A totally different kind of Generator Question??

[bncinwv]

Now for something completely different (anybody remember that??). It looks like I may be in the market for a Honda 2000 generator to use on the boat. That way I don't have to lug the 160 pound Kipor onto it. Now since I have figured out that I want the smaller generator, I had a brainstorm of sorts. Brad's post about the device that takes 30 amp and 20 amp and ties them together to 50 amp has inspired me. Does anyone know if this would work on a 3000 and a 2000 watt generator to tie them together to 50 amp???? Just a thought.
Bingo

[8.1al]

The only reason this will work with a Honda is the inverter. Even though the Kipor has one too I don't know if the two would get along with each other. Hooking them together may be the only way to find out and that could be an expensive experiment

[bncinwv]

So I guess I should try this while both units are under warranty!! Better yet, just need to go camping so I don't have to worry about these recurrent brainstorms!!! Ha!! C'mon Spring!!!!
Bingo

[H. John Kohl]

Be very careful when trying to run two generators to one buss. They have to be "PHASED" together. That is what the parallel cable between the two Honda 2000 does. It brings both in sync so the 60 hertz voltage is the same sign wave. I need to do some more research on the "magic" box before I comment on it. You can use the two generators if each one powered separate loads and they were not on a common power buss.

[sreigle]

Bingo, I don't think they would honor the warranty when they find out how the damage occurred, assuming there is damage. If you try it, please let us know how it turned out.

[TMerrell]

My Honda book is very specific about only paralleling to another Honda of the same size. For what it's worth...

[bncinwv]

It would not be a parallel connection, and I thought the cheater boxes maintained the two legs separate?? 20 amp on one and 30 amp on the other (anybody know for sure???). I am still having trouble understanding why the sine waves would have to be synchronized since the inputs would be on different legs but I am not an electrical engineer. The most amazing aspect of this thread is that I never got one single reference back to the Monty Pythin intro??????
Bingo

[H. John Kohl]

quote:Originally posted by bncinwv

It would not be a parallel connection, and I thought the cheater boxes maintained the two legs separate?? 20 amp on one and 30 amp on the other (anybody know for sure???). I am still having trouble understanding why the sine waves would have to be synchronized since the inputs would be on different legs but I am not an electrical engineer. The most amazing aspect of this thread is that I never got one single reference back to the Monty Pythin intro??????
Bingo

If you are correct the cheater boxes maintains two seperate legs (which I think you are right) then you do not need it unless your boat has two legs. Just plug an outlet strip into each generator and use them as you desire. If you were trying to feed both generators into a single leg you need the sign wave in phase.
Sorry I did not understand your desired operation.

[scattershot]

A Honda dealer told me once that you could only hook up two Hondas of the same output. I don't think I'd risk it.

[bncinwv]

H. John,
I am only going to need the 2000 watt generator on the boat. Curiosity led me to wondering if I had stumbled onto a 50 amp generator set for the Montana. If it doesn't work, I am not out anything. Now I just have to decide if I want a Kipor 2000 watt or a Honda 2000 watt, or to be brave and buy a Boliy!!!!! Now that should instigate some debate, preferences anyone???????? LOL!!
Bingo

[OntMont]

If you check Camping World, you will see that they sell the "cheater" cable to connect two Hondas. I just don't know enough to comment on connecting any other brand, so I won't!

[bncinwv]

John,
It is not the parallel cable we are discussing, it is whether this will work:
http://www.campingworld.com/browse/s...r/skunum=25774
Bingo

[H. John Kohl]

I understand. What I have not done is verify that the 50 amp plug goes to two breakers separately in the Monty. I believe they do but have not confirmed it. Therefore I will not commit to some electrical discussions, make a mistake and cause someone damage or life.
Cheers,

[kmh3212]

I have 2 Honda 2000's and the parallel kit. They work great by themselves or hooked together. If I need service I know there won't be a problem with parts or some place to get ii worked on.
Camping World is giving the parallel kit away with the purchase of 2 Honda 2000i's. The flier came today 2-20-08. I bought mine online from Wise Sales. http://www.wisesales.com

[mtheo]

Bingo, you won't have 50 amps, it just doesn't work that way. I they are are separate legs one will have 3000 watts and the other one will have 2000 watts. Those cheaters only give you what the service box has. You can use your 50 amp cord but you will only have 30 amps on one leg and 20 or 30amps on the other leg if that is what is at the box.

John, the Monty's have a cord that will supply 50 amps at 240 volts. Which is two legs at 50 amps each. Your sub panel should have two main breakers, 50 amps each.

[SlickWillie]

quote:Originally posted by mtheo

Bingo, you won't have 50 amps, it just doesn't work that way. I they are are separate legs one will have 3000 watts and the other one will have 2000 watts. Those cheaters only give you what the service box has. You can use your 50 amp cord but you will only have 30 amps on one leg and 20 or 30amps on the other leg if that is what is at the box.

John, the Monty's have a cord that will supply 50 amps at 240 volts. Which is two legs at 50 amps each. Your sub panel should have two main breakers, 50 amps each.

I really think what Bingo is asking has nothing to do with the service box. He is wanting to run two generators into the electrical panel on the Monty using his 50 amp cord. One generator on one hot wire, the other on the other hot wire. Two main breakers? All you need is a 50 amp double pole,single throw breaker. The panel in the Monty has two buss bars, but they are not used as the normal panel to supply 240 volts.

I'm sure John will answer this, but I think I would run a ground strap between the two generators.

[kmh3212]

I use the Honda generator and the parallel connector kit that has a 30 amp outlet on it. Then I use the 30 amp male plug to 50 amp female "dog bone" adapter. I use it on one or two Honda eu2000i's depending on my power needs. In the winter with no a/c needed I just use one Honda for lights and furnace fan.

[kmh3212]

quote:Originally posted by bncinwv

John,
It is not the parallel cable we are discussing, it is whether this will work:
http://www.campingworld.com/browse/s...r/skunum=25774
Bingo

http://www.myrv.us/electric/
See this site. I wouldn't try what you want to do with that cheater box. You might endanger yourself and your boat!

[noneck]

Ok, now my 2 cents...Bingo it depends. This connection will only work as previously indicated when two separate feeds. The connector you show should connect GND and Neutral together...this is Ok. Then it will deliver Black and Red as each 120vac leg...one at 20amps and the other as 30amps. Now where your being asked to consider sine wave phase is IF there is a 240vac device on board which this is critical. IF its two separate loads one requiring supply of higher load vs another of lower load then no problem. Conversely IF there is a 240vac device then phoof the generators and/or device will be toast. That explanation work for you?

[bncinwv]

That is the clearest yet and mirrors what I was thinking. What possible 240VAC device would a Montana have on board, unless someone specifically added a 240 Dryer????
Bingo