Posted by Josepi on November 20, 2010, 2:34 am
It's the same old multiple grounding issue. It always sounds good but a
nasty electrical fault in the rest of the home could prefer your new ground
and burn off that little #14 ground wire.
If you only connect the frame (chassis) of the generator to the
ground, I see no problem in having another ground even if it's
'extra'.
Make sure the frame of the generator in not already tied to a neutral
in the transfer switch.
George
> I bought a small portable generator and had an electrician install a
> manual transfer switch on my house.
> A 30 amp 120V/240V twist lock cable goes from the genset to a receptacle
> on the side of my house. Inside I can cut six circuits over to the
> generator and isolate them from the line.
> The electrician did not install a grounding rod for the generator
> outside. Is the ground through the transfer switch to my house ground?
> I was going to buy a grounding rod and pound it in the earth outside and
> hook the generator's frame to that when in use. But I am concerned that
> this will make a duel ground system when it is connected to the transfer
> switch.
> --
> JoeP
Posted by Martin Riddle on November 21, 2010, 3:00 am
> I bought a small portable generator and had an electrician install a
> manual transfer switch on my house.
> A 30 amp 120V/240V twist lock cable goes from the genset to a
> receptacle on the side of my house. Inside I can cut six circuits
> over to the generator and isolate them from the line.
> The electrician did not install a grounding rod for the generator
> outside. Is the ground through the transfer switch to my house
> ground?
> I was going to buy a grounding rod and pound it in the earth outside
> and hook the generator's frame to that when in use. But I am
> concerned that this will make a duel ground system when it is
> connected to the transfer switch.
> --
> JoeP
You have to check the NEC code on this.
I vaguely remember the ground is required if it’s a permanent
installation.
See this page...
<http://www.electrical-design-tutor.com/generatorgrounding.html>
I think you’re a "Non-Separately Derived System", you should be fine.
Also, another ground can cause a voltage loop on the ground line to the
generator.
(if its any sizable distance from the main neutral/ground bonding point)
This could cause other problems with GFI's and such.
Cheers
Posted by Josepi on November 21, 2010, 10:37 pm
GFIs do not measure, use or need a ground in any way. The work by measuring
differential current in the two current carrying conductors.
It can interfere with other items though and the NEC is a good thing if you
can find any specification to it. Grounding is a very complicated, poorly
understood field, even by your inspectors. Each one will give you a
different answer, in some cases, on grounding. Ask your local one for his
opinion.
You have to check the NEC code on this.
I vaguely remember the ground is required if it’s a permanent
installation.
See this page...
<http://www.electrical-design-tutor.com/generatorgrounding.html>
I think you’re a "Non-Separately Derived System", you should be fine.
Also, another ground can cause a voltage loop on the ground line to the
generator.
(if its any sizable distance from the main neutral/ground bonding point)
This could cause other problems with GFI's and such.
Cheers
XML site map
> manual transfer switch on my house.
> A 30 amp 120V/240V twist lock cable goes from the genset to a receptacle
> on the side of my house. Inside I can cut six circuits over to the
> generator and isolate them from the line.
> The electrician did not install a grounding rod for the generator
> outside. Is the ground through the transfer switch to my house ground?
> I was going to buy a grounding rod and pound it in the earth outside and
> hook the generator's frame to that when in use. But I am concerned that
> this will make a duel ground system when it is connected to the transfer
> switch.
> --
> JoeP