Biggest converter for Honda 2000

ktmrfs wrote:

RoyB wrote:
The front panel of the Honda EU20001 says 13.3AMPs at 120VAC... That is around 1600WATTS...


I use my 2KW Honda to re-charge my three 85AH batteries in parallel using a PD9260C COnverter. I read 52-53AMPS DC Current being drawn by my battery bank for about 10 minutes then it start dropping back.

I can recharge my three batteries back up to the 90% charge state with-in a three hour run time on my 2KW Generator.

I think the PD9280 Converter input watts is around 1300WATTS at 120VAC so the 2KW Honda Generator should run that ok. IT does however state you should plug the PD9280 converter into a 20AMP receptacle, I think the 2KW Honda Generator only has a 15AMP 120VAC receptacle on it....

I suspect you do not have enough WATTAGE capability from the 2KW Honda Generator to re-charge your battery banks back up to 90% charge state in a three hour generator run time period. The rule of thumb is somewhere around 20AMPs of DC current for each battery in your bank to obtain a 90% charge state in a short three hour generator run time.

Maybe the experts will dime in here on what you need to make it work...

Roy Ken

Roy,

I get on my soapbox about generators, appliances, watts and volt amps to often, but here it goes again, since it often results in folks either getting something that doesn't work, or trying to figure out what is going on.

I do agree, the honda 2000 and a PD60A converter make a reliable great running combo. That is what I use and the generator has enough reserve to run the PD60A and 100-200VA to spare if needed.

the issue is that the honda is NOT a 1600watt generator unless connected to a resistive load. It is spec'd as a 1600VA (volt amps) generator.

True, the PD80 may draw about 1300 watts, but closer to 1600-1700 VA, so it's marginal on a honda 2000, right at it's continous rating. Like so many RV appliances, actual current draw is more than the "watts" rating indicates.

The PD60A draws on the order of 1400VA IIRC my measurements on one supplying 55A.

Chargers like the powermax are "power factor corrected" So the watts and VoltAmps are very close to the same. Kudos to them for addressing an RV issue.

Unforetunetly, IMHO generator mfg and RV parts mfg are doing folks a disservice by stating only watts. They should have a watts and VA spec. That way folks would have a better idea of what will work.


There are generators that have seperate specs for watts and VA.