Hairy generator question

[dangerdave]

The Honda EU7000i generator is 5500 watts rated. It has 2 x 30 amp receptacles.

You can shunt all the power over to one of the 30 amp receptacles with the 120/240 switch "subject to the limitations of the receptacle"

Am I correct in understanding that even if you have 5500 watts available at the 30 amp receptacle, you are actually limited by the 30 amp circuit to 3600 watts?

120V x 30 amps = 3600 watts theoretically I know

Or does the generator know to let that be a bigger circuit when you need it to be?

Otherwise what's the use of having 5500 watts available if you get choked off at 3600?

Thank you!!

[M&A]

Originally Posted by dangerdave

The Honda EU7000i generator is 5500 watts rated. It has 2 x 30 amp receptacles.

You can shunt all the power over to one of the 30 amp receptacles with the 120/240 switch "subject to the limitations of the receptacle"

Am I correct in understanding that even if you have 5500 watts available at the 30 amp receptacle, you are actually limited by the 30 amp circuit to 3600 watts?

120V x 30 amps = 3600 watts theoretically I know

Or does the generator know to let that be a bigger circuit when you need it to be?

Otherwise what's the use of having 5500 watts available if you get choked off at 3600?

Thank you!!

Wow, sure looks that way -

[Grumpy]

Isn't that the current/amps on each leg at 240v? So you actually get a total of 40-44 amps

[dangerdave]

Thanks, I thought I was going crazy.

You may get a TOTAL of 40-44 amps but not out of the single receptacle.... which we RV'ers need for our TT power chord.

Seems to defeat the purpose of having all that power. That's why I'm wondering if I'm missing something.

Even if you parallel two EU3000i generators (each rated 2800), same thing. Each of them has a 30 amp receptacle, but you don't get the combined wattage out of either one of them.

Interestingly the EU2000 version is rated at 1600 watts, and when you put it together with the companion is DOES combine the load and makes it available at the 30 amp plug on the EU2000 companion. But then we are still talking a combined load that is less than a 30 amp circuit anyway.

[M&A]

All that power as it stands would be good running a house at 220 or multiple extension cords at a construction site.

Looking at the schematic, it looks like one could do a little rewiring and replace that twist-lock (and breaker) with a 110V 50A RV outlet.

[dangerdave]

I spoke directly to a Honda technician this morning.

The 120/240V socket actually has 2x120 22.9 amp legs. You use this adapter and plug the TT into the 120/240 socket:

Rodale 1 ft. 30 Amp Generator Male 4 Prong to RV 50 Amp Female Adapter-G30AM450AF - The Home Depot

So if you have a 50amp TT, this is how to power it.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by dangerdave

Thanks, I thought I was going crazy.

You may get a TOTAL of 40-44 amps but not out of the single receptacle.... which we RV'ers need for our TT power chord.

An ONAN 5500 and the 6000 Quiet Diesel, both come with 30 amp internal breakers. Most RV's never draw anywhere near 50 amps on either leg.

[Crabman]

Bump.