Reverse Polarity

[sph801]

Hoping someone can point me in the right direction. When on anchor or mooring I use a Honda 2200 generator. Having a few strange issues. When the generator is running I always have the battery charger, receptacles, refrigerator and microwave switches on. I have a 5000 btu AC plugged in to a receptacle. When I turned the AC on the reverse polarity light on the panel came on. When I turned the AC off the light went out. When I turned the AC back on, the light came on but when I ran the microwave the light went out while the microwave was running and came back on when the microwave stopped. If I turn the microwave switch on the panel off I can run the AC with no reverse polarity light. If I turn the AC off I can turn the microwave switch back on and there's no reverse polarity light.

Would I benefit from buying a neutral / ground bonding plug or is something else going on. I pulled the electrical panel out to check all connections and everything looked good. This doesn't happen on shore power.

Thanks


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[mmwjr]

Not really sure but on shore power the ground and neutral are referenced to earth but not with the generator, maybe a imbalance being caused.

[sph801]

Thanks Mike. I'm stumped. That's why I was considering buying the neutral/ground bonding plug.


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[mmwjr]

It’s worth a try.

[sph801]

I made a bonding plug and this worked. Simply plugged the bonding plug in the empty socket on the generator and no more reverse polarity light. It's crazy when you research something how you get soooo many opinions for and against doing it. Honda themselves were useless. They told me to go to a certified repair shop. You think they would have some technical people that could answer a few questions. I reached out to a certified Honda dealer whose tech advised using a bonding plug.


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[mmwjr]

Interesting, did the certified tech provide a reason this was happening?

[sph801]

He did not give any reasons why this was happening. Here is his response:

Hi Steve,
I believe your problem is due to the generator not being neutral bonded.
Certain testers will show a reverse polarity when there is no neutral bond.
Use the bonded plug you have and the issue should go away.
Also want to note that with all the loads you have listed please be selective in what you are powering at one time as it sounds like you are close to the output limit of that unit.
Best regards, Ed.


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[mmwjr]

Ok, thanks

[matteisj]

I have a similar issue when I'm at a mooring and run my little Smarter Tools 2000 generator. What others are suggesting about no neutral bond is true. If you check the generator receptacle with a voltmeter, you will find that voltage is split between the two sides of the outlet. This will cause the reverse polarity light. I've been using mine this way for 9 years now with no issues. Microwave, water heater, house battery charger, inverter charger just don't seem to care.

[sph801]

Thanks. I made a bonding plug and have not seen the light since. I'm sure there are no issues since I know the wiring is not reversed. Just bugged me to see it.


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