generator question

[cooksomerice]

This may need to be at the campfire, but I figured someone here may know the answer. I want to know if I can wire a 1kw generator and a 3.5kw generator together to make a 4.5kw. I like the idea of having to run only the small honda for lights etc... without all of the noise. I will crank both if needed for A/C, ceiling fans, etc... Will this work?

[El Cazador]

You can't wire the two together (per say) because of the potential of shorting the two together.

You could come up with a scheme to essentially do what you're intending but it would involve a transfer switch (break before make) and then segregating the 1000wt loads (to be supplied by the Honda) the rest of the loads + the 1000wt loads (to be supplied by the 3.5kw generator. Transfer switches are (or should be) used when connecting generators to house panels during say a hurricane. This prevents the possiblity of a generators power and Service Providors power from shorting together.

It would be a lot simpler just to use two different gens.

[Stins]

If its the honda's I believe they are built to run two in series to increase your output...

[deerplanter]

Honda has a kit to do this with thier 2000's so you can power up an RV and run the AC.

[bowfishin fool]

thts only if you have two hondas and buy the harness for this which i believe is like 200 dollars and is only capable up to 4000 watts cuz you can only hook 2 EU2000i gennys together.

[BOHTR]

Actually.....I have the EU3000i and it can be connected in series also.....but you gotta have the kit from Honda.

[texag115]

Generators produce alternating current. Thus you would have to synchronize the waveforms of both generators to successfully connect them in parallel. Additionally you would need to impedance match to avoid circulating currents. All of this is possible but much more expensive and difficult than purchasing a larger generator.

[PBS]

Watch out for smoke!

[swoledouglas]

I had my 5th wheel wired with a 15 amp plug and some outlets placed in the camper just for that reason. I have four outlets wired only to the 15 amp plug run outside the camper so I can run my small quiet generator for the lamps I plugged into it and a few other things and then crank up my loud 5500 watt gen. to run A/c and other things. Hope this helps.

[postman]

better ask an electrician......safety first

[newfisher]

Doesn't sound too safe. I would just size the generator to what you are inteding to use it for instead of trying to run two generators in parallel.