Curious about how to connect two generators in parallel? Here we are to provide you with full information and guidance about how to synchronize two generators.
Connecting two generators in parallel helps you to increase the capacity of power, control the load management, ease the maintenance and redundancy in your generators.
Connecting two generators in parallel is not a tough job but remember that you must have full knowledge about some essential factors and step by step awareness about the process. Otherwise you can get many terrible results if you take this procedure too lightly.
Let’s take a look at the generator parallel kit 240v which helps you to connect two generators in parallel.
- Up to 3,200 running watts
- 4,000 starting watts
- Can connect with 120V outlets
- No Seperate jacks required
- Hand-tightened clamp
- 1 year warranty
- 120V of RV outlet
- 30-amp circuit breaker
- Highly Compatible
- Easy to Use
- 5-feet long
- Highly affordable
CONDITIONS FOR CONNECTING TWO GENERATORS IN PARALLEL
So before starting the step by step guidance of the connecting two generators in parallel procedure. Let’s carefully take a look at some of the most essential conditions which are the basic requirements in this process.
FREQUENCY: The most essential condition for synchronizing two or more generators is the frequency. Try to balance the frequency level of the paralleling generators and if not. Then make sure that the frequency level has 0.2 Hz of difference.
PHASE SEQUENCE: The phase sequence is also an essential thing which leaves a big impact on the workability of parallel generators. Make sure the connected two generators in parallel must have the same phase angle.
The reaching limits of the voltage have the same phase sequence.Otherwise it can affect the power generating capability of the both generators. Make sure that the phase angle is not more than 5 electrical degrees.
VOLTAGE: During synchronizing generators also take a look at the voltage level. It’s quite good if all the parallelling generators have the same voltage level. But if they don’t choose to select those who have less than 5% of difference in their voltage level.
GENERATOR PARALLELING AND LOAD SHARING
Before connecting two generators in parallel, you must take a look at the load sharing feature. Load sharing plays an important role in preventing generators from overloading and stability.
Because of the same load sharing the paralleling generators can determine proportional share of power. That’s how they bear the same quantity of load. So no one generator gets overloaded because of the same load sharing.
Also if any of your home appliances need more load that beyond the limits of one generator. So through connecting two generators in parallel you can fulfil the requirement of that appliance in a safe and decent way.
In short, to get the proportional division of kVAR and kW will increase the working life span of your parallel generators. That’s why load sharing is one of the essential things which you have to note down while synchronizing generators.
CAN YOU PARALLEL TWO DIFFERENT SIZE GENERATORS
Well if you are thinking that you can’t connect two generators in parallel who are from different brands or have different sizes. But it’s not true.
Yes you read it right. You can parallel two different size generators but there are some essential things which should be the same in the both generators.
- Take a look at the connection point. The provided frequency and voltage rating must be the same.
- The alternators, engine, monitoring system and control system should be highly compatible.
- The both generators should be inverter types.
- The generators should be parallel capable. If any one of them are not already parallel capable no worry you can still synchronize them but it would be a little bit difficult.
CONNECT TWO GENERATORS IN PARALLEL | PROCEDURE
Okay so after getting a full knowledge about all the essential factors and conditions while synchronizing two generators. Now jump up to the actual process to connect two generators in parallel.
REQUIRED THING
PARALLEL KIT OR CABLE
For connecting two generators in parallel you just need only one device which is a parallel kit or parallel cable. Parallel kit is specially designed to connect more than one electrical devices generators, UPs) etc.
The parallel kit has six leads ( 4 power connectors and 2 ground connectors). Using these ports you can easily connect more than one generator. But don’t forget to read the provided manual of the parallel kit to make sure that the whole work is done smoothly.
PROCEDURE
To make the process of connecting two generators in parallel easy to understand. We have divided it into 2 simple steps. So let’s check it out.
STEP 1: Firstly you have to check that the both generators are parallel capable or not. If they are well and good because this can make the process easiest.
But if both of them or any one of them is not parallel capable. Then you should have to connect the output port of the non-parallel capable generator to the input port of the parallel capable generator.
Now connect the appliance to the parallel capable generator. After that start the non-parallel capable just first and parallel capable generator after that.
Here you have connected the non-parallel and parallel capable generators by doing a small effort.
STEP 2: Now it’s time to connect your parallel kit or parallel cable with both generators. Using a parallel kit instead of parallel cable is quite more effective and beneficial.
As we have mentioned above, the parallel kit has 6 lead terminals. 4 are power connectors and 2 are ground leads. Connect the cords by taking a good care of plus and minus signs that are marked on the parallel ports to avoid any sudden mishap or damage.
Now plugged the cables to the specific port with the help of a parallel kit manual. Also connect the ground ports with your generators (as it’s necessary).
Here now you have connected two generators in parallel. You don’t have to worry about the power level of both generators. Because if they are parallel capable they can automatically increase or decrease the power level just according to the appliances power requirement.
2 GENERATORS IN PARALLEL VS 1 LARGE
Wondering why we are synchronizing two generators instead of using 1 large generator? Let’s make it clear for you.
Well if you preferred one large generator to fulfill all the power needs of your appliances. My friend, you are wrong. However a large generator can fulfill all the power requirements of the appliances but there are also some drawbacks which really matter.
- A big generator is quite costly and surely makes a big hole in your wallet. Even many people can’t afford it. While two small or medium size generators don’t disturb your budget as much.
- In case of failure in a big generator you don’t have any backup. Without any backup you will suffer a lot. While in parallel generators if one fails then you have another generator for the power supply.
- The big generators are not portable. We all know that big generators occupy large space and are heavy too. So if you want to take them for travelling or camping it’s almost impossible to take them with you. While two small generators are pretty handy that you can take them anywhere easily.
- The large size generator required more fuel as compared to two small generators. Also it is quite noisy. While small generators are not fuel-efficient and quieter too.
- A large generator can’t provide your desired power. While paralleling two generators you can get more power in a cheap way.
IS CONNECTING TWO GENERATORS IN PARALLEL DANGEROUS?
Well it’s just a myth that connecting two generators in parallel is dangerous or can damage and harm your appliances. The specially made parallel generators and even synchronizing non-parallel generators can’t damage your appliance.
Until the selected cables are out of size (doesn’t have right size) or if you haven’t followed the instructions and guidance provided by the manufacturers.
So take too lightly the manual that comes with the product. Because you are doing a professional electrician work so you must have full awareness about the task. Otherwise you would have to face some disastrous outcomes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A: The main purpose of paralleling generators is to get more power, control on load management and ease of maintenance. By paralleling generators you simply get more power by synchronizing their output. This is the cheap way to get more power for your appliances without damaging them.
A: In case of wrong synchronization. Your generator has to suffer with many issues because of rapid acceleration or deceleration. If you don’t match the speed and rotor angles of the both generators then it can cause poor synchronization which can damage the generators and their prime movers.
A: With the help of a parallel kit or parallel cable you can easily connect two or more than two Honda generators in parallel. The only thing you have to be careful about is making sure that all the generators are parallel capable and have the same voltage and frequency.
Bottom Line
Now we are in the modern age where things are not smart, they are getting smarter than before. Same as the generators also came from a long way and now they are smart enough to fulfill your requirements and needs.
In the past, only a few generators had parallel capability but now almost all brands of generators have this feature to please you in a decent way. So take advantage of this feature and make your life easier and smarter.