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robert3's avatar
robert3
Explorer
Sep 23, 2013

Why no Honda EU2000i Parallel In Canada?

Just got a clarification why the certain Canada-model Honda EU-series generators do NOT have parallel connections. (Exception: the EU1000i does).

The (Canada) CSA rules don't say "no parallel" but what they DO say is 'no power allowed that exceeds the capacity of the receptacle/breaker.'

So, in the case of the standard EU2000i, it has a 20A duplex receptacle, and puts out 13.3 amps. There's also a 20A breaker on the duplex (only). So far, so good.

However, if you connect another EU2000i in parallel, the 20A breaker is NOT part of that parallel connection circuit, AND the combined amperage of the two units is now 26.6A, which exceeds to 20A rating of the receptacle. Verdict: No parallel connection for you on this model.

In the case of the EU2000i Companion, with its 30A receptacle, Honda probably could offer it with parallel, but it would not work with standard EU2000i that does not have parallel connectors. This would require a Canada customer to buy 2x Companions to get parallel, and at least in US $, that would be a $250 premium. Probably would NOT be a good seller.

In the case of the EU1000i, it has a 15A receptacle, and creates 7.5A. It also has an internal 20A circuit protector (no external breaker). When combined in parallel with another EU1000i, the total currrent is 15A, which is okay by CSA, especially since there is a 20A protector circuit. So, the EU1000i in Canada *does* come with parallel connectors.

For the rest of the EU-series models (EU3000is, EU3000i Handi), they are in the same boat as the EU2000i; too much power is possible through a too-small-rated receptacle when connected in parallel, so no parallel connections allowed.

Finally, it's my understanding some other brands of generators sold in Canada do offer parallel connections, but I don't know which ones. Evidently, they have the legal-sized receptacles and/or breakers/protectors that do meet CSA rules.

Hope this clears it up for those who asked.

-Robert@Honda
Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding is my opinion alone.

7 Replies

  • robert3's avatar
    robert3
    Explorer
    Sep 24, 2013
    BFL13 wrote:
    What is more curious is why they allow it in the USA and not in Canada.

    The parallel kit is supposed to have a 30a receptacle in it. What about that? Why doesn't that work for Canada?

    Are we to believe the American version has all 12 instead of 14 wire and that all their receptacles have the 15/20 slots instead of just 15 slots for the prongs? I doubt it.



    CSA rules, as I understand, apply to nearly all electrical equipment in Canada. However, in the USA, there are multiple codes for *residential* and *commercial* power, but it's really up to OSHA and the US Consumer Product Safety Comish to legally regulate portable generators. The NEC (National Electric Code) is not a legal requirement for generator manufacturers, although many adhere to it in many ways.

    Yes, the parallel (external) kit would work with a Canada-model EU2000i *if* it had parallel outlets, but it does not. CSA rules don't permit parallel outlets on the EU2000i for the reasons stated in the OP. Further, the external parallel kit was developed in the USA by American Honda, and never intended to be sold/marketed outside the USA.

    Both the US and Canada models of the EU2000i have genuine 20A receptacles. All Honda generators sold in the USA have 20A duplex receptacles, except for the EU1000i, which has a 15A duplex.

    -Robert@Honda
    Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding was my opinion alone.
  • n7bsn's avatar
    n7bsn
    Explorer
    Sep 24, 2013
    BFL13

    It comes down to the difference between the US electrical code and the Canadian electrical code.

    The NEC has allowed a 20 amp circuit-breaker to be connected to 12 gauge wire and then to 15 amp outlets. (some local codes do not allow this, but the NEC does).
    The NEC does NOT allow a 20 amp CB connected to 14 gauge wire and then to a 15 amp outlet.

    Some electricians believe this "mix" of 15amp/20amp is not safe and use 15 amp breakers, 14 gauge wire and 15 amp outlets, and this is allowed under NEC.

    Generally kitchen circuits have required 2 each, 20 amp circuits, for years these outlets were 15 amp outlets though. In recent years there has been a push to require all kitchen outlets to be 15/20 amp outlets.

    One last point, while we talk about the NEC, it is NOT the "national" code. Electrical code is a state function, while most state/local districts use the NEC, not all do.
  • BFL13's avatar
    BFL13
    Explorer II
    Sep 24, 2013
    This is not new info as we have long ago figured that out wrt to receptacle amps and paralleling. What is more curious is why they allow it in the USA and not in Canada.

    The parallel kit is supposed to have a 30a receptacle in it. What about that? Why doesn't that work for Canada? (BTW, my Honda 3000 has a 30a receptacle but it is only good for 23.3 amps.

    A related item is how my 2003 Komfort trailer has one electrical schematic for Canada and another for USA versions of the 7355 power centre. The USA version has all 20a branch circuits and the Canadian version has all 15a except for the air conditioner at 20a.

    Are we to believe the American version has all 12 instead of 14 wire and that all their receptacles have the 15/20 slots instead of just 15 slots for the prongs? I doubt it.

    In addition many posters here from the USA seem to use "20a" when they mean 15a. Perhaps it is because of the way new homes are wired in the USA vs in Canada?
  • 69_Avion's avatar
    69_Avion
    Explorer
    Sep 24, 2013
    If I was in Canada, I would gladly buy two Companions, since I need one anyway. (or get a kit)
    If the generators are the same, except for the taps for the parallel kit, then it should be easy to adapt.

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