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05-02-2021, 07:56 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Sargent TX
Posts: 11
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Parallel generators
I have a Predator 3500 and just got a new WEN 50a parallel setup. Since the hookups and specs are pretty similar anyone try and run two dissimilar units together?
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05-02-2021, 07:59 AM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,237
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I wouldnt try to tether 2 DIFFERENT brand gens together. YMMV
__________________
2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.
Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
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05-02-2021, 08:25 AM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Joppa, MD
Posts: 11,714
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If you experiment with tethering 2 different brands you do so at your own risk. If the result is smoke and fire the warranty won't cover it.
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Marshall
2012 Laredo 303 TG
2010 F250 LT Super Cab, long bed, 4X4, 6.4 Turbo Diesel
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05-02-2021, 09:08 AM
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#4
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Sargent TX
Posts: 11
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Parallel
Heck I'm not going to be the first, just checking if anyone else has tried.
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05-02-2021, 09:29 AM
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#5
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,846
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NOT a good idea !!!!! You might be successful and get a 120 VAC output on the parallel kit output, you might get 240 VAC on the 120 plug on the parallel kit or you might get "smoke" from the wires on the parallel kit or "smoke" from one or both of the generators... Then again, you might get an "instant bonfire".... Keep in mind that once you "let the magic smoke out of any electrical equipment" it becomes an anchor....
Nearly every owner's manual for generators that can be connected to increase output stipulates "same brand/same model/compatible model"... I have not yet seen one that says, "We connect to the competition's generators"....
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John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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05-02-2021, 11:36 AM
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#6
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Sargent TX
Posts: 11
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Parallel
Thanks, I spent over 30 years in electrical and electronic systems and parallel connections ARE NOT additive
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05-02-2021, 11:58 AM
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#7
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,846
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Silverdillo
Thanks, I spent over 30 years in electrical and electronic systems and parallel connections ARE NOT additive
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But parallel cable kits " hooked up in series on two units that are not wired the same" (one for series connections and one for parallel connections) are (or can be) additive.... That's where the novice should "not go there" and someone with 30 years of electrical and electronic systems" should be aware of the pitfalls.... YMMV
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John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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05-02-2021, 03:20 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Henniker
Posts: 2,016
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The generator manufacturer(s) will tell you whether you can parallel with other brands or even if you can do it with the same brand but different sizes.
Typically you usually only see two generators of the same brand and similar size run together, but that’s just my observation. I run a single Generac Gp3000i and that operates my entire camper.
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Rob & Amy
2019 Passport 240BH SL (current)
2024 Cougar 29BHL (on order, due early May)
2022 Ford F250 7.3L Godzilla Crew Cab 4x4
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05-02-2021, 03:27 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: "Murvil, TN
Posts: 2,198
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99.999999% chance of smoke and fire.....well, at least for a short time until you let ALL the smoke out. In other words....Don't Do it!
__________________
2016 F350 King Ranch Crew Cab Dually Diesel 4x4
2018 Grand Design Momentum 394M
2023 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+
Excessive payload capacity is a wonderful thing
"If it ain't Fast....It ain't Fun"
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05-02-2021, 03:40 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Picacho, Az
Posts: 6,809
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Be sure to film it & post it on U Tube, that could be very entertaining..............watching from my recliner.
__________________
Full-timed 10+ years
Sold '13 Redwood FB
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Replacement undetermined
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05-03-2021, 06:57 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Fruitland
Posts: 3,357
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I think the quick and easy answer is read the manual. Let us know what it says. Bet it says parallel only to same model generator. There might be several reasons that is important.
__________________
2013 24RKSWE (27ft TT) Cougar 1/2 ton series SOLD 10-2021
2013 Ford F350 4x4 CC 6.7 engine, 8 ft bed, 3.55 rear end, lariat package
Retired from Oregon State Police in 2011 than worked another 9.5 years as a small town traffic cop:
As of 05-2020, I am all done with 39 years total police work. No more uniforms for me.
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05-03-2021, 01:39 PM
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#12
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Poulsbo
Posts: 26
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Now, if you want to run L1 off one generator and L2 off the other, that should be fine. Get a 50A - dual 30A splitter (which separates L1 and L2). Control the load on each line to be within the generator that is plugged into that line, and you'll be fine. (So long as L1 and L2 never meet - if you don't have any 240V appliances (very rare), you're good)
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05-03-2021, 02:47 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: "Murvil, TN
Posts: 2,198
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nuctrooper
Now, if you want to run L1 off one generator and L2 off the other, that should be fine. Get a 50A - dual 30A splitter (which separates L1 and L2). Control the load on each line to be within the generator that is plugged into that line, and you'll be fine. (So long as L1 and L2 never meet - if you don't have any 240V appliances (very rare), you're good)
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If the neutral in the adapter is common to both L1 and L2, I believe you will have a problem still. I've never used one of the adapters you are talking about, but it seems that the neutral is going to be common to the plug.
__________________
2016 F350 King Ranch Crew Cab Dually Diesel 4x4
2018 Grand Design Momentum 394M
2023 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+
Excessive payload capacity is a wonderful thing
"If it ain't Fast....It ain't Fun"
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05-03-2021, 03:29 PM
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#14
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Poulsbo
Posts: 26
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Quote:
Originally Posted by xrated
If the neutral in the adapter is common to both L1 and L2, I believe you will have a problem still. I've never used one of the adapters you are talking about, but it seems that the neutral is going to be common to the plug.
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Yep, you’re right. Scratch that idea. The neutral is going to compete and have all sorts of reaction. Would have to rewire your main panel to isolate L1 and L2 grounds, and use 2 shore power cables. Totally not worth it!
Thx for the backup!
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05-16-2021, 02:24 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Cotulla, TX
Posts: 459
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anyone game?
Count me in for $5. If enough kick in to replace the generator, should it fail hooking them together, it might be worth the price of admission.
JMAC
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05-16-2021, 03:14 PM
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#16
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Joppa, MD
Posts: 11,714
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Quote:
Originally Posted by firestation12
Count me in for $5. If enough kick in to replace the generator, should it fail hooking them together, it might be worth the price of admission.
JMAC
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Sorry, I don't do "go fund me" for preventable disasters.
__________________
Marshall
2012 Laredo 303 TG
2010 F250 LT Super Cab, long bed, 4X4, 6.4 Turbo Diesel
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05-16-2021, 03:20 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Cotulla, TX
Posts: 459
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Just checking if there is humor left out there. Thanks!
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