Is modifying a generator neutral connection a code violation if the manufacturer doesn't recommend it?

[Tainted]

Lets say you have a generator and you need the generator to have a floating neutral. unfortunately the generator came with the neutral being bonded to the frame thus making it intended to be used as a separately derived system. No problem, you can just open up the generator and unbond the neutral from the frame, easy as that... BUT what if the manufacturer tells you you shouldn't do it? Would it be a code violation if you modify the generator?

NEC tells you to always follow manufacturer, so I honestly don't know if I just answered my own question here. People modify the neutral at the generator all the time so I want to know what people's take is on this.

 

[tom baker]

Honda has instructions on how to modify generator bonding

 

[Tainted]

Honda has instructions on how to modify generator bonding

Yea but I heard Generac doesn't allow you to do it with their products

 

[AC\DC]

Some say you can’t though , I think that is what he dealing with.

 

[AC\DC]

I don’t know how big of a job it is, I tell homeowner to get a generator that has that option, if they don’t have one I might tell them if it was mine I would do it this way.

 

[LarryFine]

Is it ever permissible for a bonded generator to feed a house with a 3-wire (no EGC, like the POCO) feeder?

 

[Tainted]

Is it ever permissible for a bonded generator to feed a house with a 3-wire (no EGC, like the POCO) feeder?

not sure, but I'm looking at 250.34

 

[infinity]

It might void the warranty but does it also void the listing? Since this is a very common way of using a portable generator (powering a home) the manufacturer should allow it. On my Generac it took less than 10 minutes to unbond the neutral.

 

[Tainted]

It might void the warranty but does it also void the listing? Since this is a very common way of using a portable generator (powering a home) the manufacturer should allow it. On my Generac it took less than 10 minutes to unbond the neutral.

Yes, that is the question. Is it code compliant if you modify the neutral of the generator if the manufacturer says not to do it?

 

[jaggedben]

If it's part of a permanent installation it violates the NEC. If it's only being used as a portable generator it's not subject to the NEC.

 

[jaggedben]

110.3(B)

 

[Tainted]

If it's part of a permanent installation it violates the NEC. If it's only being used as a portable generator it's not subject to the NEC.

where does it say that?

 

[infinity]

Yes, that is the question. Is it code compliant if you modify the neutral of the generator if the manufacturer says not to do it?

I would say that the NEC doesn't apply to the generator.

 

[Tainted]

I would say that the NEC doesn't apply to the generator.

But why? Where does it say that?

 

[jaggedben]

where does it say that?

The scope of the NEC is in 90.2. The requirement to follow instructions for listed equipment is 110.3(B)

 

[infinity]

But why? Where does it say that?

Where does it say that the internal wiring of the generator which is plugged into the inlet is covered under the NEC?

 

[jaggedben]

I would say that the NEC doesn't apply to the generator.

I don't agree in general.

Where does it say that the internal wiring of the generator which is plugged into the inlet is covered under the NEC?

110.3(B). If it's an installation subject to the NEC.

 

[Tainted]

Where does it say that the internal wiring of the generator which is plugged into the inlet is covered under the NEC?

If the generator is listed, and you modify it affecting the listing, then I suppose it violates it?

 

[Tainted]

The scope of the NEC is in 90.2. The requirement to follow instructions for listed equipment is 110.3(B)

So you’re saying all portable generators aren’t required to be listed? Therefore you can do whatever you want to it?

 

[infinity]

If the generator is listed, and you modify it affecting the listing, then I suppose it violates it?

But what specific article in the NEC states that the portable generator cannot be rewired? Can I build my own generator and plug it into the inlet or is something in the NEC prohibiting me from doing so?