Does 590.6(A)(3) basically put a end to portable generator installations?

[hurk27]

Many portable generators do not bond the neutral. The GFCI will work if there is some type of current path that is other than the two conductors that feed the GFCI. In general that would take more than one fault. There is no easy way to tell what generators bond the neutral and what ones don't unless you look in the manual. Even with in the same brand they do it both ways.

I do not see how a GFCI will work if there is no neutral to GEC bond at the generator ahead of the GFCI?

It is true that a GFCI will function without a EGC, BUT! that is only when the service supply has a grounded neutral conductor and Earth has a reference to this neutral, if a generator EGC does not have reference to the neutral ahead of the GFCI, there is no "other path" for this reference?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Wayne,
For the GFCI to provide shock protection on an ungrounded system, there would have to be a ground fault on the line side of the GFCI, creating a "grounded" system. A fault on the load side will not cause the GFCI to trip, but is not a shock hazard. Two faults on the load side will be a shock hazard and the GFCI will still not trip.

Why are manufacturers permitted to install GFCIs on generators that do not have a neutral bond?

 

[klineelectric]

It looks to me like the gfci requirements in 590.6(a) (3) only apply during construction , demolition, remodeling, maintenance or repair ( if there is someone working ). I dont think that all generators will have 240v gfci. At least I hope they wont. It would make the 30a power inlet boxes and breaker interlocks useless.

 

[kwired]

Article 590 is for temporary installations.

If using a generator for an optional standby system article 702 applies.

check out 702.11 for portable generator grounding requirements where used as an optional standby power source.