Honda generator EU2000 parallel connection - Event Date: 29 Jul 2014

I recently purchased two used Honda EU2000I generators  for a very good price. My intention is to use a single unit for camping trips. In the event of a power outage in my home I want to connect the units in tandem for 4kw total power.  I understand there is another Honda generator called the Honda Companion which is designed to connect to the EU2000I and provides a 30 amp connector allowing the full 4Kw to be available from a single outlet. Unfortunately I don't have the Companion.

 The generator specifications say I can connect the EU2000I generators together with the phase matching cable for a total of 4Kw, however, I'm not able to get 4Kw from one outlet. The 4Kw is available from multiple 20 amp ckts rather than a 30 amp.

I understand there is a special ($200, rather expensive) adaptor is sold specifically to tie the two generators together in a way to combine outputs for a single 30 amp outlet. I was wondering if anyone attempted to construct the adaptor as a DIY project?  Is it just a matter of connecting a 30 amp outlet to the phase matching cables from each generator through a 30 amp breaker or is there more to it? I would appreciate any input or suggestions. 

 

The paralleling ports of the Hondas and Yamahas are directly connected to the 120 volt genset output, just w/o any circuit breaker.  You can buy the banana plugs and make your own full-output outlet (add a breaker to it).  Another option is to make a Frankenstein solution by ganging up the lower-capacity outlets into one bigger outlet (and adding a larger breaker).  Not too hard with a voltmeter - if you know what you are doing.  It is so simple it really irks me that people ask for over $200 for $40 in parts.

Originally posted by techntrek Budward, actually you can connect a 120 volt genset to your house IF you know what you are doing.  Turn off all 240 circuits and any multi-wire branch circuits, then parallel both legs in the circuit panel to the single leg coming from the genset.  I've had my EU3000is connected to a 120/240 subpanel in my house (which contains almost all of the 120 volt circuits in my house) several times.  In my case that subpanel doesn't have any 240 circuits even though it has both phases, and I've rewired the MWBC that runs to it so it is no longer two separate circuits.

Well yes you can, if you go to some advance trouble and as you said, IF you know what you are doing.
What I meant, and should have said, is one cannot just easily connect a 120V generator to a house system, ie just back feed an outlet or something as many have tried.   

My house had no main breaker being built in 1977.   What a PITA that has been devising a way to backfeed without powering everyone on my transformer.
Lets just say the 200 Amp breaker box I added doesn't conform to code, although perfectly safe,  and I will have to undo that when I sell my house some day

You are correct about fuel consumption...I  run a small 2kW invertor generator for general lighting/fridge/wood stove fan.    The big one gets fired up if we need to repressurize the water tank and heat water.
At my remote camp ALL power always comes from a generator-  I like to remind people anytime you think the power company is a ripoff try making your own and see what that costs.   I figure about 10x.