Grounding Generators
Sooner2
Reg. Apr 2007
Posted 2007-04-16 1:22 PM (#59403)
Subject: Grounding Generators


Member


Posts: 8

Location: Cottonwood, CA		I just purchased my first generator. I plan on placing it in the back of my truck. When reading the instructions, it says to attach a grounding wire. Does the generator need to be grounded to the ground with a rod, prior to me using it as I want to, in the back of my truck? I have never seen this done, so am confused.Thanks.
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rattler
Reg. Feb 2004
Posted 2007-04-16 3:37 PM (#59412 - in reply to #59403)
Subject: RE: Grounding Generators


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Posts: 95
252525
Location: Nashville, TN

Portable generators come in two varieties.

1. Those with the neutral  floating i.e. not bonded to the frame/safety ground and needing a earth ground.

2. Those that have the neutral bonded to the frame.

If you have a generator that is of the variety #1 above, there is a scenario whereby a fault in the generator could create a shock hazard in the metal frame of the generator. If the generator happened to be sitting in contact with a metal truck bed then the truck body could be a shock hazard as it is isolated by 4 tires from ground. Anyone that walked up and touched the truck could have a potentially life threatning shock. If this scenario occured with the generator that had a bonded neutral (#2 above) the circuit breaker should trip. 

If they recommend a direct ground, I'd do it.

Rattler

 

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Sooner2
Reg. Apr 2007
Posted 2007-04-16 9:23 PM (#59433 - in reply to #59412)
Subject: RE: Grounding Generators


Member


Posts: 8

Location: Cottonwood, CA		Wow! now I don't know what to do. This is all new to me. It is a 4400 Watt with a wheel kit. How do I know which of the two that you mentioned it is? All the instructions said was to attach a #12 wire to the ground nut and tighten. I just do not know what to do with the other end of the wire. Attach it to a rod and put in the ground? I have never seen anyone do this. I guess I should just call the company and ask them.thanks for the information.
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