Forum Discussion

C_Schomer's avatar
C_Schomer
Explorer
Nov 30, 2014

PI power mgnt system w/Honda generator.

My 5er had the Progressive Industries when I got it and now I have a Honda 2ki gen. The PI doesn't see a gnd. when running on the gen (floating neutral) so it shows E2 error - no gnd and I have to hit the bypass switch on the PI module to force the contactor closed. The PI doesn't show volts/amps/hz in bypass and I would like to see that while running on the gen. I tried a gnd jumper from the gen to the 5er but no dice. With land power, neutral goes to gnd in the main panel, so the PI sees that and works right... I guess. I don't want to tamper with the Honda but I'm thinking that floating neutral is the problem. Has anyone bonded neutral to gnd on there Honda or figured out how to make the PI show it's information in the bypass mode?
I could call PI next week but I'm impatient! Craig

4 Replies

  • C_Schomer's avatar
    C_Schomer
    Explorer
    Nov 30, 2014
    Thanks everyone...What a simple fix! I already have plugs around to do it. Craig
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer III
    Nov 30, 2014
    This will do it:



    Go to a big box store and buy a 3 prong plug. Wire the GROUND pin and the NEUTRAL pin together. DO NOT WIRE ANYTHING TO THE HOT PIN. Plug this into an outlet, any outlet, ON THE GENERATOR ITSELF. Your problem is solved. No permanent changes to the generator. Unplug it when/if desired.

    This is called "bonding" the generator.

    SCVJeff's method will work but is a little more cumbersome. There is no need for another outlet when the outlet on the generator will work just fine.
  • SCVJeff's avatar
    SCVJeff
    Explorer
    Nov 30, 2014
    There may be easier ways, but I went to Home Depot and bought a hospital grade isolated ground outlet (the orange one), and bonded neutral and ground at the outlet, isolating the Honda case from the outlet. no difference in performance otherwise.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,273 PostsLatest Activity: Jun 22, 2025