Recently Honda released a new model of inverter type generator called EB2000i. The main new feature is a GFCI on the output and the neutral bonded to case ground. Can nyou comment on whether this would be appropriate for use on a sail boat, and if so how to connect case ground to the boat ground.
suitcase generators
- Thread starter elfking
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I generally don't consider any of the portable generators "safe" but when used carefully they can be somewhat safe...
That said without a schematic it is hard to say whether this new generator will work with ELCI breakers, which are the new safety standard. Standard GFCI's at a dock pedestal or source can be problematic and nuisance trips are common. This is why 30mA of leakage was chosen for ELCI's vs. the 5mA of leakage for a GFCI..
The GFCI compares current in the BLACK and WHITE wires and trips when there is more than 5mA of imbalance or 0.005A of leakage.. With this in mind I suspect these new versions will be ripe with nuisance trips when used on boats with older wiring..
The biggest question for me is does this new generator bond neutral and ground at the generator, or is it still a floating ground device.. Honda, as usual, evades this point.....
We used ours exclusively at anchor. We're careful about exhaust and carbon monoxide. Hooked up to the shore power inlet with a 3 wire cord and adaptor.
Never had problem. Never thought about boat ground
Does the Honda 2000 have enough power to drive the AC/Heater Unit? I have a 13,000 btu unit (Beneteau 343) and the specs look like a Honda 2000 doesn't produce enough juice but I have heard of people successfully using them on other boats. Any ideas?
The real answer is - it depends. Not very definitive but true. A 13k BTU A/C is not that large as to preclude use with the Honda which is why some folks have successfully used it.
It depends on how much current the compressor and pump draw on startup and whether or not your compressor has a soft-start capacitor installed. You can find the nominal current draw in the A/C specs but that won't tell you the instantaneous demand on start up, the effect of which can be minimized with the cap.
Interestingly, every home A/C ever made comes standard with such a cap but for whatever reason, marine A/Cs, where it is most needed, typically exclude it.
If you need more info, do a search for the various soft start kits on the market which can be installed with virtually no electronics knowledge if your A/C doesn't already have it. Once installed, you will be good.
The Honda 2000i can drive up to 16K btu units, the problem is you either need a start capacitor or better yet Dometic smart start, which is a basically computer controlled start capacitor.
Well OK, I have cautioned about this before because even if you make it past the spike a 2000i still can only put out about 13 amps. You must realize that you have a full constant load and the generator will run its guts out! I would also not be able to tolerate the noise and vibration as they sure are NOT quiet at full RPM!.
Merry Christmas, Chief,FCC lic#1890
Merry Christmas, Chief,FCC lic#1890