2005 Classic 25/Honda Generator questions

[charlieBob]

I need some advice please. I am trying to figure out a safe solution to using the Honda eu2000i and The Honda 2000 Companion to power my 2005 Classic 25. This is what I have done:

I hooked up both gens using the parallel kit supplied by Honda. The kit supplied a 30 amp twist lock receptacle. I plugged in a model 44260 Surge Guard 120volt 30 amp and it shows an open ground. I read in the Honda gen manual that Honda system grounds the gen frame to the ground terminals in the AC output receptacles. I plug in the trailer shore power to the gen and the surge guard indicates Reverse Polarity. I use an Automated Engineering Corp. Model 20020 digital voltage monitor in the trailer plugged in to a receptacle in the galley. It indicates a reverse polarity fault condition with red fault warning light on. Meanwhile both gens are green light and go.

I remove the surge guard and plug trailer shore power directly into 30 amp twist lock plug. I get the Ground Fault indication with a red fault warning light on thE digital monitor. Both gens are still doing their thing with green lights and a go condition. There is ac power being supplied to the trailer.

My questions: Is this normal? Do I need the surge guard when running the Hondas? Is there a different voltage monitor to use when running on generator power supply? Any concerns with what I am doing?

I have read that Honda gens have surge protection. I have also read on forums about re-wiring the receptacle to eliminate the GF condition. I don't want to harm anything or do something that would negate the warranty on the gens.

I know you guys are out there so let me know what you think. Thanks!

[KJRitchie]

I don't have a generator yet.

Do you get a ground fault if you just use each generator individually or when only in parallel?

Have you verified the parallel cables are plugged straight through and not crossed and ground cable is attached to both generators?

Can you post the link showing the modification to the receptacle.

Kelvin

[tinbender]

charlieBob,

Go to this link and see if it helps....

Generator Ground-Neutral Bonding | No~Shock~Zone

[charlieBob]

Thanks for your reply! Tin bender shows the same link to the plug device in his reply. Check out the No Shock Zone. I will try this and see what happens.

[woodfox45]

Make sure your parallel cables are plugged in correctly they are marked left and right .

[SeeMore]

You don't need the surge protector when using your generators. FYI, you will discover the surge protector will shut down the circuit when you start the A/C.

I'm still trying to figure out why you would connect the shore power to your generators??????

[iowaroots]

Do you have any problems when direct to shore power, eliminating the generators?

[charlieBob]

None at all.

[larryglarson]

I have the Honda Generators plugged in, with the cord to each generator in correct place with the ground attached with screw. They have worked great for 4 years. Of course I do not have all the rest of your gear. Maybe ignorance is the answer.

Happy trails,

[xrvr]

I don't think there is a problem, however do not take my word for it! Keep asking questions and listening, someone will figure it out.

[charlieBob]

Thanks Larry. I have read several of your postings in the past. Wondered when you would weigh in. I thought the same thing when I wrote this original post. As I age I have the tendency to think something to death. Waking up at night trying to figure something out! The gens are nice and I think you are probably right. Happy Trails to you!
Charlie Davis

[charlieBob]

Thanks for your advice. Pretty much the same that Larry said. I will figure this out and kick back to enjoy the gens on some future boondocking adventure(which will involve fishing)

[Al and Missy]

Power quality monitors expect the neutral (white) to be connected to the safety ground (green) wire. In your house and at a campground they are. In the generator they are not.. Get a regular 15A plug and connect a jumper wire between the neutral (silver screw) and ground (round pin). Plug it into one of the 15A receptacles on one of the generators and your surge protectors should be happy.

Al

[larryglarson]

When I started camping at 68 years of age, I was overwelmed by all the details. I did not think I would ever make it all work. The used trailer that I bought had been fixed by people who did not do things right and left many "booby traps" for me. Between this forum and the people at Jackson Center and a lot of reading it all kind of came together. I kind of go by the thought any more that lets relax and enjoy our fine trailers and handle the "little surprises" as they happen. I do have a new trailer now and we have a lot of fun and boondocking with my Generators is on of my favorite things to do. Sense of independence and adventure.
Take Care

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by Al and Missy

Power quality monitors expect the neutral (white) to be connected to the safety ground (green) wire. In your house and at a campground they are. In the generator they are not.. Get a regular 15A plug and connect a jumper wire between the neutral (silver screw) and ground (round pin). Plug it into one of the 15A receptacles on one of the generators and your surge protectors should be happy.

Al

I didnt read close enough. Tinbender beat me to it.

Al

[lewster]

Glad you guys found out about the neutral to ground bond. The 'No Shock Zone' link says it all WITH ONE EXCEPTION!!!!

Your generator, which now has the required neutral to ground bond IS NOT GROUNDED. This requires a ground stake to be pounded onto the earth in proximity to your rig and attached to the external ground lug found on the generator or attached to a metallic hose bib from a water pipe that is submerged in the ground.

The fact that the generator is grounded to it's frame is an insufficient safety pathway for stray current. I know that most of you don't do this or will think it crazy, but IF your read your generator manual, this requirement is usually listed in it.

Be safe out there!!!!

[charlieBob]

Thanks Lew for your info! I have been absent several days from this thread. We had crazy weather in Texas right after Christmas. We were lucky and just lost power after snow and ice here in West Central Texas. I used both Honda Gens for power to the house and one on the water well to keep it from freezing. They performed flawlessly.
Today was sunny and I had the neutral-ground plug ready to try out. It worked like a charm!! I was able to connect to the Classic using my surge protector. The N-G plug changed the whole picture. I was able to monitor the frequency and voltage inside the trailer. I turned on the heat pump and everything was working as it should.
I want to thank everyone for their assistance on this request. I know I can always depend upon this community for help. As Larry would say.....
Happy Trails! And Lew.....be safe!!!
CharlieBob