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.
manufacturers trump NEC is via 110.3(B) is what i'm reading hereI guess I’m not seeing the bigger picture
Wouldn't it be nice if the manufacturers simply put a switch go from bonded to unbonded and vice versa? Or better yet an auxiliary switch built into the 30 amp or 50 amp receptacle that unbonds the neutral when the plug is inserted.1. Connecting a "bonded" generator to a home electrical system...which already has a bond at the service creates a 2nd neutral to ground connection. This creates multiple paths for current flow.
2. Breaking the bond at the generator for connection to the home electrical system corrects issue in 1.
3. Careful now that the bond is lifted at the generator...because if the owner uses the generator away on say a worksite or camping trip...the bond is essential for the ground fault current path. The GFCI on the genertor no longer protects the user.
I have a generator with a floating neutral and I plug in a cord cap with an internal neutral to ground jumper to "re-bond" the generator for away from home uses.
Yes that would be great for us professional qualified persons who understand its operation. But for the average person it may be a hazard.Wouldn't it be nice if the manufacturers simply put a switch go from bonded to unbonded and vice versa? Or better yet an auxiliary switch built into the 30 amp or 50 amp receptacle that unbonds the neutral when the plug is inserted.
I think that given the major cost difference between the two most people who are looking at portable generator solutions won't pay for a permanent backup systems. I know because I am one of them.I actually evaluate my generator customer as to whether I feel it will be safe for a portable generator connection. Some customers really should just have a permanent standby system.
Tottally AGREE. I have a portable tooo. But we are both qualified.I think that given the major cost difference between the two most people who are looking at portable generator solutions won't pay for a permanent backup systems. I know because I am one of them.![]()
The manufacturer's trump the NEC only where they require something more than what the NEC does. They cannot delete or lessen an NEC requirement.manufacturers trump NEC is via 110.3(B) is what i'm reading here
~RJ~
In that scenario, you wouldn't be able to use that generator for your application. You would either need a generator that you could remove the neutral-ground bond, or you would need a switching mechanism that switched the neutral when you switched between the utility and your generator.I see your point, but I’d like to know worst case scenario “do not do it”
I don't know about that. It can go both ways. An unlisted assembly of components that might be subject to various NEC requirements may no longer be subject to all those same requirements when the assembly is listed. I agree that 110.3(B) doesn't completely trump NEC requirements but it does in some cases.The manufacturer's trump the NEC only where they require something more than what the NEC does. They cannot delete or lessen an NEC requirement.
I think it's a matter of where it is sold. Some states do not require equipment to be listed.So you’re saying all portable generators aren’t required to be listed? Therefore you can do whatever you want to it?