Earth Ground a Portable Generator

 I have a 500 watt portable generator. How important is it that I ground it
when using it?  Is it o.k. to use something less than an 8 ft. ground rod?
I have in mind using something like one of those 18" auger screws like
people use when they are putting their dog out in the yard.

Helpful information appreciated.

 

Newby wrote:


    Well, it depends.  How much do you value your life?    Put in a ground
stake.  If your auger screw is copper plated for good conductivity, then is
may be adequate. Give your ground stake a good watering with a solution
rich in ions to improve it's conductivity to the earth.
    Of course, in practice, most people never ground these portable
generators, and rarely kill themselves.  Use three prong extension cords,
and ensure the ground pin has not been broken off of any of them.
One can greatly increase your safety by putting in one of those GFCI power
cords in the line.

    --Dale

 

That's a real concern.  
Had a friend killed by a missing ground pin.

;B

 Not very important, but if it has a place for an earth connection (a wingnut
or similar) then it's just good practice.
The PRIMARY reason for grounding a portable generator is to prevent STATIC
buildup, which could ignite fuel. (particularly on petrol engines)
If you have a GFCI on the generator,  (many don't) there's not much point.
Most tools are double-insulated, and the generator itself is usually
isolated from the frame anyway.

 Thanks, William.  I do have an extension cord with GFI recepticles installed
on it and plan to use it with the generator.  I hadn't thought about the
potential for static buildup.


wingnut