PowerLand PD3G4400E Owner's Manual page 36

Below you will find 1 illustration of a generator ground rod system.
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The generator supplies only equipment mounted on the generator and/or cord-and
plug-connected equipment through receptacles mounted on the generator,
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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 than
connect to a grounding electrode system, such as a driven ground rod, the generator's
frame replaces the grounding electrode.
If these conditions do not exist, then a grounding electrode, such as a ground rod, is required.
If the portable generator is providing electric power to a structure by connection via a transfer
switch to a structure (home, office, shop, trailer, or similar) it must be connected to a grounding
electrode system, such as a driven ground rod. The transfer switch must be approved for the
use and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions by a qualified
electrician.
Grounding requirements for generators connected via transfer switches are covered by Article
250 of the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Safe Work Practices for Portable Tools include:
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Do not use underrated cords—replace them with appropriately rated cords that use
heavier gauge wires.
•
Never use electrical tools or appliances with frayed cords, missing grounding prongs, or
damaged or cracked housings.
•
Use double-insulated tools and equipment distinctively marked as such, where possible
Verification by Testing
The integrity of the connection between the generator's frame and the equipment grounding
terminals of power receptacles is important to the safe use of the equipment. The connection
may be confirmed via testing by a competent electrician with the correct equipment. The ohmic
resistance should measure near zero and must not be intermittent, which indicates a loose
connection.
Bonding Versus Grounding
Bonding and grounding are separate requirements for generators and other electrical
distribution systems. Grounding means the connection, or the establishment of a connection, of
an electric circuit or equipment to reference ground, which includes the generator's frame.
Bonding is the intentional connection between the grounded circuit conductor (neutral) and the
grounding means for the generator, which includes the generator's frame. Thus, effective
bonding of the neutral conductor to the generator's frame is also a concern for the safe use of
the equipment. As with grounding terminal connections, proper bonding of the neutral terminal
of a power receptacle may be confirmed via testing by a competent electrician with the correct
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