question about parallel generators
I have a 2300 generator that has a run speed of 1800 which is not enough to run my AC (30A). So my question is what is the smallest size generator I could use in parallel to bring it up to run the AC?...
Forum Discussion
Here is one 2300/1800. There are others.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-Bluetooth-2-300-Starting-Watt-Super-Quiet-Gasoline-Powered-Digital-Inverter-Generator-RYI2300BTA/300347426
It says "Running Watts" for the 1800 figure on it.
--I do not know more about why you don't get double when paralleling. The table from the Briggs and Stratton manual for my P2200 is what it is.
There is also some info in the Champion website about combos. They mention that you can combine a smaller gen with a bigger one, but it is not advantageous (or similar wording) and it seems to turn on which kits will fit which gens. They have different kits for different gens. Each kit has certain receptacles. I think (?) the key to the mystery is in what those receptacles in the kits are rated for, but not sure about that.
Somebody posted in another thread on this that you can parallel some gens with no kit, but do it with DIY wiring, and in that case you get more total power?--but I have no details.
It would be nice to know more about all this. Not much info in the various brands' ads.
https://www.championpowerequipment.com/parallel-kit-selector/
OK the parallel kit for the above 1800w gen has two 30A receptacles, and it says it will double the output of one gen. (30 x 120 =3600.) I don't know if you can really use a 30A receptacle to get 3600 watts. Must have correct ampacity wiring too AFAIK.
Electricians on here must know. What say? -- EDIT! -80% rule has 3600 at 2880 for loading a 30A
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Inverter-Generator-Parallel-Kit-AUN9230PK-S/203695188
EDIT some more--- the B&S kit also has 30A 120v receptacles, but they still say it will do 3000w max with two 2200s. 2 x 1700 =3400, so where did the 400 go is the question, especially if a 30A can do 3600.
https://www.briggsandstratton.com/na/en_us/product-catalog/generators/portable-generators/inverter-parallel-kit.html
EDIT again! It seems the NEC in the US has an 80% rule, so you can only load a 15A to 12A etc. 3600 x 80% = 2880.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-Bluetooth-2-300-Starting-Watt-Super-Quiet-Gasoline-Powered-Digital-Inverter-Generator-RYI2300BTA/300347426
It says "Running Watts" for the 1800 figure on it.
--I do not know more about why you don't get double when paralleling. The table from the Briggs and Stratton manual for my P2200 is what it is.
There is also some info in the Champion website about combos. They mention that you can combine a smaller gen with a bigger one, but it is not advantageous (or similar wording) and it seems to turn on which kits will fit which gens. They have different kits for different gens. Each kit has certain receptacles. I think (?) the key to the mystery is in what those receptacles in the kits are rated for, but not sure about that.
Somebody posted in another thread on this that you can parallel some gens with no kit, but do it with DIY wiring, and in that case you get more total power?--but I have no details.
It would be nice to know more about all this. Not much info in the various brands' ads.
https://www.championpowerequipment.com/parallel-kit-selector/
OK the parallel kit for the above 1800w gen has two 30A receptacles, and it says it will double the output of one gen. (30 x 120 =3600.) I don't know if you can really use a 30A receptacle to get 3600 watts. Must have correct ampacity wiring too AFAIK.
Electricians on here must know. What say? -- EDIT! -80% rule has 3600 at 2880 for loading a 30A
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Inverter-Generator-Parallel-Kit-AUN9230PK-S/203695188
EDIT some more--- the B&S kit also has 30A 120v receptacles, but they still say it will do 3000w max with two 2200s. 2 x 1700 =3400, so where did the 400 go is the question, especially if a 30A can do 3600.
https://www.briggsandstratton.com/na/en_us/product-catalog/generators/portable-generators/inverter-parallel-kit.html
EDIT again! It seems the NEC in the US has an 80% rule, so you can only load a 15A to 12A etc. 3600 x 80% = 2880.
