NEC is the final answer..... this is the OSHA handout I found....
View attachment grounding_port_generator.pdf
Rgds, D.
View attachment grounding_port_generator.pdf
Rgds, D.
Your last generator Maintenance Run
- Thread starter 3930dave
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shaeff
Veteran Member
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- Oct 27, 2015
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- Hudson Valley, NY
- Tractor
- MF Utility 35 Gasser, JLG LJ500
I read through that info, says when genny is used to supply power to house or structure, that a driven ground rod be used/ connected to the frame.
When it gets to the part about neutral bonding it states that it’s needed to be safe but doesn’t reference if it’s needed in conjunction with the neutral bonded to ground at the panel.
I’ll be the first to admit, I know enough about AC wiring to not zap myself. Most of the time. Everything I’ve read states that if neutral is bonded to ground in the home’s panel, then the bond needs to be broken at the generator.
I figured it to be like a sub panel, you never bond neutral to ground in a sub panel because it’s already done in the main panel.
Edit- different generator but same concern as me. This guy removed the neural bond:
Removing the Neutral-Ground Bond in the Generator - Gordon Blaine
I’ll figure out a way to make a lockout switch for it and connect the neutral through it. It’ll stay locked in neutral broken (off) position for backfeeding my panel through the 50A breaker and interlock switch. If the need to use the genny independently on a worksite, I’ll be able to flip a switch to reconnect neutral to ground. I’ll figure that all out later, but it seems that my initial impression to break that bond is correct.
My apologies for the hijack.
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goeduck
Super Star Member
So is the 3rd prong on say the 6-20 ground or neutral?
grsthegreat
Super Star Member
A nema 6-20 is a 240 volt plug. It had 2 hots and a ground only, as there is no neutral.
Fallon
Super Member
And the L14 series is hot-hot-neutral-ground. Personally I put in L14-50 outlets only for my welding gear or what not. More flexibility if I ever need to do something stupid like back feed the house. But also matches the outlet on my PTO generator so I dont have to swap plugs to go mobile.
Some old stuff like dryers & stoves used ground as neutral for their control boards, but used the 2 hot legs properly with no neutral/ground for heater elements. Not compliant with modern codes for valid reasons.
goeduck
Super Star Member
So using a generator that has a 6-20 240V 3 wire outlet, the neutral only bonds at the breaker panel where you have all 4 wires?
grsthegreat
Super Star Member
I have never personally seen a 6-20 recepticle on a generator. Most generators 5,000 watts or above have a L14-30 twist lock (4 wire). You have to supply the panel with a neutral wire. The 6-20 recepticle is used to power a device not needing a neutral.
goeduck
Super Star Member
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daugen
Epic Contributor
with this bitterly cold weather going on going to be a test of starting ability
for all kinds of machinery. How about starting your gen when it's -40??? yikes
for all kinds of machinery. How about starting your gen when it's -40??? yikes
Sawyer Rob
Super Member
It's cold here too, -2F out side right now...
I just bring my Honda 2000 in the back hall way and leave it there until it warms up out side, as it easily produces enough electricity to keep my furnace fan going, and It doesn't take up much room.
And if needed, it's very easy to start at room temp...
SR
I just bring my Honda 2000 in the back hall way and leave it there until it warms up out side, as it easily produces enough electricity to keep my furnace fan going, and It doesn't take up much room.
And if needed, it's very easy to start at room temp...
SR
