Are parallel cables universal?

[Fresno_Tundra_D]

I'm looking at buying two 2k inverter generators. No sure yet which ones. Maybe Smarter Tools from Costco or Honda with companion. Can a Honda or Yamaha parallel cable be used for the Smarter Tools generators? Does CW or any other retail sell a universal parallel cable? Any advice would be appreciated.

[Wayne_Dohnal]

Honda and Yamaha simply connect the AC outputs together for paralleling. Most, possibly all, others use a proprietary connection with some sort of sync signal. Kipor's original parallel connection used the Honda/Yamaha method and Honda "sued the pants" off of them, and they changed to a proprietary connection. Honda has their parallel technology patented and it wouldn't surprise if it's cross-licensed with Yamaha.

[Boatycall]

I just posted this write up about the Honda parallel setup---

Connect Honda EU1000i to a EU2000i WITHOUT Honda's cord

[2oldman]

Ron3rd wrote:
That assumes the receptacles for the plugs are the same on the Champion and the Honda.

Well, the 120v sockets certainly are!

[Fresno_Tundra_D]

Thanks for the replies. I went out on a limb and bought the last parallel power cable for Yamaha generators I could find here locally. I didn't have time to wait for an online purchase. It fit perfectly with the Costco Smarter Tools generators (AP-2000iQ) and powered up my rv including the AC, so it worked out except now I'm $1300 lighter from two generators with tax plus $110 lighter for the "sidewinder" parallel cord.

[MrWizard]

No ... generic universal cables
Know nothing about the "smarter" line of gensets
But I do know the Champion line inverter generators use a special cable system (two power cables and a double set of syncing plugs)
The syncing plugs connect the two electronic brains control signals

I seriously doubt the Honda cables and smarter line cables are interchangeable

[Ron3rd]

ScottG wrote:
Yes, there's nothing special about the parallel cables, They just attach the outputs of the two gens together so if they'll plug in then they'll work as long as the gen is capable like Bobbo says.

That assumes the receptacles for the plugs are the same on the Champion and the Honda. Don't know if they are or aren't, just say'n......

[Fresno_Tundra_D]

Bobbo wrote:
Be sure the Smarter Tools generators can be paralleled. Not all generators can be. They have to be engineered for that functionality.

Yeah, thanks for that. The newer Smarter Tool model that Costco is selling is capable of being paralleled. .

[ScottG]

Yes, there's nothing special about the parallel cables, They just attach the outputs of the two gens together so if they'll plug in then they'll work as long as the gen is capable like Bobbo says.

[Bobbo]

Be sure the Smarter Tools generators can be paralleled. Not all generators can be. They have to be engineered for that functionality.