Portable Generators -Neutral to ground connection?

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tom baker

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Master Electrician
I've asked this before, want an update:
There is no standard on when portable generators have a system bonding jumper installed.
But I maintain the smaller generators with receptacles mounted on the frame have a system bonding jumper (IE neutral to ground)-typcally.
The larger trailer generators typically do not have a system bonding jumper-typically.
I am essentially correct?
 
Re: Portable Generators -Neutral to ground connection?

My new one has seperated neutral and ground.4 prong 20 amp twist lock 125/250.Something that did dawn on me is it may not do any good.Gen back feeds a sub panel and main 200 is turned off.However while my ground and neutral are seperated from gen to sub panel they are connected at the main panel.Not sure if that creates any hazard.
 
Re: Portable Generators -Neutral to ground connection?

Tom,
A lot of the small generators have no bonding between the frame and the neutral, but you have to check the diagram for each generator as it varies from brand to brand and even among different models from the same manufacturer.
It is still my opinion that generators that do not have a neutral to frame bond are in violation of 250.20(B).
Don
 
Re: Portable Generators -Neutral to ground connection?

GEnerators rated 5,000 watts of less are exempt from having to have a local neutral to ground bond and from having to have GFCI receptacles. This is partly so that a 2-pole transfer switch with solid neutral can be used and that a 5 KVA isolated from ground system is not considered a safety hazard.
 
Re: Portable Generators -Neutral to ground connection?

Originally posted by mc5w:
GEnerators rated 5,000 watts of less are exempt from having to have a local neutral to ground bond and from having to have GFCI receptacles.
How about showing us where you found that exception?
 
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