No warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of any information found on this website. It is your responsibility to verify and investigate this information.
Read our full disclaimer. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.
You can compare as many generators as you wish. However, for the best results , we recommend you to compare only 2 generators at a time. Last Updated October 10, About us. We are the world's leader in portable generators stats and comparison tools. Follow Us. The information provided on this website is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute any endorsement or recommendation. Compare items. Total 0. Grounding an electrical system such as a generator involves connecting its neutral conductor to the ground.
This connection is made via a low resistance ground wire connected to an electrode in the ground. Typically, the electrode is a metal rod driven deep into the earth. Earthing is the term used for grounding in the UK, EU, and other countries. So, why is it required for a generator? A generator is an electrical system. If you look at NEC Article The purpose is to deal with voltage spikes and power surges. Also, it stabilizes the voltage through the system by dissipating excess voltage via the earth.
The low resistance connection to the ground electrode provides the path of least resistance for the excess energy to take to the earth. Removing excess energy from the system to the ground renders it harmless. If it were to flow through the other wires in the system, it could damage equipment and overheat appliances, causing fires.
Your system would be vulnerable to power surges arising from normal operation. For example, when appliances turn on and off. If your generator meets the above conditions then you are OK to move forward without using a grounding rod. That is why we checked if every component was bonded to the frame. If these conditions do NOT exist then a grounding rod will be required in order to safely run your generator and prevent injury.
Also, there is another exception that is very important. If you are unsure exactly if you need a grounding rod for your generator then I would highly recommend consulting with a trained electrician. Well folks, I hope that this was able to answer your question and if it did not hopefully it at least pointed you in the right direction.
For more information and best practices when using a generator you can check out our Generator Safety Guide by clicking here. Also, because of the nature of this topic I have to put a legal disclaimer here stating that ToughAssTools is not liable nor responsible for any damage, injury, or other events due to this article.
Very useful. The generator I have is a Powerhouse generator watt continuous, watt surge. I was told that a watt continuous would work but I decided to get a generator with a little more juice to it. Thank you Brian. Thanks Matt for doing this write up. One thing that confuses me. Then in step 1 later on you say to drive an 8 foot rod into the ground.
My main question is, can I use the 4 foot grounding rod and be plenty safe? I had a 15kw diesel unit wired for home back up, by a frequently used Master Electrician. He used an 8 ft. Check your local code requirements. It varies. How would you recommend grounding a portable generator when the area that it will be used in has concrete flooring? My generator quiet box is next to my main power panel. I wonder if I can ground to the ground bar in the panel instead of driving a rod in the ground.
I just bought a generator and was surprised about it needing grounding. I will be using it out of the back of pickup as I drive around my propery cutting high dead limbs and branches off of several himlock and doug fir trees using an electric chain saw on an expanding pole.
So basically you are saying every time move my truck I have to pound a copper rod at least four feet into the ground. I worry I may not get them out and will need to purchase a lot of rods.
Are all portable generators like this? Wow, what a hassle that is going to be.
0コメント