Home generator question

I have two 5500 watt portable gas generators, as well as a generator transfer box next to my main fuse box. Is it possible to "link" the two generators together?

No. You might as well send the extra one to me.

Theoretically, yes. Practically, no.

I don't have an answer to your question, but I'd just like to throw out an observation regarding home generators for anyone who may have tuned in:

Please be sure that any emergency generators used to power your home are wired correctly and have a switch or breaker to prevent them from back-feeding power out to the street.

Improperly wired generators kill firemen.

Thank you.

In reply to Woody:

I agree 100%. I had mine wired by a professional.

http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/pdf/Accessories/ml.repap44a.PEAA_Chapter_5.pdf

apparently Honda makes a parallel cord setup..

I'm pretty sure that Honda's parallel cord will only work with Honda generators that are designed to be operated in parallel.

The problem with paralleling generators is that the output of waveforms of the two have to be exactly in phase or bad things happen. Unless the generator comes with the required controls (in which case you should be reading the manual, not asking around on the Internet), there is no practical (i.e., easy for someone who doesn't already know what they're doing) way to hook up two small generators in parallel.

However, if you really want to do it, here's a link that explains pretty well how it works: http://yarchive.net/car/rv/generator_synchronization.html

The usual disclaimers apply, and remember, the two most important things about electricity are that you can't see it and it can kill you.

Thanks for the info

Think about separating them on different circuits. I do not know the layout of your house, but maybe you can run set of circuits off of one genny and one off of the other genny.

I've considered that as well, as I have a second transfer box that I bought NIB at a tag sale. Basically, I have a plug in the garage. The generator plugs into this and powers up a second box in the cellar next to my main fuse panel. It automatically prevents backfeeding. I have the furnace, water heater, fridge, and family room on the second box, but I'd like to be able to do a load of wash and work in the shop as well. I should just upgrade to a larger unit..

ManofFewWords wrote: I should just upgrade to a larger unit..

[Michael Scott] That's what she said. [/Michael Scott]