Grounding Requirements For Power Land Portable Generators - PowerLand PD3G4400E Owner's Manual

Grounding Requirements for Power Land Portable Generators

Portable generators are internal combustion engines used to generate electricity. They are
useful when temporary or remote power is needed, and are commonly used during cleanup
and recovery efforts following disasters.
Major Causes of Injuries and Fatalities
•
Shocks and electrocution to users from improper use.
•
Shocks and electrocution to utility workers from improper connection to structures, such
as residences, offices, shops and trailers.
Safe Work Practices
•
Maintain and operate portable generators in accordance with the manufacturer's use
and safety instructions.
•
Never attach a portable generator directly to the electrical system of a structure (home,
office or trailer) unless the generator has a properly installed open-transition transfer
switch.
•
Always plug electrical appliances and tools directly into the generator, using the
appliance manufacturer's supplied cords. Use heavy-duty extension cords that contain a
grounding conductor (3-wire flexible cord and 3-pronged cord connectors).
•
Proper grounding and bonding are a means to prevent shocks and electrocutions.
•
Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) as per the manufacturer's instructions.
•
Do not connect a generator to a structure unless the generator has a properly installed
transfer switch.
•
Visually inspect the equipment before use; remove defective equipment from service;
replace defective equipment be for use.
Grounding Requirements for Portable and Vehicle-mounted Generators
Under the following conditions, that the frame of a portable generator need not be grounded
(connected to earth) and that the frame may serve as the ground (in place of the earth): unless
the unit is bonded. If your generator has a bonded neutral and ground you MUST ground the
generator to (earth ground with a copper ground rod)
Below you will find 1 illustration of a generator ground rod system.
•
The generator supplies only equipment mounted on the generator and/or cord-and
plug-connected equipment through receptacles mounted on the generator,
•
The noncurrent-carrying metal parts of equipment (such as the fuel tank, the internal
combustion engine, and the generator's housing) are bonded to the generator frame,
and the equipment grounding conductor terminals (of the power receptacles that are a
part of [mounted on] the generator) are bonded to the generator frame, Thus, rather
connect to a grounding electrode system, such as a driven ground rod, the generator's
frame replaces the grounding electrode.
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