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azBuckeye's avatar
azBuckeye
Explorer
Aug 12, 2014

Microwave and Honda EU2000i Companion

Hello Everyone,

I've tried to find an answer via search and couldn't find what I was specifically looking for...and I don't know much about electrical issues.

I have a 2014 Jayco Jay Flight 28BHBE and a new Honda EU2000i Companion generator (has the 30A plug). When I run the microwave with the generator, the light inside the microwave will be "bright" for about 1 to 2 seconds, then it will dim. The microwave still runs. But, due to the lights dimming, I shut off the microwave after about 10 seconds and don't use it. My question... If I DO use it when the light dims, am I damaging the generator or the microwave over time (which I don't want to do)?

All is fine on shore power and the generator is not on economy mode when I tried this. I would rather live without the microwave than damage it over time. Also, I have turned off the electric water heater and fridge over to gas. No, tv or anything else is running.

18 Replies

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  • naturist's avatar
    naturist
    Nomad
    Aug 12, 2014
    I believe you will find that your generator has an automatic overload protection, which will cut the power off completely if the load exceeds its capacity. So as long as it doesn't kick off on you, the generator will not be damaged.

    I, too, think that it is likely that your converter is drawing enough to cause the dimming of the lights when you run the microwave. I'd test that theory by making sure the battery was fully charged OR turning off the battery cutoff switch when attempting to run the microwave.
  • profdant139's avatar
    profdant139
    Explorer II
    Aug 12, 2014
    My Honda 2000 and my small microwave behave in exactly the same way -- dim lights, surging, and so forth. I have ignored this for many years with no ill effects to either one, I think!
  • AH64ID's avatar
    AH64ID
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2014
    The battery charger might be drawing enough to lower the voltage as well.

    ScottG wrote:
    My micro acts like that even on shore power.


    As does mine.

    It will also do it with my pair of EU2000's and nothing else on.

    Both of my TT's micro's have done this, must be something with the TT wiring or microwave design.
  • dockmasterdave's avatar
    dockmasterdave
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2014
    All is fine on shore power and the generator is not on economy mode when I tried this.

    You lost me there.

    Sorry, didn't realize they were separate posters.
  • dockmasterdave's avatar
    dockmasterdave
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2014
    Sounds possible your microwave needs more power. How many watts is it. Divide the watts by 120 that tells you how many amps at 120 it needs.
    Damn I've learned a lot on this forum.
    Couldn't have told you that a year ago. :)
    A 1500 watt microwave plus some other current draw will hit 2000 watts pretty quick.

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