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

[Tainted]

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?

I see your point. But it’s kinda like saying “what if I built my own circuit breaker”. You would need the circuit breaker listed and tested. Then you bring up another question, does your generator you built have to be listed in order to use it? If yes, then the generator you built would be against code if you don’t have it tested and listed

 

[infinity]

I see your point. Then you bring up another question, does your generator you built have to be listed in order to use it? If yes, then the generator you built would be against code if you don’t have it tested and listed

I would ask what in the NEC would require a home built generator to be listed when used for portable power? The NEC would have to say that a portable generator needs to be listed. There is a nameplate listing requirement for portable generators above 15 kw in the 2020 NEC but I'm assuming that this discussion we're referring to a smaller than 15 kw generator.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

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.

Not very many portable generators are listed so 110.3(B) does not apply to the ones that are not listed.

 

[Tainted]

I would ask what in the NEC would require a home built generator to be listed when used for portable power? The NEC would have to say that a portable generator needs to be listed. There is a nameplate listing requirement for portable generators above 15 kw in the 2020 NEC but I'm assuming that this discussion we're referring to a smaller than 15 kw generator.

I was talking about a portable generator that is 17500W lol. And I’m following the latest NYCEC

 

[don_resqcapt19]

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

Correct, there is no requirement for a portable generator to be listed.

 

[Tainted]

Correct, there is no requirement for a portable generator to be listed.

But what if the portable generator is 15kw or more like infinity just said

 

[shortcircuit2]

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

Hmm... This may be OK according to 250.32(B) Exception No. 2 ???

 

[Hv&Lv]

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

Wouldn’t 702 include portable generators?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

But what if the portable generator is 15kw or more like infinity just said

While the code does say that, the code has no authority over portable generators. The code authority is only over how such a generator is connected to a premises wiring system.

 

[jaggedben]

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

I'm not saying that at all.

 

[Tainted]

While the code does say that, the code has no authority over portable generators. The code authority is only over how such a generator is connected to a premises wiring system.

but where does it say in the code it has no authority over portable generators?

 

[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.

but what does that have anything to do with 110.3(B)?

 

[jaggedben]

Not very many portable generators are listed so 110.3(B) does not apply to the ones that are not listed.

That really surprises me if true, but point taken.

 

[jaggedben]

but what does that have anything to do with 110.3(B)?

If the generator is listed 110.3(B) applies. If it is not listed, then it does not.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

but where does it say in the code it has no authority over portable generators?

The code only has authority over installed electrical equipment....portable generators are not installed. A lot of what is in Article 422 is actually outside the scope of the code.

 

[Tainted]

The code only has authority over installed electrical equipment....portable generators are not installed. A lot of what is in Article 422 is actually outside the scope of the code.

fair enough, however is there anything other than the NEC that has authority over portable generators?

 

[retirede]

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?

Does it say it’s “not recommended” (as you stated originally), or “do not do it” (what you’re saying now)?

Big difference, imo.

 

[R777V]

The generator is the only source of power, so why unbond it, I understand Mike Holt frowns on Installing a ground rod bonded to a generator. Without a utility source what is wrong with the generator being bonded to itself? It probably would be bonded to the house system through the Gas or Propane piping, obviously Diesel and Gasoline powered not so much.


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[Tainted]

The generator is the only source of power, so why unbond it, I understand Mike Holt frowns on Installing a ground rod bonded to a generator. Without a utility source what is wrong with the generator being bonded to itself? It probably would be bonded to the house system through the Gas or Propane piping, obviously Diesel and Gasoline powered not so much.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

We’re not talking about bonding the ground rod to a generator though. We’re talking about unbonding the neutral to the frame of the generator so that we can use it as a non-separately derived system.

 

[Tainted]

Does it say it’s “not recommended” (as you stated originally), or “do not do it” (what you’re saying now)?

Big difference, imo.

I see your point, but I’d like to know worst case scenario “do not do it”