Generator questoin

[blitjen]

Hello Everyone, quick question concerning my Honda 2000 generator. I noticed when I connect my generator to the boat (2004 2400SE) and turn the power on at the circuit board that the reverse polarity light also illuminates, has anyone else experienced this issue? It makes me nervous as I don't want to fry anything, any help would be great.

Thanks in advance, Brent.

[dronthelake]

I used one on a Regal and it did the same. I was told that this is due to the electrical output on the Honda 2000 comes from an inverter fed by an alternator, not directly from the windings. If you check the voltage it will be split, 60 volts on both the hot and neutral with respect to ground.

[1994Maxum2700SCR]

Does that mean that the Honda generators are not good for boat use?
I only ask because I'm looking at buying a generator. Any recommendations?

Thanks,

- Joe

[shrew]

Do you have 2 Shore power connections are your boat? If so, are you by chance connecting a single cord from the generator to a Y splitter, then connecting the Y end to both shore power connectors? Mine only shows a polarity problem when I try to do this. On mine one side is the AC only, so I simply don't connect the AC.

[blitjen]

Thanks Shrew, I only have 1 shore power plug, I just plugged an extension cord into my generator then plugged that into the shorepower via the AC/shorepower cord, it all seems to work correct, I just didn't like the idea of the "reverse polarity" light being lit up.

[rodrigo]

Joe,
I had a Honda 2000 generator on my last boat, it worked great, it was quiet, efficient, light, maintenance free almost, I paid $995 at a honda store brand new, it run the microwave, coffee maker, battery charger, fridge, etc. it always started when I needed it
it was small enough for me to store it in my engine compartment when not in use, when I run it I would put it on the swim platform with a safety rope, last thing you want is for it to go for a swim, I don't think it would, but better safe than sorry... good choice!

[1994Maxum2700SCR]

Awesome, Thanks Rodrigo. I think I'm gonna buy one, I saw a deal for like $950 somewhere.

And blitjen, I asked around my boat club today about ur reverse polarity light. I was told that if you are running an air conditioner, they are generally set up for reverse polarity so that may be why your light is turning on. I'm not very good with electrical stuff but that's what I was told so I figured I'd pass it on.

- Joe