Portable Generators

[Workshop]

As a matter of research, for those who use a portable generator, like the Honda 2000, etc. how are you connecting the generator to the unit. With the units power cord and adapters, a generator plug on the compartment door, special adaptors. Did you have any spectial equipment installed like ATS, auto transfer switches or current protectors for the genertator.

Thanks,
Chris

[Workshop]

As a matter of research, for those who use a portable generator, like the Honda 2000, etc. how are you connecting the generator to the unit. With the units power cord and adapters, a generator plug on the compartment door, special adaptors. Did you have any spectial equipment installed like ATS, auto transfer switches or current protectors for the genertator.

Thanks,
Chris

[ChiefJohn]

Chris,
I've been using a Yamaha EF3000iSE/B generator for several years. It hasn't missed a beat and other than oil changes, no maintenance.

I mounted the generator on an elevated platform behind the cab of 'Semi-Suite' which makes it easy to get to and service. SC added a 50amp receptacle to the front of my Excel to alleviate stretching a power cord from the rear to the front. I use a 50-30amp reducer, fitted to a generator adapter (available at RV supply stores). The Yamaha has a boost feature that ups the watts to 3500 to handle A/C start-ups and other surges.

Chose the Yamaha for the dual-fuel capability available with an aftermarket kit.

As soon as our weather permits, I'll take some pictures and post on iRV2.com.
John

[Jim & Bona]

I use a Honda 2000 connected with the power cord and adaptors. This goes through a Progressive Industries 50 amp HW EMS to the factory installed wiring (120v wiring and battery charger). I will be adding an inverter with an internal transfer switch soon.

I routinely get a grounding error message, and shutdown, on the EMS. I attribute this to the so-called "Floating Ground" in the Honda generator. Thus far I have resolved the EMS shutdown by turning off the EMS unit with no apparent problems. Does anyone else have this issue?

[LarryGodby]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Progressive Industries 50 amp HW EMS </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Jim,

I just picked up the EMS 50 and have not had time to play with it.

I do run a generator at times and was wondering the way to turn it off.

[evan0810]

The only time I "dry camp" is in the fall when A/C is not an issue. I'm not sure my 3800W unit would run the A/C anyway. I have an inverter to operate the entertainment center so I connect the generator to a 10A battery charger most of the time. The built in charger takes a long time to charge RV batteries.

[Jim & Bona]

Larry,

You'll find a small on/off switch on the top side of the remote display. That will turn off the EMS and power will come in directly as though the EMS wasn't there.

[LarryGodby]

Thanks Jim

I wondered what to do if I had problems, I thought I would like to bypass the unit at some very limited times.

I was born and raised in Flint, I do pity you being there at this time of year.

I need to go into the trailer soon or I will start scratching my eyes out. Looks like in a couple of weeks we will be out.

[Still Working "NOT"]

Chris,

I have two of the Honda 2000's. I built my own kit to ty them together and run the camper with a 30 to 50 amp adapter. I have not had the need to use it as I have only dry camp late in the fall so no air was needed. In the fall when no air was needed I just used adapters to go from 20 amp to 50 amp and run just one generator. I get eight hours of run time from one gallon of gas so that is cheap enough.

I also wired in my own transfer switch in front to be able to have the generator up front if I want to. I did this before I bought the Hondas and have not use it since. Worked great with my ***** generator.

[Bruce and Jenna]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jim & Bona:
I use a Honda 2000 connected with the power cord and adaptors. This goes through a Progressive Industries 50 amp HW EMS to the factory installed wiring (120v wiring and battery charger). I will be adding an inverter with an internal transfer switch soon.

I routinely get a grounding error message, and shutdown, on the EMS. I attribute this to the so-called "Floating Ground" in the Honda generator. Thus far I have resolved the EMS shutdown by turning off the EMS unit with no apparent problems. Does anyone else have this issue? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have two Honda 2000s. So far, I only use both to run the microwave/convection oven. I also get the PE2 ground error on my HW50 panel. I called either Honda or Progressive (can't recall which) and was told that you can turn off the HW50 as a temp solution, but should really ground the gennies.

I grounded each one to the truck, since I keep them in the bed. But I saw no difference. I still plan to try to ground the truck too, or ground the gennies directly.

[LindaH]

Like Still Working, we have 2 Honda 2000's with the kit that connects them together.

When running the 2 generators at the same time, we use a 50-amp to 30-amp adapter. When running just one generator, we use a 50-amp to 20-amp adapter, like this one.

[Still Working "NOT"]

Bruce,

Run the ground to a post in the dirt. That is an eletricical ground. This will keep you from getting shocked if the fiver becomes hot.

[Bruce and Jenna]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Still Working:
Bruce,

Run the ground to a post in the dirt. That is an eletricical ground. This will keep you from getting shocked if the fiver becomes hot. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yeah, I was alluding to an earth ground when I said ground the gennies directy. But it's kinda pesty to drive and remove a stake every time we move. Particularly in this desert country where, I assume, you gotta go deep for moisture.

Is there an easy way to make an earth ground? (I was just about to write that I could tie into a water pipe when I realized I wouldn't have water if I didn't have electricity. )

[Highgturn]

Our 5.5 KVA Onan is simply grounded to the frame of the coach. I don't see why that wouldn't work for a portable.