Honda generator
- Thread starter Jmerriman
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SGIDAVE
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Jmerriman":2ocu4fq1 said:
This has been discussed before. My vague recollection is that it has to do with the GEnset being grounded to it's case (as ALL generators in a boat would be) VS power supplied by EARTH GROUNDED shore power.
Factory installed gensets...or ones that use a proper transfer switch don't have this issue as I understand it.
We really need one of our marine electrical gurus to chime in here...
/david
Barry Cohen
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Are you positive this is the case?
I notice that when I am on shore power or generator power, there is spill over from the indicator light that makes it look as though the reverse polarity light is also on.
Just a thought.
I notice that when I am on shore power or generator power, there is spill over from the indicator light that makes it look as though the reverse polarity light is also on.
Just a thought.
JamesTXSD
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From the Honda generator manual:
GROUND SYSTEM
Honda portable generators have a system ground that connects
generator frame components to the ground terminals in the AC output
receptacles. The system ground is not connected to the AC neutral
wire. If the generator is tested by a receptacle tester, it will not show
the same ground circuit condition as for a home receptacle.
We used the Honda with our C-Dory, with no issue (other than the reverse polarity light faintly on). If you plug into shore power, the reverse polarity light should not be on.
All appliances, charger, water heater, etc work fine with the Honda.
Jim B.
GROUND SYSTEM
Honda portable generators have a system ground that connects
generator frame components to the ground terminals in the AC output
receptacles. The system ground is not connected to the AC neutral
wire. If the generator is tested by a receptacle tester, it will not show
the same ground circuit condition as for a home receptacle.
We used the Honda with our C-Dory, with no issue (other than the reverse polarity light faintly on). If you plug into shore power, the reverse polarity light should not be on.
All appliances, charger, water heater, etc work fine with the Honda.
Jim B.
knotflying
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Don't worry about the reverse polarity light when using the Honda. If my memory serves me correctly besides the ground it has something to do with the way the current pulsates as generated by the generator. On normal alternating current there is a wave that goes back and forth and alternates that way. On a 210V circuit you are picking up both 110V legs from the opposite side each time hence you get 220V. I believe the way the Honda works it is actually putting out 55volts on each leg, hence 110V and this is why you get the reverse polarity reading. I know enough to be dangerous here, but this is my understanding of how the Honda works. Been using it for three years and no issues and still alive.
Mike Rizzo
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Two thumbs up for what Mike just said ! I've used mine many hours with all systems including the microwave . Yes , the dimly lit reverse polarity light . No problem at all .
Richard
Richard
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If you refer to your Honda owner's manual you will learn that the Honda generator winding is isolated from the frame and from the AC receptacle ground pin. This isolation is the cause of "Reverse Polarity" warning on the Ranger panel. Many tug owners' simply ignore the warning with no apparent adverse results. My preference was to open the Honda front panel to enable the installation of a jumper between the receptacle neutral screw (the silver colored one- NOT THE BRASS ONE) and the Honda frame. This solved the red light issue. Note that these comments apply to Honda EU1000i and EU2000i models. I have no experience with any other Honda generators. Both of my EU 1000i and EU2000i generators have been modified as so described with satisfactory results. The voltage readings between the various modified generator's receptacle "pins" are consistent with the readings one finds on a properly installed household receptacle. I suggest that you read, with understanding, the "NEUTRAL FLOATING" section of the Honda User's Manual before proceeding with any wiring modification!
Jmerriman
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M in BC - thanks so much for tech help. I was hoping to hear from Ranger too. We have a new tug and a little nervous about it. We will let you know how it turns out. Thanks to every else too.
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I just got rid of my reverse polarity issue following instructions from Osprey. A pretty easy fix. After removing the 4 screws on the face panel that holds all the controls and outlet, I ran a lead from the neutral (white wire) on the outlet to the screw that holds the outlet to the faceplate. This in essence is bonding the neutral to ground.