Generator bonded neutral (safety issue)
#1
08-19-13, 09:53 AM
Generator bonded neutral (safety issue)
In my application I have a fused main disconnect between the meter and the service panel which is actually considered the main panel and has the neutral and ground bonding there. My breaker panel is actually considered a sub-panel and does not have bonded neutral and grounds. If this is the panel that I will be feeding with my generator (using a generator interlock) does this issue still apply?
Regarding this thread.....
http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...d-neutral.html
Regarding this thread.....
http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...d-neutral.html
Last edited by lawrosa; 08-19-13 at 11:21 AM.
#4
08-19-13, 05:21 PM
I understand but the question was that a while back you offered a solution, albeit not exactly code, by not connecting the ground wire on the inlet recepticle. What I wanted to know was since the panel I'm connecting to does not have bonded netural / ground does the same work around apply?
#5
08-19-13, 06:01 PM
If you use an in-panel interlock and backfed breaker pair for your generator, then the "bonding issue" will still be there, exactly the same as if the home neutral-ground bonding was in that panel.
With a (3 pole, neutral switching) transfer switch and the home neutral-ground bonding upstream (in a separate box or panel with the main disconnect) you do not have the "bonding issue."
In my opinion, neutral-ground bounding both in a generator supplying a home and in or near the panel fed by the generator is not really a safety problem.
With a (3 pole, neutral switching) transfer switch and the home neutral-ground bonding upstream (in a separate box or panel with the main disconnect) you do not have the "bonding issue."
In my opinion, neutral-ground bounding both in a generator supplying a home and in or near the panel fed by the generator is not really a safety problem.
#6
08-19-13, 06:59 PM
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I agree with Allan, the point of bonding between the neutral and the equipment ground has not changed simply because you will be feeding a sub-panel. If your generator has a neutral-ground bond then do not connect the equipment ground in the interconnect cable. If the generator does not have a neutral-ground bond then you DO connect the equipment ground in the interconnect cable.
#7
08-20-13, 06:37 AM
Thanks guys, that was the information I was looking for.
Frankly, I'd love to go with a 3 pole transfer switch but I can't afford that kind of coin. Does anybody have a source for reasonably priced switches?
Frankly, I'd love to go with a 3 pole transfer switch but I can't afford that kind of coin. Does anybody have a source for reasonably priced switches?
#8
08-20-13, 06:52 AM
Super Moderator
In my opinion, neutral-ground bounding both in a generator supplying a home and in or near the panel fed by the generator is not really a safety problem.
If the feeder neutral faults open, all neutral current will flow on grounding conductors and not trip any over-current devices.
Neutral current on grounding conductors can create voltage gradients with shock potential on grounded non-current-carrying metal parts.
http://cumminspower.com/www/literatu...ingAC-2-en.pdf
#9
08-20-13, 06:57 AM
Super Moderator
Oh and these are about $100 bucks... Turns your transfer switch into a neutral switching transfer switch...
Gentran Corporation: Generator Transfer switches for home & business
Gentran Corporation: Generator Transfer switches for home & business
#10
08-20-13, 07:31 AM
Group Moderator
Mike.... I believe that kit only works with a separate emergency power panel. That relay could never switch a full sized neutral.
By a separate panel, I mean the generator type sub panels with like 10 circuits.
By a separate panel, I mean the generator type sub panels with like 10 circuits.
#11
08-20-13, 08:33 AM
Super Moderator
I believe that kit only works with a separate emergency power panel.
I read it quickly...Looks like a new product since I never saw it before.. Looks like it says what it does..
Last edited by lawrosa; 02-13-14 at 01:01 PM. Reason: roemoved broken link
#12
11-27-14, 12:02 PM
Regarding the referenced single circuit (furnace) transfer switch, if one were to use this with a portable generator, would the internal ground of the generator be sufficient or would the portable generator need to be grounded to earth?
