Community Forums

Calpop45 · 10-21-2022, 11:06 PM

I’ve read that a special grounding/neutral connection is necessary to hook up a Honda 2000i to a toy hauler, but cannot locate the thread. Can anyone help us?

bigchick · 10-22-2022, 08:04 AM

i think what you referring to is commonly know as an 'edison plug'. it may or may not be required. it has nothing to do with a toy hauler. the issue only occurs when you have an full EMS device (progressive, hughes watchdog, etc) in your incoming shore power line. again only applicable to a full EMS device that blocks the incoming power if it doesn't meet what the EMS is looking for. not applicable to just a surge protector.

one of the things these devices look for is the same voltage on the neutral and ground leads. many portable generators have what is called a floating neutral that is not the same voltage as the ground. using these generators with the EMS device causes the EMS to block the incoming power.

the solution is to plug an edison plug into a spare outlet on the generator. this plug simple connect the neutral and ground so they are at the same voltage and the EMS is happy. you can buy these plugs or make your own. many videos on how to do this.

again, if you do not have a full EMS device this is not relevant.

wolfgolden · 10-22-2022, 09:33 AM

Hughes Autoformers Ground Neutral Plug https://a.co/d/a7FyCOz

Persistent · 10-22-2022, 12:21 PM

A little confusion here. You do not need the Edison Plug when connecting to shore power. You need the Edison Plug when using a portable generator.

One and only one neutral to system ground bond is required in residential 120 volt electric systems regardless of whether there is a surge protector/circuit analyzer.

Shore power has a ground to neutral connection (bond) in that system. The generator needs one even if you do not have a surge protector/circuit analyzer in the circuit with the generator.

A ground/neutral bond is usually needed with a portable generator. Built in generators using a transfer switch usually have one built in.

Calpop45 · 10-22-2022, 04:27 PM

Reason for toyhauler post is that I assumed that this group would be most likely to use an external generator. But: I think I understand your comments. Our TH has a generator and transfer switch. I simply want to have a backup plan with a little Honda generator. Will I screw anything up if I simply hook up and try the Honda? How do I know if I need one of these plugs without trying?

wolfgolden · 10-22-2022, 05:03 PM

The plug is only needed to trick an EMS to work. If you don't have one or can bypass it, it's not needed.
If you are unsure, plug in and see if your coach has power.
It won't hurt anything either way.

Persistent · 10-23-2022, 07:46 AM

Wolfgolden is correct. The Honda will work fine without the Edison Plug.

However, the bonding plug is required by code for any residential installation. The bonding function is required to trip the circuit breaker or GFI if there are certain circuit malfunctions.

On the other hand you can easily make an Edison Plug from an old appliance power cord. Remove the plug. Cut off the hot wire. Connect the ground to neutral. Cover it with electrical tape.

TXiceman · 10-23-2022, 09:21 AM

If you have an EMS in the RV it is really simple to make a plug that you plug into a 120 VAC 15 or 20 Amp receptacle on the Honda EU generator. All you do is buy a male plug at the hardware store and connect one short jumper from the ground to the neutral in the plug. Make sure you are on the neutral leg and not the hot leg.

This tricks the EMS system so that it will accept the power from the generator. If you do not have an EMS, it is not needed. Just plug into the generator and go.

Ken

Calpop45 · 10-26-2022, 10:52 AM

TXiceman: you are correct. Apparently the Genesis Supreme has an EMS because I needed to make up the neutral bonding plug to make the trailer accept input from the Honda generator.

Thanks all for the input!