generator on a trailer used to power lights

[javierrod1968]

we use a generator on a trailer used to power lights for remote locations that must do work at night, we call them light plants?? recently a company which we are doing contract work for asked us to drive a rod in the groud and connect it to the light trailer to ground the light plant. Is this necessary? the generator runs on a diesel engine.

 

[zbang]

we use a generator on a trailer used to power lights for remote locations that must do work at night, we call them light plants?? recently a company which we are doing contract work for asked us to drive a rod in the groud and connect it to the light trailer to ground the light plant. Is this necessary? the generator runs on a diesel engine.

Is this a self-contained light tower, a trailer-mounted generator, or a portable generator. Are the light hard-wired to the genny or cord/plug connected? Generally, a ground rod isn't required. Check out article 250.34.

 

[hurk27]

as ponted out 250.34(B)(2) doesn not require a GES, but if that is what they want go for it and make money, I would be open to them and let them know it is not require as a groung rod does little to nothing in the way of safety but if they insist go with it.

Now if it is used in any way to also power the wiring in a building then yes it is required.

 

[petersonra]

as ponted out 250.34(B)(2) doesn not require a GES, but if that is what they want go for it and make money, I would be open to them and let them know it is not require as a groung rod does little to nothing in the way of safety but if they insist go with it.

Now if it is used in any way to also power the wiring in a building then yes it is required.

what difference does it make if the portable generator is powering something in a building or not? is this somewhere in the code?

 

[javierrod1968]

light plant

light plant

Is this a self-contained light tower, a trailer-mounted generator, or a portable generator. Are the light hard-wired to the genny or cord/plug connected? Generally, a ground rod isn't required. Check out article 250.34.

this is it on this picture, doesn't power anything else but the mounted lights ans a couple of power outlets

 

[K8MHZ]

How would you use a ground rod in the middle of a parking lot?

I have seen those units used many times, and not once have seen a ground rod.

 

[hurk27]

what difference does it make if the portable generator is powering something in a building or not? is this somewhere in the code?

Well to me a ground rod does very little to nothing but 250.20(B) and (D) will require a GES if the generator is providing power to the premises wiring, this is not extension cords run in from a portable generator as 250.34 allows us to do this without installing a GES, but like when you might use a generator to power up some circuits in the building or install a backup generator with or without a transfer switch like powering a hunting cabin that doesn't have a utility fed service.

 

[kwired]

If it is powering premises wiring then the grounding electrode is going to be connected to the premises wiring as required in art 250 part III, doesn't matter if premises wiring is service or feeder supplied, grounding electrode system is required.

 

[petersonra]

If it is powering premises wiring then the grounding electrode is going to be connected to the premises wiring as required in art 250 part III, doesn't matter if premises wiring is service or feeder supplied, grounding electrode system is required.

I am inclined to agree that the premises wiring system has to have a GES, but I am not sure that means a portable generator that temporarily feeds a premises wiring system is required to have a ground rod located at the generator.

 

[kwired]

I am inclined to agree that the premises wiring system has to have a GES, but I am not sure that means a portable generator that temporarily feeds a premises wiring system is required to have a ground rod located at the generator.

In a way, that is what I was trying to say in my post. Neutral to ground bond is at the premises service equipment also, and not at the generator. There is no prohibition of connecting the generator frame to a grounding electrode in any instance.