Dear All,
please allow another generator question where I need confirmation on my plans.
To avoid the usual Generator/Transfer switch issues I decided to NOT run the generator into the electrical panel but just use extension cords to power the few things I need power to during a power outage. So far so good but then I realized that it is probably not a good idea to run 35A through a snake nest of extension cords as the only breaker would be the one in the generator.
So then I built a power distribution box (see pic below, white is yellow wire for visibility)
https://imgur.com/a/dRNjp
that runs the 35A from the generator into a sub panel and from there via breakers into power outlets. That way all the outlets are behind 10A or 15A breakers.
This would be fine BUT the generator is a Yamaha inverter model and ground is NOT bonded to neutral. This wouldnt be a big deal to me but:
1. Apparently HE furnaces dont work that way. Mine runs though but maybe not properly
2. If I power an appliance like a Computer with a metal case and the hot comes lose and touches the metal the metal would then be under full power. In a normal house this power would then go into ground and back to the box.
My questions are:
1. Is it a good idea and per code to build such a box?
2. Is it a safety concern to run power from a non bonded generator into anything with a metal case where ground is connected to the case? Or does that not matter as power would NOT run through a person touching it into the ground?
3. If my furnace runs (I did a 5 min test run) should I just let the bonding go ?
4. Would it be a good idea to bond ground to neutral in by sub panel in the power distribution box? Is this a good idea? Per code? would that damage the generator?
5. There are things called Edison plugs where ground connects to neutral and that is plugged in the generator to bind it. Is that per code? A good idea? Better or worse than bonding it in my sub panel?
6. Why do people make generators that are NOT bonded? Isnt that generally a disadvantage?
I would appreciate all advise to make sure my stuff is safe!
Thanks
Trx
https://imgur.com/a/dRNjp
please allow another generator question where I need confirmation on my plans.
To avoid the usual Generator/Transfer switch issues I decided to NOT run the generator into the electrical panel but just use extension cords to power the few things I need power to during a power outage. So far so good but then I realized that it is probably not a good idea to run 35A through a snake nest of extension cords as the only breaker would be the one in the generator.
So then I built a power distribution box (see pic below, white is yellow wire for visibility)
https://imgur.com/a/dRNjp
that runs the 35A from the generator into a sub panel and from there via breakers into power outlets. That way all the outlets are behind 10A or 15A breakers.
This would be fine BUT the generator is a Yamaha inverter model and ground is NOT bonded to neutral. This wouldnt be a big deal to me but:
1. Apparently HE furnaces dont work that way. Mine runs though but maybe not properly
2. If I power an appliance like a Computer with a metal case and the hot comes lose and touches the metal the metal would then be under full power. In a normal house this power would then go into ground and back to the box.
My questions are:
1. Is it a good idea and per code to build such a box?
2. Is it a safety concern to run power from a non bonded generator into anything with a metal case where ground is connected to the case? Or does that not matter as power would NOT run through a person touching it into the ground?
3. If my furnace runs (I did a 5 min test run) should I just let the bonding go ?
4. Would it be a good idea to bond ground to neutral in by sub panel in the power distribution box? Is this a good idea? Per code? would that damage the generator?
5. There are things called Edison plugs where ground connects to neutral and that is plugged in the generator to bind it. Is that per code? A good idea? Better or worse than bonding it in my sub panel?
6. Why do people make generators that are NOT bonded? Isnt that generally a disadvantage?
I would appreciate all advise to make sure my stuff is safe!
Thanks
Trx
https://imgur.com/a/dRNjp
