Honda generator purchase help

As simple as it gets.



15 to 30 adaptor.

I bought the Companion first and have been happy. It really doesn't matter which one you purchase first since you aren't going to parallel anything without the second generator. I just got a good deal on the Companion so it made sense for me to buy it first.

TNRIVERSIDE wrote:
So I got my new EU2000i companion. I looked at the owners manual and found the wiring diagram. The 30 amp twist lock is NOT protected by the circuit breaker. When I called HONDA (before my purchase) their tech insured me that both receptacle were protected by this breaker. When I called them after my purchase to discuss this they said that the 30 amp was protected by the inverter but if this protection is used repeatedly it will damage the inverter and they are expensive. This is not what I was told the day before. So I am returning the companion and picking up the standard unit that has both receptacles protected.

Update: I have the new EU2000i and I'm looking at the wiring diagram. I am glad to say that both receptacles ARE protected by the 20 amp circuit breaker
You can't go by what the HONDA support people tell you.

I'm not sure if I did the right thing. Your opinions will be appreciated. Since I use my Honda 2000 to run my 7200 BTU A/C I made this adapter with the thought that it would allow the plug ins to run cooler and not over heat . I just paralleled both of the duplex outlets into one 30 amp and plug my 30 amp into it. That 30 amp runs from the front of RV, where the 2000ie is anchored to a Transfer switch. My regular shore line is separate. This way I can run the Generator while traveling.
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When making it I plugged both male into a dummy receptacle and used JB Weld and a spacer plus tie straps to hold in place. Perfect fit and it is cool.

So I got my new EU2000i companion. I looked at the owners manual and found the wiring diagram. The 30 amp twist lock is NOT protected by the circuit breaker. When I called HONDA (before my purchase) their tech insured me that both receptacle were protected by this breaker. When I called them after my purchase to discuss this they said that the 30 amp was protected by the inverter but if this protection is used repeatedly it will damage the inverter and they are expensive. This is not what I was told the day before. So I am returning the companion and picking up the standard unit that has both receptacles protected.

Thanks to all for the input. After reading all the information I went with the companion. The 30 amp receptacle does work in the sole mode. Both are protected by the breaker. The 30 amp twist lock will work well when used at home in the wiring configuration that I am using. And if I do need to use two units it will be easy to add the second unit.

TNRIVERSIDE wrote:
Is there any advantage in using the companion as a solo? Or is getting the standard unit the better option until I decide if I need / want to use two units together.

I own two EU2000i's and I fail to see any benefit to having a "Companion" model at all. I certainly do not think there is any advantage to using the Companion solo.

The ONLY thing that the Companion has to offer is a 30A (L5-30R) twist lock receptacle which still needs a $20 adaptor to connect to a 30A RV plug... and it has a single 20A (5-20R) receptacle and no 12V charge outlet. For $100 more, you get less utility.

If you're only buying only one, I would suggest that you get a regular EU2000i and a pick up a $3 15A to 30A-RV adaptor !

IF you ever decide that need more than 1600W (continuous), IMO you would be better off having two regular EU2000i's. This gives you two discrete generators each with a pair of 20A receptacles (note: the EU2K's max output is 16.7A) and 12V battery charge outlet**. A simple paralleling box like the one I made (photo below) can be easily assembled with $30 worth of parts from your local hardware store... Then you can plug in your shore power cord and get the full 30A output.


Cheers,
-Mark

**There are lots of people who like to complain about the EU2000's measly 12V 8A charging circuit. Granted you're not going to do much actual charging with that... But I have successfully used my Honda's to charge a dozen or more times to charge a dead car's battery enough to get the engine started... Sometimes an 8A charger is all you need.

I'm well aware that Honda says they will not mix. My local Honda dealer was surprised that they would. When you think about it, there is no reason that they would not, since they both have phase match capability. One thing that surprised me was that the excessive draw through the 30 amp receptacle on the 3000 has never overloaded its breaker. I've carefully monitored the heat at the outlet when running two ac's but no issues.

Some thoughts.
Yes the Honda 2000i regular outlet is rated for 20amps.
The plug 99% of the people use to plug into it is only rated for 15 amps (even if the cord is 12 gauge and rated for 20 amps).

While the generator can produce 18 amps

See the issue?
You can have a real problem drawing more current through the plug (NEMA 5-15) (and maybe cord) then it is rated for.

Personally I would get the Companion