Reverse Polarity Question

[Bobby P.]

Hope everyone had a great thanksgiving!

I came out to my boat today, which is on the hard, and hooked up a little Honda generator to top off the batteries.

I notice that the reverse polarity light instantly came on. Can I still proceed with having the boat charge, and keeping the main battery switch on so that I can have a light on in the boat (I'm also secretly working from the boat today).

I'm not sure, so any assistance would be appreciated.

Best,
Bobby

 

[Katmat]

You need to make(or buy) a jumper plug for the generator. On the plug you put a jumper between the neutral & ground screws. There are several post on this.

 

[Osprey]

Yes, you can continue to use the generator. The reverse light comes on because the generator’s neutral stator) is not grounded. If you do a search on the Tugnuts site you will find detailed discussions on this topic. In short, if you want to charge with the red light off you can purchase a special plug which accomplishes the neutral to ground connection.

 

[BB marine]

The reverse polarity light will come on when using the Honda generator because of the floating neutral. You can use the Honda to charge the batteries via the onboard charger. I have used the 2200W Honda on board without incident. I have a plug made up that connects the Neutral and ground. I plug it into one of the two receptacles built into the generator and then plug the shore power plug with 30 amp adapter into the other receptacle. The reverse polarity light no longer comes on.

After posting your answers were already answered!

 

[Bobby P.]

Awesome! Thanks for the responses. Currently (not a pun) charging.

Bobby