I have my old system with 30 Amp. twist locks. . . obviously that didn't work out for me.

Posted By: road-runner on 04/07/17 02:10pm

Quote:

I have to have the Standard 2000i if I intend to run only one unit.

The Companion has to have another 2000i (well, as Honda says), it has to have a companion.

There is so much fiction out there about the eu-series generators! The standard and companion eu2000i is the same darn device except for the outlet configuration. If you read through the companion's Owner's Manual you run across multiple references to running it by itself, including one about what started this thread:
"For single generator operation, the parallel operation cable must be removed".

Posted By: happycamper002 on 04/07/17 04:04pm

Honda does not engineer their products based on voodoo and fortune teller's glass balls...let alone based on fiction.

Posted By: 2oldman on 04/08/17 12:09pm

road-runner wrote:

Notice that the eu2000i's Owner's Manual also says Honda approved parallel cables are "required". How many users violate this restriction without consequence?

Me. And I've run just one leaving the parallel hookup sans consequence.

road-runner wrote:

If having one paralleled generator running with the other stopped caused a problem, wouldn't that create a huge problem for Honda and the users if one ran out of gas before the other?

correct.

* This post was edited 04/08/17 12:17pm by 2oldman *

Posted By: Huntindog on 04/08/17 04:43pm

happycamper002 wrote:

I have two companions. Most of the time I only use one... And I use the twist lock plug. Simply because it is a much nicer plug, and it is resistant to becoming unplugged. On top of that, I no longer need the other adaptor. WIN WIN.
Of course it doesn't provide 30 amps with only one unit running... So what? Using it as I do doesn't harm a thing.

Huntindog
100% boondocking
2021 Grand Design Momentum 398M
2 bathrooms, no waiting
104 gal grey, 104 black,158 fresh
FullBodyPaint, 3,8Kaxles, DiscBrakes
17.5LRH commercial tires
1860watts solar,800 AH Battleborn batterys
2020 Silverado HighCountry CC DA 4X4 DRW

Posted By: happycamper002 on 04/10/17 01:34am

Huntindog wrote:

I don't see that as a WIN WIN situation. If you intend to use one most of the time, why spend another one hundred dollars for the twistlock which is mostly sitting idle doing nothing because one would simply suffice.

As for becoming unplugged or because it looks nice is not worth the additional $$ for me.

You really have to abuse it to get it unplugged.

Posted By: Huntindog on 04/10/17 04:12am

happycamper002 wrote:

Huntindog wrote:

I use my Honds a LOT. My 30 amp twist lock adaptor is a quality piece. I have neve seen a 15 or 20 amp adaptor that doesn't look like a toy in comparison... So the 100.00 is worth it to me... Plus it gives me ultimate flexibilty as to which generator to use.

My only point was that it seemed you were mislead by a tech as to the ability to use a companion by itself.... You can. Whether it is worth it to you is between you and your wallet.

Posted By: happycamper002 on 04/10/17 07:13am

[COLOR=#0000ff]I use my Honds a LOT. My 30 amp twist lock adaptor is a quality piece. I have neve seen a 15 or 20 amp adaptor that doesn't look like a toy in comparison... So the 100.00 is worth it to me... Plus it gives me ultimate flexibilty as to which generator to use.

My only point was that it seemed you were mislead by a tech as to the ability to use a companion by itself.... You can. Whether it is worth it to you is between you and your wallet.
______________________
The plug that came with the standard unit is the widely used 3-prong. How much more flexibility you demand is a bit of a stretch.

I made my own 15 and 20 Amp adaptors out of industrial grade electrical devices since I have access to suppliers with my electrical license. So, I'm quiet familiar with devices that don't look like toys.

Your point is taken: Camping World Tech may have been "enticing" me to get the standard since I really planned on buying two. But for now I would like to see how this Honda works and get the Companion later.

All the best.

Posted By: marc71 on 04/10/17 12:23pm

Okay.... well this seemed to get a lot of information. First let me say I kinda have an idea about what I'm talking about, maybe I didn't post it correctly. Let's take the camper out of the equasion. If you parallele both units and only start one, the outlets on the other unit will be hot (wether you have one of each or two of the same doesn't really matter). Now this is going to happen no matter what because you can't start both generators at the same time, unless you and your partner are really good ??.

So I dry camp about as much as I do with hookups so my generators get some use. The way I do it is to hook my camper up to the companion with the 30 twist lock plug (yes I know it's not 30amp) and I park the other one next to it, not connected). In the event I don't need to run the A/C (or other such heavy loads) I will switch back and forth each day to give the other one a break having to now use a 30/15amp adapter (I wish I would have spent the extra $98 for the win win option). If I have to run both--- shut off the one that is running, connect the cables, start both units (making sure the eco switch is in the same position on both) and proceed to plug the RV into the 30amp plug (which I know isn't really 30amps but 26.5 or whatever it is).

So now I'm done with the need for parallel operation, just watching TV and the stereo, fan, phone charger etc... so, unplug the camper, turn off both units, unplug the cables, restart the rotation with one unit (be it the 30amp or 30/15 adapter, plug the RV back in (my DIRECTV Box gets a work each time I do this) and life goes on.

Now to my original inquiry... I have 2 friends that I camp with (we'll call them Tom and Bob, there's actually a 3rd, Alan he runs 3 Honda 2000's together, buts that's a whole other post.

So, Tom and Bob hook up their 2 Honda 2000's a upon setting up the campers, parallel cables plugged in, RV plugged into the companions 30 amp plug (again I know it's not 30amps) and only start one unit (either one, doesn't matter) and away they go. Now Tom and Bob rotate their generators daily as I do when only calling for enough power to "keep the lights and TV on" HERES THE BUT, when the require the extra power all they do is go start the other one, don't shut off the one that's running. When the need for paraelle operation has stopped they simply shut one off, paraelle cables still connected. This ritual goes on day after day. Even with the RV plugged into the 30amp receptacle on the companion unit and it NOT running the other unit will power that receptacle (and the 20amp one next to it, remember it's not running, the other one is).

So, Honda states in the manual to disconnect the cables when not running paraelle operation, I was wondering why? My thinking is that it's because the outlets on the non-running unit are HOT, even though the unit is not running. Sound like a reasonable explanation? I'm not saying this IS the reason, but I will try and get in touch with them to find out. I'm also not saying it doesn't do harm to the units doing it Tom and Bobs way but, they've been doing this for years and we dry camp for more than a week at a time and these units run for days and days without stoppping (except to change the oil after the recommended 100 hours or so) I use full synthetic so I usually go a little more but not much.

I will also say if you're thinking about getting 2 of these units, do the "win, win" option and pay the extra $98 to have the 30amp plug on both so you can switch back and forth without the use of the 30amp RV plug to the 15 or 20 amp adapter. If you're worried about loosing the extra outlet you can always get a 30amp to 15amp splitter and have one more outlet that way.

So, any questions?

Phew....

Posted By: marc71 on 04/10/17 12:49pm

happycamper002 wrote:

Return the one you bought (so long as you don't mind spending an extra $98 ea. Read my last post), the only truth the camping world guy told you is that you're not going to get 30amps (or 26.5ish) out of the twist lock plug.... this will only happen with another unit (be it EITHER MODEL) paraelled to it and both units running

Posted By: road-runner on 04/10/17 01:02pm

marc71 wrote:

So, any questions?

No questions from me, just congratulations for covering every base so you don't get jumped on for bad assumptions you didn't make, or for using something in the way you prefer to use it. If you like the twist locks, pay for them and be happy! If you think they're a waste of money, don't pay for them and be happy! As I opined many posts ago, my guess is that the stated requirement to remove the parallel cables is for safety reasons, to reduce the exposure to accidental shock, and has nothing whatsoever to do with the inverter or generator electrical operation. I'd further guess with one generator running and the other stopped, the running generator can't even detect that the other generator is connected to it.

Posted By: 2oldman on 04/10/17 01:08pm

marc71 wrote:

So now I'm done with the need for parallel operation, just watching TV and the stereo, fan, phone charger etc... so, unplug the camper, turn off both units, unplug the cables, restart the rotation with one unit (be it the 30amp or 30/15 adapter, plug the RV back in (my DIRECTV Box gets a work each time I do this) and life goes on.

I think you're doing it the hard way. Tom and Bob's is the easy way..AS LONG AS they don't start one generator with a big load like the WH.

I just wish more people would use inverters to watch TV instead of generators. Personal observation.

Posted By: marc71 on 04/10/17 01:22pm

2oldman wrote:

marc71 wrote:

I do use my inverter for just the TV if we're say stopped overnight or something of that nature. I tried running my DIRECTV Box, stereo and TV off my inverter... needless to say my two batteries didn't hold up very long. I'm fairly sure it's the DTV box running them down

As for the easy/hard way... I'm going to try and find out about Tom and Bobs way from Honda, I'd sure hate to ruin $2200 worth of equipment.

Posted By: 2oldman on 04/10/17 01:24pm

marc71 wrote:

I tried running my DIRECTV Box, stereo and TV off my inverter... needless to say my two batteries didn't hold up very long. I'm fairly sure it's the DTV box running them down

Yes, it's not an insignificant draw for 2 batteries.

Posted By: MrWizard on 04/10/17 02:21pm

I'm sure Honda did every thing they could to prevent damage, by lazy people leaving the non running generator connected

But they say to disconnect, if you are lazy and something goes wrong, they can say we told you so

You have to go outside to start them or turn them off
What is the big deal about following directions, connecting them or disconnecting them ?

Your not saving any significant time or being significantly delayed
By being contrary and lazy and having it your way

Not trying to be rude, but what else can you call it, besides contrary and lazy

Might understand if it was (2) larger generators with wireless remote start and shut down, saves a trip outside, even then best to flow the Mfg instructions

But not with two manual start generators,
Really no excuse for not following Mfg instructions
Even when alternating between generators

Posted By: 2oldman on 04/10/17 03:30pm

marc71 wrote:

I'd sure hate to ruin $2200 worth of equipment.

I thought about that before making my own parallel cables.. but they've been no problem at all. Honda makes it sound like that's a big no-no, but so far it's a yes-yes.

The fellow you referred to running the 3 Hondas.. did he make his own cables?

Posted By: Huntindog on 04/10/17 03:53pm

MrWizard wrote:

Well he does have to wait 10-15 minutes for his box to come back up, when shutting the hondas down.
That to me is not always an option.

Soo, I installed an inverter with an ATF. Problem solved.

A cheaper option for the OP may be to keep just his box plugged into the inverter at all times. When he runs a generator, the convertor will charge the batteries while the inverter keeps the box powered.

I seriously doubt that anything bad will happen leaving them twined. As already stated, they will run that way when starting,
and when shutting down, AND when one runs out of gas.... What if one should get a plugged fuel filter, or stop running for any other reason? That surely wouldn't damage the one that kept running... I cannot believe that Honda would design something with such an obvious shortcoming.

Just for curiousty, what do the other brand inverter makers say about this?

Posted By: 2oldman on 04/10/17 04:35pm

Huntindog wrote:

Well he does have to wait 10-15 minutes for his box to come back up,

yeah, that's annoying. It takes an extremely fast xfer switch to beat that, so I hard-wired my DTV to the inverter 24/7

Posted By: MrWizard on 04/10/17 04:39pm

Who said anything about inverters and satellite boxes
The thread is about two 'inverter generators' ( the only type the general public can safely parallel )
Not a satellite box being turned off on
Not generator switching to inverter power

And wether or not to leave one Not running, still connected with the PARALLEL kit while the other one is running

Yes you have to start one first, because the second one 'SYNCS' wave form to the first one, and yes one might run out of gas before the other one
But that's likely to be seconds on start up and minutes on running out of gas
Not hours of running time

I don't have a satellite box
But ALL my electronics are on inverter power , so I can use them with or with out generator or shore power
Different topic that has been brought up many times

Posted By: 2oldman on 04/10/17 04:44pm

MrWizard wrote:

The thread is about two 'inverter generators' ( the only type the general public can safely parallel ) Not a satellite box being turned off on

Are you responding to the OP's last post?

Posted By: jarata1 on 04/10/17 04:46pm

2oldman wrote:

MrWizard wrote:

The thread is about two 'inverter generators' ( the only type the general public can safely parallel ) Not a satellite box being turned off on

Are you responding to the OP's last post?

Posted By: Huntindog on 04/10/17 05:58pm

MrWizard wrote:

Yes you have to start one first, because the second one 'SYNCS' wave form to the first one, and yes one might run out of gas before the other one
But that's likely to be seconds on start up and minutes on running out of gas
Not hours of running time

It could be. I have been known to go to sleep with my AC on powered by my Hondas. If one were to quit for any reason, it could be hours before I found out.

And the OP DID talk about TV boxes in a subsequent post.

No excuse being too lazy to read all of the posts. [emoticon]

Posted By: MrWizard on 04/10/17 06:45pm

Satellite box comment, was a Secondary observation

The question was why can't I leave both generators hooked up , whilst running only one
And on top of that
He wanted to run the regular Honda 2000i, that did not have the built twist lock plug, to put power into the parallel harness, and plug the trailer into the twist lock on the non running Honda companion generator

From that it devolved into all the posts by users saying they run only one but leave both connected even though Honda says , Not to do that

It's your money and his money, do what you want , with your generators
But rationalizing it is all ok, just to save a few seconds of work connecting them or disconnecting, does not mean that it's 100 percent perfectly ok do this all the time, that is not what Honda says
You may never have a problem , but if you do, you have no recourse with Honda, because you did what you did

Posted By: Huntindog on 04/11/17 02:16am

MrWizard wrote:

So your answer as to "why" is that Honda said so.

Not a reason that can hold water. As for your opinion that "time" of running makes a difference... That sounds like hogwash for all of the reasons already discussed.

If doing this harms the generators, then it would be impossible to use them. Doing it less would just mean less damage is being done each time.

I am sure it is just a safety CYA on Honda's part. Those cables are live whenever hooked up. That COULD potentially be a problem.

Having said that, I and many others leave the cables attached to one of the Honda's ALL the time. That means they are live whenever it is running. Anyone messing with those cables could be in for a shock, just like they could when messing with any cord plugged in to a running generator.... The only 100% foolproof safe option is to never run the generator.

Posted By: marc71 on 04/11/17 04:45am

2oldman wrote:

marc71 wrote:

I'd sure hate to ruin $2200 worth of equipment.

Yes he did make his own cables... he spoke with someone at Honda before doing so and they told him it was a no no to do this.. it's been working for years

Posted By: SoundGuy on 04/11/17 06:37am

marc71 wrote:

I'd sure hate to ruin $2200 worth of equipment.

2oldman wrote:

marc71 wrote:

Yes he did make his own cables... he spoke with someone at Honda before doing so and they told him it was a no no to do this.. it's been working for years

Custom Honda parallel cables are designed to avoid the potential of shock if one set of ends isn't always connected to the second genset whereas a suicide cord not connected at one end will expose one to the potential for shock. Electrically the only difference in simply paralleling the output receptacles of the 2 gensets yourself using a suicide cord instead of using the custom Honda cables is the custom cables connect directly to the inverter output before the 20 amp circuit protector rather than after it. Obviously, the phrase SUICIDE CORD is used for a reason. [emoticon]

Posted By: road-runner on 04/11/17 10:39am

Quote:

SUICIDE CORD

Where did this come from? There has been absolutely no mention in this thread of exposed cord ends. There have been plenty of past posts reporting home-made parallel cables using "shielded" or "shrouded" banana connectors.

Posted By: SoundGuy on 04/11/17 10:57am

Quote:

SUICIDE CORD

road-runner wrote:

And likewise plenty of posts by those who have made their own suicide cords. Touche. [emoticon]

Point is - electrically there's no difference between the authorized Honda parallel cordset or paralleling the two gensets yourself by interconnecting the receptacles on one genset to the other, other than one taps in before the 20 amp breaker, the other after it.

Posted By: Huntindog on 04/11/17 01:37pm

SoundGuy wrote:

I never read of anyone using a SUICIDE cord to parallel Hondas.
And if I understand what you are saying correctly, there would not be any point in doing so. Would not tapping in after the 20 amp breaker limit the output to 20 amps?

Using the Honda or properly homemade shielded banana plug cords tapped in before the 20 amp breaker will allow for higher output. Correct?

Posted By: ctilsie242 on 04/11/17 01:42pm

There used to be a parallel kit that had three pairs of parallel cables, allowing for about 4000-4500 watts or so with Honda generators. I'd say this would be the safest bet.

A widow maker cord may be OK for some, but I've seen too many idiots to chance it. Never know if a neighbor's kid might unplug it and lick the prongs, for example. Sounds far-fetched, but if the kid gets hurt and some ambulance-chasers find the cord is called a "widow-maker", they will be pulling no stops.

Posted By: 2oldman on 04/11/17 03:02pm

ctilsie242 wrote:

Never know if a neighbor's kid might unplug it and lick the prongs, for example.

I would think the chances of that happening would be close to winning 4 lotteries in a row.

Posted By: 2oldman on 04/11/17 03:02pm

Huntindog wrote:

banana plug cords tapped in before the 20 amp breaker will allow for higher output. Correct?

Since the rated output is 13.3a, I'm not sure what you're getting at. You mean a surge current?

Posted By: wnjj on 04/11/17 03:17pm

Huntindog wrote:

SoundGuy wrote:

This guy did, with a EU2000i and EU1000i to boot: https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27821651

Posted By: Huntindog on 04/11/17 06:16pm

2oldman wrote:

Huntindog wrote:

banana plug cords tapped in before the 20 amp breaker will allow for higher output. Correct?

Since the rated output is 13.3a, I'm not sure what you're getting at. You mean a surge current?

No.If I understood SoundGuy right, it is possible to twin the honda's by making a suicide cord (two male 110 electrical cord) and pluging each end into a receptacle of the hondas... Doing this would tap the power AFTER the 20 amp breaker. twining the normal way with the banana plug cords taps the power BEFORE the circuit breaker.

Posted By: happycamper002 on 04/11/17 07:44pm

This is simply splitting hair that is leading to never ending arguments that don't offer any meaningful information that will improve those things that most of us know already.

It's going through a senseless Moebius Loop.

Having one end of the parallel cords is no different from having an extension cord strung around in the house or in the backyard.

The live parts are recessed deep enough to be a hazard. You really have to poke inside with something like a hair pin to get shocked.

The way the parallel cords are constructed are far more safer because the live part is covered with a hood.

Again, someone with suicidal thoughts would really have to be creative to poke the prong inside.

* This post was edited 04/11/17 08:51pm by happycamper002 *

Posted By: wnjj on 04/11/17 10:43pm

Huntindog wrote:

2oldman wrote:

Huntindog wrote:

banana plug cords tapped in before the 20 amp breaker will allow for higher output. Correct?

Since the rated output is 13.3a, I'm not sure what you're getting at. You mean a surge current?

You understand correct about the paralleling, however there is no "higher output" to be had. Each generator limits out at less than 20A anyway sharing before or after the 20A breaker makes no power difference.

Honda parallels them behind the breaker because they don't want someone trying to pull 26A from the 20A receptacle on the non-companion model.

Correction: simply connecting the Hondas with a suicide cord doesn't work because there isn't a 30A receptacle. I think what people do is build a Y cable with 2 male 15A plugs and a female 30A receptacle. Simply suicide connecting the generators means you still don't have anywhere to plug in something more than 20A.

* This post was edited 04/11/17 11:06pm by wnjj *

Posted By: marc71 on 04/12/17 01:33am

I emailed Honda and here's what I received back;

Hello Marc,

Honda only recommends using single unit operation with the units not
connected. I cannot tell you if this will cause damage or not, but all we
can tell you is what Honda recommends. What is stated in our owners manual
is what we can recommend.

Thanks,
Wesley
Honda Power Equipment
770-497-6400

Posted By: Huntindog on 04/12/17 02:17am

wnjj wrote:

Huntindog wrote:

2oldman wrote:

Huntindog wrote:

banana plug cords tapped in before the 20 amp breaker will allow for higher output. Correct?

Since the rated output is 13.3a, I'm not sure what you're getting at. You mean a surge current?

Perhaps I should have said more power is USABLE.
Of course each generator limits out at less than 20 amps.... So twining with a suicide cord doesn't really gain any USABLE increase above 20 amps.

Now the hair is split.

Posted By: 2oldman on 04/12/17 08:31am

marc71 wrote:

As for the easy/hard way... I'm going to try and find out about Tom and Bobs way from Honda, I'd sure hate to ruin $2200 worth of equipment.

Could you just pull the plugs from one generator?

Posted By: wnjj on 04/12/17 09:07am

Huntindog wrote:

wnjj wrote:

Huntindog wrote:

2oldman wrote:

Huntindog wrote:

banana plug cords tapped in before the 20 amp breaker will allow for higher output. Correct?

Since the rated output is 13.3a, I'm not sure what you're getting at. You mean a surge current?

Not quite. The useable power isn't limited because of where they are paralleled. Paralleling 2 regular generators with the Honda cable would still mean on 20A are available since the receptacle is where you pull the power from and it's after the breaker. The issue is the lack of a 30A receptacle, not where the power is paralleled. A Y suicide cord avoids that and allows for for full power.

The correct statement is that banana plugs allow for paralleling a companion model which includes a recepatcle that can access all of the power.

Posted By: marc71 on 04/12/17 11:37am

2oldman wrote:

marc71 wrote:

As for the easy/hard way... I'm going to try and find out about Tom and Bobs way from Honda, I'd sure hate to ruin $2200 worth of equipment.

Could you just pull the plugs from one generator?

According to Honda that is a big No No... cables must be attached before starting and not to be removed until both units are stopped

Posted By: Huntindog on 04/12/17 01:35pm

wnjj wrote:

Huntindog wrote:

wnjj wrote:

Huntindog wrote:

2oldman wrote:

Huntindog wrote:

banana plug cords tapped in before the 20 amp breaker will allow for higher output. Correct?

Since the rated output is 13.3a, I'm not sure what you're getting at. You mean a surge current?

Umm I agree. You just took a lot more words to say what I did.

Posted By: MEXICOWANDERER on 04/12/17 02:30pm

Couldn't Resist...

[image]

Posted By: wnjj on 04/12/17 02:46pm

Huntindog wrote:

Umm I agree. You just took a lot more words to say what I did.

Ok. I guess I missed something then. Your original quote:

Huntindog wrote:

banana plug cords tapped in before the 20 amp breaker will allow for higher output. Correct?

is what I don't agree with. Where you tap in to parallel them has nothing to do with the output. Actually it does affect how much you can access, but you would get higher output with the suicide cord than you would with the banana plug cord. If you suicide connected the 2 with the top receptacle on each, then plugged into the bottom receptacle on one, you could pull 26A from that bottom one. 13A from that generator and 13A from the other, through the top to bottom of the receptacle. Not that I would do that as it would be dangerous and overloading the receptacle.

So long as we agree, I guess we're good. Even if we don't, we're still good. [emoticon]

Posted By: 2oldman on 04/14/17 10:02am

marc71 wrote:

2oldman wrote:

marc71 wrote:

As for the easy/hard way... I'm going to try and find out about Tom and Bobs way from Honda, I'd sure hate to ruin $2200 worth of equipment.

Could you just pull the plugs from one generator?

According to Honda that is a big No No... cables must be attached before starting and not to be removed until both units are stopped

Sure, but you can pull the plug before starting the generator.

Posted By: MrWizard on 04/14/17 05:22pm

exactly

Print | Close