parallel 2-2000i honda generators together

he circuit protector=20amp might cause problems trying to push higher current thru it plus the regular 120 plug could create some headache.

That's the reason for making a box with a 30 amp receptacle feeding from the two generators. This can be wired with its own 30 amp breaker. You don't have the higher current demand on either generator's circuit breaker.

nieforth wrote:
The circuit protector=20amp might cause problems trying to push higher current thru it

It never has on mine. And I've run both the a/c and the MW at the same time! (but not long)

Thanks everyone for your input.As our Honda gens don't come equipped with banana plugs the 120 plug cord seems to be the answer....keeping in mind the safety factor.The circuit protector=20amp might cause problems trying to push higher current thru it plus the regular 120 plug could create some headache.

Thanks everyone for your time!!

msiminoff wrote:
However, as others have mentioned there is the very real risk of an electric shock if there is AC power at an exposed male plug.

Yes, if you are careless enough to not plug them both in before starting either generator.

nieforth wrote:
Lots of discussion on paralleling 2-2000i Honda generators together using the 120 volt outlets on the unit.

Using the Edison plugs to parallel your Honda EUXXXi's will work. However, as others have mentioned there is the very real risk of an electric shock if there is AC power at an exposed male plug. Without a doubt the shrouded banana plugs are far safer. These banana plugs & sockets are readily available and it would be a simple undertaking to add the banana sockets to a Honda EU generator that didn't have them.

I have a pair of EU2000i's that I pair (and have even tripled) frequently. I keep a couple types of paralleling cables (photo below) in my TC depending on what I need to power... and yes, I also have a short "suicide cord" that has saved the day on a couple of occasions.

It's worth reiterating that the Edison plug and/or suicide cord methods are NOT SAFE. But sometimes you have to make do with what you've got. If you go that route, take extra care to ensure that nobody can come into contact with exposed wiring. Secure connections with tape or tie the cords to the generator, etc. Most importantly; Never ever use a suicide cord to connect (backfeed) to a residential/mains electrical system. NEVER! This practice is illegal and extremely dangerous!

-Mark

Wise Sales has a three generator parallel kit. The advantage of paying them the price premium for this is that the banana plugs are a lot safer than male to male cords.

Easy to do as described – wire from each 120 outlet to a common box with a plug that will accept your land line. I used good quality stuff (flexible cable, fittings, box with receptacle and lid, etc.) from Home Depot. Yes, there's a risk of a hot lead if a plug is pulled while the generators are running — or getting hit with a meteorite. But I used high quality plugs and they are very hard to pull out — never had a problem. My two Hondas easily run the AC. BTW, I have the proper shielded banana plugs but have never seen the need to install them (my Hondas have the receptacles for them).

Thoughts? Yes, it works. I haven't electrocuted myself or anyone else yet.

Using 2-EU2000i's the way you are describing should work, although there is the safety risk of having a live male plug exposed should one of them get unplugged. For a while there were people on Ebay selling after market boxes with a 30 amp RV receptacle and two cords with plugs to facilitate what you are describing. I guess it depends on whether you are willing to take the risk.

As for the number and capacities of Honda EU's you can parallel: You are correct. I have two EU2000i's and one EU3000is and a box that has three sets of banana plugs the will allow me to run all three together, which I have done several times. I routinely use one 2000 and one 3000 together to run a 15k and a 13.5k air conditioner at the same time. I can do this with just two jumper wires to the banana receptacles and plug into the 30 amp receptacle on the 3000. The breaker built in the EU3000is seems to handle the temporary start up demands.

Moved from Technology Corner