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Wiring 50 amp outlet for use with portable generator
Posted on 8/19/24 at 12:10 pm
Posted on 8/19/24 at 12:10 pm
Made space in panel. Ran 6-3 wire to 50 amp breaker. Ground and neutral to same bus bar. Went to connect the other end to the new outlet, realized that because this is a portable genset, ground and neutral shouldn't be linked.
Does the generator side of the plug just need a ground rod, or, do I simply not connect the ground at all from plug to panel? I know not connecting the ground technically goes against code, but it would eliminate any potential backfeeding issue through neutral.
Does the generator side of the plug just need a ground rod, or, do I simply not connect the ground at all from plug to panel? I know not connecting the ground technically goes against code, but it would eliminate any potential backfeeding issue through neutral.
This post was edited on 8/21/24 at 3:37 am
3
Posted on 8/19/24 at 12:26 pm to X123F45
You want only ONE ground point and grounding path. If your generator is a floating neutral, you simply plug the generator into your outlet and the ground path should already be to the grounding rod coming off the panel.
If your generator is not a floating neutral, you need to make it so that it is a floating neutral. Again, you only want one path to ground in your case.
The bonded neutral setup of generator is for using extension cords.
If your generator is not a floating neutral, you need to make it so that it is a floating neutral. Again, you only want one path to ground in your case.
The bonded neutral setup of generator is for using extension cords.
Posted on 8/19/24 at 12:32 pm to GoAwayImBaitn
quote:
The bonded neutral setup of generator is for using extension cords.
Correct. But if the generator is bonded, would it not make more sense to just not connect the ground wire in the panel or outlet rather than disassembling the generator?
With the interlock on the panel, the outlet can only be energized through the generator.
Posted on 8/19/24 at 12:57 pm to X123F45
Bonded Neutral vs Floating Neutral
Here's an in depth explanation
I don't want to lead you down the wrong path (no pun intended) because it can be a bit confusing.
Here's an in depth explanation
I don't want to lead you down the wrong path (no pun intended) because it can be a bit confusing.
Posted on 8/19/24 at 1:17 pm to X123F45
Generator should have floating neutral and no GFI on 120/240 plug. Four wires are required.
Other options are dangerous or far more costly.
…I’d personally be ok(for me) with leaving generator bonded (if cable has 4x full sized conductors) rather than modifying a generator. Some jurisdictions may or may not agree.
Other options are dangerous or far more costly.
…I’d personally be ok(for me) with leaving generator bonded (if cable has 4x full sized conductors) rather than modifying a generator. Some jurisdictions may or may not agree.
This post was edited on 8/19/24 at 1:42 pm
Posted on 8/19/24 at 2:04 pm to Dallaswho
I'm just trying to decide between connecting it to the panel vs running a ground rod at the outlet.
Every video I see shows just connecting all four with the ground connecting at the panel.
But to me that seems...wrong.
Every video I see shows just connecting all four with the ground connecting at the panel.
But to me that seems...wrong.
Posted on 8/19/24 at 2:11 pm to X123F45
quote:
I'm just trying to decide between connecting it to the panel vs running a ground rod at the outlet.
If your outlet panel is grounded to earth and generator is a neutral floating setup, you are good to go as that is one path to ground. You don't want mutiple grounding paths.
Posted on 8/19/24 at 2:18 pm to GoAwayImBaitn
It is not. It is bonded. That's the point.
It appears the options are:
To unbond it (I'd rather avoid it. It's only two screws and one nut, but they specifically state warranty is void if modified. Warranty is a new replacement.)
To say screw it and run it like everyone else (definitely wrong)
To disconnect the ground in the panel itself (seems the easiest and safest, although technically against the rules).
Ground the inlet AND convert generator to floating.
It appears the options are:
To unbond it (I'd rather avoid it. It's only two screws and one nut, but they specifically state warranty is void if modified. Warranty is a new replacement.)
To say screw it and run it like everyone else (definitely wrong)
To disconnect the ground in the panel itself (seems the easiest and safest, although technically against the rules).
Ground the inlet AND convert generator to floating.
Posted on 8/19/24 at 3:05 pm to X123F45
quote:
I'm just trying to decide between connecting it to the panel vs running a ground rod at the outlet. Every video I see shows just connecting all four with the ground connecting at the panel. But to me that seems...wrong.
It is wrong, but if you’re going to send neutral current through ground, at least have a backup using 4 wires so you don’t get shocked in the case of a fault. Just an opinion.
Posted on 8/19/24 at 4:43 pm to X123F45
You really need to have a transfer switch or proper plan for disconnecting from the grid. The utility company takes that serious for good reason and its not something that you should jerry rig or not hook up properly for safety reasons.
Posted on 8/19/24 at 5:53 pm to baldona
Panel has an interlock kit that is a non-issue.
It is also why I'm having the discussion of where the ground should actually go, because the bonded neutral in a 6-3 could technically cause an issue.
It is also why I'm having the discussion of where the ground should actually go, because the bonded neutral in a 6-3 could technically cause an issue.
This post was edited on 8/19/24 at 5:55 pm
Posted on 8/20/24 at 7:56 pm to baldona
quote:
You really need to have a transfer switch or proper plan for disconnecting from the grid.
quote:
With the interlock on the panel, the outlet can only be energized through the generator.
You know how I know you didn't even read through the 3rd post of the thread.
Posted on 8/21/24 at 3:42 am to Saintsisit
Could be worse. I wired it up last night and realized at one point I was doing a male to male suicide setup as it will be permanently plugged in... Only to change my mind halfway through and ordered the twistlock setup for safety. 
Whoops.
New box coming friday. Still wish I could get a straight answer. Two electricians each gave the opposite answer. A guy who was a hugh voltage electrician in a plant gave the best advice of... Unbomd the generator and put a large sticker on it that says: "Hey dumbass! This is no longer a portable generator. It can kill you."
Whoops.
New box coming friday. Still wish I could get a straight answer. Two electricians each gave the opposite answer. A guy who was a hugh voltage electrician in a plant gave the best advice of... Unbomd the generator and put a large sticker on it that says: "Hey dumbass! This is no longer a portable generator. It can kill you."
Posted on 8/21/24 at 7:25 am to X123F45
quote:
Unbomd the generator and put a large sticker on it that says: "Hey dumbass! This is no longer a portable generator. It can kill you."
That and 4 conductor cable Is correct answer. Unbound generators are not necessarily dangerous.
Before there were GFI widespread, unbonded or isolated was required on high risk worksites because it would require someone to come into contact with H+N to get shocked. With a bonded system, you only need to contact the hot wire as the ground may do the rest.
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