Mobile Generator Grounding

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madmike

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2005 NEC 250.34 sez that a connection to a grounding electrode per 250.52 is not required as long as (a), the unit only supplies vehicle mounted, or cord and plug connected loads, and (b) non-current carrying metal parts are bonded to the generator frame. Are there any possible touch voltage issues with this type of installation?
Thanks folks,
MM
 
Re: Mobile Generator Grounding

Hmmm, I don't understand how grounding the generator will change anything? The neutral is grounded to the gen frame which is metal and the frame usually sets on the ground.
 
Re: Mobile Generator Grounding

John,
Yes, there is some contact with the earth in that case, but many of the portable generators that are now being sold do not have a neutral to frame bond.
Don
 
Re: Mobile Generator Grounding

Assume the generator sets on a trailer so it is insulated from the earth. (Also assume no ground connection).
If you create a path from the generator hot lead to the earth (possibly through your arm and legs), no current will flow because there isn't a return path for the current to flow back to the generator. (Current must flow in a complete circle per Kirchoffs current law.)

Ground the generator neutral, and then the above situation causes a shock.

Steve
 
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