Reverse parallel for a generator? - Diesel Forum

Roger45 · 08-17-2005, 05:12 PM

I made up a connector to run my twin Honda 2000s and it works great. I now have what I think is a simple question. This last week I ran into a situation where I needed to plug a single extension cord into the system to run an electric motor. When the two generators are in parallel can I use a single plug on one and still have the power of both generators? Is there an adapter where I can plug into my 30 amp recepticle and then plug a regular 3 prong extension cord into?

**SteveRacer** · 08-18-2005, 02:21 AM

You could make one easily, but the whole point of the 30amp "RV" twist-lock plug is that it's rated for those kinds of loads.

You shouldn't be trying to run 30 (or 60 !!) amps across a standard 110V 3-prong, no matter where the power is coming from. That kind of wallup needs 10 gauge, if not 8 gauge wire... and you won't find that with a 15amp "house" plug molded on the end.

Check the motor plate for horsepower, and there are several charts online that tell you the necessary wire gauge. After that, you'll also know the minumum NEMA plug/socket type that will handle the load. If it's just a "startup" problem, you might get away with smaller wire... but too small a wire will ruin your starting load capacity anyway.

If it were me (I have only one Honda 2000eu) I would gang the 30amp RV plugs into a single 50amp "clothesdryer" type outlet. Then use the bigest gauge flex stranded 3-conducter flex SOW I could fit - hopefully 8 gauge. All of this stuff is available at Home Depot.

Best to do it safe and right.

-steve

Vulcan800 · 08-18-2005, 08:24 AM

Yes, I use one similar to the atchd link when I'm only running lights or the microwave from the 30 amp supply.
http://doityourself.com/store/6446520.htm

Roger45 · 08-19-2005, 01:53 PM

That is exactly what I am looking for. Thanks.

Roger45 · 08-19-2005, 02:01 PM

I am not sure if you understand my question or I don't understand your answer [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img] I made my own 30 amp parallel connector *because* the factory stuff was so cheap and light weight, not to mention expensive. I have them attached with the banana plugs and going to a 30 amp female plug using 10 gauge wire and a weather proof box. I use this on my 5er and I can run my air and microwave and TV all at the same time [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img] Recently I needed more power than one 2000 would give out, but the incoming cord was a standard 110 3 prong. The 2000EU has two 110 recepticles...If I run the banana plugs so two 2000EU's are in parallel, will the 110 plugs on either unit allow the parallel to kick in, or will they simple be the power in a single 2000? On the other side, instead of plugging my 30 amp 5er male plug into the female parallel box that I have made, will using an adapter like the one also posted in this thread cause any problems? I hope that is clearer [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

pabrannan · 08-21-2005, 03:21 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I am not sure if you understand my question or I don't understand your answer [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img] I made my own 30 amp parallel connector *because* the factory stuff was so cheap and light weight, not to mention expensive. I have them attached with the banana plugs and going to a 30 amp female plug using 10 gauge wire and a weather proof box. I use this on my 5er and I can run my air and microwave and TV all at the same time [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img] Recently I needed more power than one 2000 would give out, but the incoming cord was a standard 110 3 prong. The 2000EU has two 110 recepticles...If I run the banana plugs so two 2000EU's are in parallel, will the 110 plugs on either unit allow the parallel to kick in, or will they simple be the power in a single 2000? On the other side, instead of plugging my 30 amp 5er male plug into the female parallel box that I have made, will using an adapter like the one also posted in this thread cause any problems? I hope that is clearer [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

I made my parallel cables that plug into the 110 outlets(I know not the safest) that run into the rv female adapter. When I want to put a load on them both at the same time I use an adapter to go from 30 amp female to 110 3 prong outlet with no problems. Is that what you are asking??

Paul B

**SteveRacer** · 08-23-2005, 02:06 AM

Sorry, I misunderstood your question.

I thought you had a motor with so much draw it needed both generators. If that was the case, it shouldn't be running off a standard 3-prong "house" plug.

But if it's just a matter of needing to plug in something else, that adapter should work fine.

I'm pretty sure I read that if you parallel Honda generators, you shouldn't load just one generator. Once they are running in parallel, you have to plug in ONLY to the ganged box.

I could be wrong about that, but I think I read it in my owner's manual.

-steve

Roger45 · 08-26-2005, 06:39 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Sorry, I misunderstood your question.

I'm pretty sure I read that if you parallel Honda generators, you shouldn't load just one generator. Once they are running in parallel, you have to plug in ONLY to the ganged box.

I could be wrong about that, but I think I read it in my owner's manual.

-steve

[/ QUOTE ]

That is the question...sorry I didn't state it better up front. It was easy to make the 30amp plug...should be easy to make a 15 amp adapter. Again, thanks...

Sorry it has taken so much time to reply....nedded to fly to America (from Alaska) for *family* stuff [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]