Clarification on Generator input

Re: Clarification on Generator input

OK, sorry for the LONG delay but real life got in the way.

Finally hooked up the meters (they are quite awesome BTW), and everything jives.

The power factor was what was causing the differences in the calculations of what we thought should be and what really was.
Using the clamp meter just wasn't an accurate measurement.

I confirmed via the new meters that the Honda generator IS showing true Va on it's display which matches perfectly to the meters readings. Since these meters take into consideration the COS (they even shows that value), they are a great tool and I recommend them, especially for the minimal cost. I added two for the output legs of my inverters also. it's interesting to see the PF that my loads are consuming.

And when I take the WATTS (not Va) shown on the additional meters divide by amps, I get the exact AAC setting shown on the mate3/Inverters settings so everything is much clearer now. Looks like for my dual setup with the Honda EU7000, 18AAc for each inverter on the GEN INPUT is the max you want to go to keep the generator at the 5500-ish max-continuous VA rating. Although I am still wondering is 18AAC would allow me to get the FULL charging POTENTIAL out of the inverter (assuming there were NO loads)?

...and BTW - it appears the outback inverter/charger IS pretty close to PF corrected. When on generator the other day the PF showed in the upper .95's
Now, I was also running loads so I am not sure if there was a leading PF "compensating" or whatever. When I get some time I will open the breaker feeding my loads and just run the charger and see what the PF is. I am thinking the PF might change slightly based on how much current it is producing right or perhaps they have some way of auto-correcting it?

Anyways, thanks for all the help and I hope this helps someone else in the future!