Generator use -- big storm coming

[nachtmsk]

Hi,

There is a big storm coming our way here in NC (Florence). In the event of power outages, I bought two Honda inverter eu2200i generators (with parallel cable) with the idea that if need be I can power my RV and we can stay in there until the power to the house comes back on.



https://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/models/eu2200i
The photo doesn't show the exact units. Mine have 30 amp sockets.





Question is this. I'm not sure the order of steps to get this going.



Do I switch breakers off in RV, plug in the RV and then start them both up? Then switch breakers on one at a time?



Thanks!
Mike

 

[Lloyd S]

Mike, when I've used ours in parallel I simply hook the two generators in parallel, get them running and plug the camper in to the 30 amp plug on the companion. I have never worried about turning any breakers on or off.
I usually have them set in the econo mode also.

Others might have a different approach, but this has always worked for me and no adverse affects from it.

 

[nachtmsk]

Great -- thanks Lloyd.

When plugging the 30 amp plug into the running genny, do I need to worry about sparks? Usually at the campground, I plug in and then flip the breaker at the socket.

 

[dagst1]

I also turn off the breaker when plugging in and unplugging. You could turn off the main breaker in your camper plug in then turn the breaker back on.

 

[Lloyd S]

Mike, I have no concerns about it sparking. That's me and my way of thinking.



I don't know why so many people think they have to turn breakers off and on???
When you are at home and you plug an extension cord in or any other tool or appliance, do you first turn the breaker off?

 

[dagst1]

I have not had one spark and no I do not turn breakers off plugging in a extension cord. But the COE campground we go to at Mark Twain lake and the state park near us state on the breaker box to turn breaker off when plugging and unplugging power cord. The only thing I can think of is there must have been a problem at one time to put a warning on the box. Kind of like Preparation H says do not take orally. Makes one think!


With me it is just a habit wright or wrong its just what I do.


HAPPY CAMPING!!

 

[Papa-T-XRD]

Mike, when I've used ours in parallel I simply hook the two generators in parallel, get them running and plug the camper in to the 30 amp plug on the companion. I have never worried about turning any breakers on or off.
I usually have them set in the econo mode also.

Others might have a different approach, but this has always worked for me and no adverse affects from it.

I agree. Do the same with mine.

 

[DavisK]

I do the same as Lloyd when I run my Hondas. I do make sure that all of the heavy draw items (A/C, hot water heater, microwave, etc.) are turned off before I plug the camper into generators.

 

[nachtmsk]

Thanks everyone.

I think my concern about the sparking is that it's a 30 amp socket. In my non-electrician way of thinking, that sounds like a lot of juice and I want to treat it carefully. It's good to know I can treat it like any other plug.

 

[Papa-T-XRD]

Well it won’t hurt to turn off the breakers first. If it makes you have piece of mind.