another generator question

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kolar

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I'm going from the meter to a 200A T/S (Midwest)to a 200A main breaker panel. If I've got a generator and the grounded (neutral) conductor is not bonded at the generator. I would bond the neutral at the transfer switch ( unswitched ). Would I then separate the grounded (neutral) and grounding conductors at the main panel?

Thanks for any help.
 
Re: another generator question

Is that transfer switch service rated?

It has to be if it does not have a service disconnect suppling it.

To answer your question.

If the generator is bonded use a TS that switches the neutral.

If the generator is not bonded use a TS with a solid neutral.

IMO, in most applications it is easer, cheaper and better to simply leave the generator un-bonded and use the solid neutral TS.

The only compelling reason I know to go the other route is when the service main has GFP.
 
Re: another generator question

yes the TS is service rated. The TS would be located on the inside of the house with the 200A panel right next to it. So would you treat the 200A panel like a sub panel and isolate the neutrals from the grounds? (no bonding jumper)

Thank you for your help

Brian
 
Re: another generator question

Originally posted by kolar:
So would you treat the 200A panel like a sub panel and isolate the neutrals from the grounds? (no bonding jumper)
Click to expand...
That is correct and the GEC must now be relocated to the transfer switch.

You will handle the transfer switch as a service disconect.

Does this transfer switch incorporate overcurrent protection?
 
Re: another generator question

The transfer switch does not have any overcurrent protection. Would I be required to install a disconnect with overcurrent protection before the TS.

Thanks again
Brian

[ January 16, 2006, 12:47 PM: Message edited by: kolar ]
 
Re: another generator question

I'm guessing alot of people are doing this wrong. I just talk to the supply house to check on a three pole TS and they don't stock them. He said they sale alot of the two pole ones. Unless everyone is unbonding there generators or there not using portables.
 
Re: another generator question

Originally posted by kolar:
The transfer switch does not have any overcurrent protection. Would I be required to install a disconnect with overcurrent protection before the TS.
Click to expand...
Negative. The disconnect must be first, but overcurrent can be after the TS, as long as it's adjacent.
 
Re: another generator question

For a switched neutral TS were would the bonding take place at? Just trying to fully understand all this. Would I need to add a disconnect between the meter and the TS and bond there?
 
Re: another generator question

Originally posted by kolar:
For a switched neutral TS were would the bonding take place at? Just trying to fully understand all this. Would I need to add a disconnect between the meter and the TS and bond there?
Click to expand...
With a switched neutral you need to bond at both the service disconect and at the generator.

If the TS has a disconect and it should if it is SE rated you will bond it there.

You will also have to run a GEC from the generator to some grounding electrodes.

I strongly urge you not to switch the neutral.

It makes things much simpler.
 
Re: another generator question

Do most portable generators have a bonded neutral? I don't know how easy it would be to unbond one or if you would even want to
 
Re: another generator question

Originally posted by kolar:
Do most portable generators have a bonded neutral? I don't know how easy it would be to unbond one or if you would even want to
Click to expand...
They come both ways, my own 5000 watt came unbonded.

Any of the generators I have installed came unbonded but none of these where ever intended to be portable.
 
Re: another generator question

Thanks for all your help.

Brian from Michigan

[ January 16, 2006, 11:14 PM: Message edited by: kolar ]
 
Re: another generator question

With no load Generator shows about 127V line to ground. When I removed the bonding jumper it showed 118V line to ground and about 64V neutral to ground. Does that seem right?
 
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