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Topic ClosedDual Honda 2000s versus AC

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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Dual Honda 2000s versus AC
    Posted: 08 Aug 2015 at 7:35pm
Originally posted by Keith-N-Dar

... It also negates the extra cost for those gensets over a conventional model ...  

Very true!  For the extra cost of these ¢%*<®@ things, I shouldn't have to be fooling with work-arounds.  I'm surprised this issue hasn't come up before.
John & Teri
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Aug 2015 at 2:15pm
"BTW, why don't I just run it with Eco throttles off?  Answer: I may have to, but hope to avoid the extra noise & fuel consumption."

It also negates the extra cost for those gensets over a conventional model that can easily handle the load.  When I priced them a few years ago it was an extra $1700. 
Keith-N-Dar
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Aug 2015 at 12:47pm
It is probably sagging lower than that, you need a special voltmeter to read true spikes and sags. But, I wouldnt worry about it. 108 is the minimum for continuous operation but equipment usually will tolerate lower startup sags. The fridge just runs a heating element on AC so no worry there.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Aug 2015 at 10:11pm
Update ..
Quick background: Using the PI HW-30 hard-wired EMS, I was using 2 Honda 2000s (regular + Companion) in parallel to run my 13,500 btu ac.  When the compressor cycled from Off to On, the EMS threw a low-voltage error code & shut down the power.  This was with the Eco throttles on.  (No problem with the Eco throttles off & the generators running at higher RPM.)

That made no sense to several of us since, in "continuous" mode, have a combined 3600 watts.  What seemed likely was that, when the ac cycled on, there was a momentary pause while the two generators spooled up.  Possible solution: turn the EMS off thereby bypassing it & trust that the Hondas deliver stable power.

The test today showed there is indeed a momentary low-voltage lag, but the generators kept the ac running.  I was monitoring the voltage with a Kill-a-Wat and they went like this:
122.1 - compressor on
125.6 - compressor off 
102.1 - flashed once when compressor came back on
122.4 - compressor on
125.7 - compressor off
101.1 - flashed once when compressor came back on
122.4 - compressor on

Next question:  Can the momentary brown-outs cause any damage to ac, fridge, etc.? I really could use some advice here, as I have -0- skills in this area.

BTW, why don't I just run it with Eco throttles off?  Answer: I may have to, but hope to avoid the extra noise & fuel consumption.

Thanks in advance, gents.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Aug 2015 at 3:28pm
I agree it is probably just detecting a momentary blip and not reflecting the voltage 99% of the time. 
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Aug 2015 at 2:29pm
Cliff, I think you're right.  Everything points to a sensitive EMS reacting to a miniscule fluctuation in power.  And, yes, it cuts the power.

I'll give the bypass a try & report back.  I can use the Kil-A-Wat to monitor for dangerously low voltage while conducting my little "experiment".
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Aug 2015 at 6:48am
John, I think the surge protector is very sensitive and its just detecting a little bump. It's not your generators. Since you know the power source is good I think its ok to bypass.

I'm sure its just a momentary drop. 

Does the EMS cut the power or just throw a code?

Bypass switch: This switch is located on the remote panel, and allows the user to 

bypass the computer circuit in the EMS in the event of computer failure, thus

allowing source power into the RV. This does not disable the surge protection 

portion of the EMS.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Jul 2015 at 11:45pm
Thanks for the suggestion, Doug.  With 3600 W continuous & 4k surge capacity, I can't believe the dual Hondas can't keep up.  (I say that like I know what I'm talking about.  Sorry)

If I'm not mistaken, my EMS-HW30C has a bypass switch (button) on the display module.  That would be downright handy.

Thx again, Doug & others, for sharing your thoughts & experiences.
John & Teri
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Jul 2015 at 8:40pm
You may just need to bypass the surge protector when using the generators.  You are far less likely to run into the problems it will protect you against, while using a generator, so I wouldn't call it a compromise on safety.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Jul 2015 at 2:20pm
Jim, yes, using the Companion w/ 30 amp plug.
John & Teri
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