Honda generator question

our posts apparently crossed. See my post above yours for an explanation. :)

windinmyface2 wrote:


ps: why was it called a 'suicide' cord?

Using an energized cord with the male prongs exposed is a good way to win a Darwin award.

Thank you all for the responses....much good info. I found on Amazon a setup that has the cables and 30 amp plug for the trailer in one unit. it has an inline fuse for safety. It is $86.00. and sounds like what wnjj is referring to.
Both of these generators are over 8-10 yrs old, and are, of course, 2000, not 200. lol.
the adventure continues....

ps: why was it called a 'suicide' cord?

Yes you can link (parallel) the two generators to power your AC unit, people have been doing it for years. Here's a link to a $50 parallel kit.
Link
and a link to a $30 unit.
Link
The kits are all basically the same so don't get too hung up on brand name.

There is a danger in paralleling the generators. If done incorrectly you can create a hazardous situation that could be potentially fatal. The good thing about the kits above is the plugs self seal if one of them gets somehow disconnected from the generator.

Do not go the cheap route of just plugging the two generators together through the household plugs. Doing so will also achieve what you want. But it creates what is appropriately called a suicide cord. The link below is an example of a suicide cord. You plug the ends of the cord into the generators and you get more power. But if one of the cords comes out it will be an exposed live wire. Thinking about camping there are quite a few reasons a plug might come undone. A toddler wandering around camp. A teenager playing a prank on their friend. Or maybe an adult who's had a few too many, stumbles and trips over the cord and lands on the exposed end. Below is a link to a suicide cord. While the cord in the link would not fit your generators, the idea is the same, just don't do it.
Link to a "suicide cord".

wnjj wrote:
The outlets are protected by a 20A breaker so that’s all you’ll get by paralleling 2 non-companion models.

All you'll get? The generator is only rated at 13.2 a. Don't you get twice that max when paralleled.. otherwise what's the point?

Yes OP, this is covered in the owner's manual and youtube.

theoldwizard1 wrote:
I have to question the wiring BEHIND the outlet.

You don't have to question it if you google up the schematic.

theoldwizard1 wrote:
The outlets on a an EU2000i are rated at 20A. I am ASSUMING your trailer has a 30A plug (TT30). While it is possible to purchase/make an adapter to 120VAC 20A to 120VAC 30A, I have to question the wiring BEHIND the outlet.

The outlets are protected by a 20A breaker so that’s all you’ll get by paralleling 2 non-companion models.

You can, however build a cable that takes both of the parallel connections and brings them to a 30A receptacle. The same would work with the 20A plugs but would require a suicide cord and would not be recommended.

The only thing special about the companion model is the built in 30A receptacle.

I am not sure if my answer is what you are looking for. Honda says EU2200i are only compatible with EU2000i or EU2000i companion within a specific serial number range. EAAJ-2017305- EAAJ-9999999. EACT-1000001- EACT-9999999. Now having said that, I own a 10 year old Honda EU2000i and recently bought a new EU2000i, that I found on Craigs list. I went to a Honda dealer bought the correct parallel cords, and I use a # 12 extension cord and have run both Hondas for over 5 hours together on our 5th wheel, no problems. Hope this!
Bruce

By the way paralle kit part # 08E93-HPK123HI from Honda $44.99

$86 on eBay



galleryParallel-ANY-2-Eu2200i-EU2000i-Honda-Gens-no-034-Companion-034-needed-Cable-kit

Some time ago in a land far away before the Companion there was an adaptor that could be bought from Honda for $$$$$$$$$ Wise old men in dark, dank garages made their own as it was a very simple thing to do, including myself!

I have not had a need to look but would guess that there are aftermarket ones available cheaply today?

2000 and 2200 can be paralleled, but ONLY CERTAIN SERIAL #'s! Have to check with Honda.