Portable Generators | Floating vs Bonded Neutral

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  • Опубліковано 23 сер 2024
  • Watch as Paul Abernathy talks about portable generators and the difference in floating neutral and bonded neural for applications like construction sites versus a dwelling.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 21

  • @user-hg2tk3xj9y
    @user-hg2tk3xj9y 7 місяців тому

    Thank you for sharing this information, I need a transfer switch that swaps the neutral if I want to change the feed for my main panel between the grid or my backup generator. I had a serious question on this, and you gave it to me, appreciate that greatly....I need an electrician, beyond my skillset.

    • @user-hg2tk3xj9y
      @user-hg2tk3xj9y 7 місяців тому

      I have an older panel, no bonding, will have to research that next

  • @brenta3361
    @brenta3361 27 днів тому

    So what is the application of a floating neutral generator. I have one and simple want to run a 5000 btu portable ac and refrigerator. Turn ac off and run hair dryer.

    • @MasterTheNEC
      @MasterTheNEC  26 днів тому

      You need to rewatch from 13:50 to 19:50 for what a bonded generator vs unbounded generator should be used for.

  • @MrBritrider
    @MrBritrider 3 місяці тому

    I’ve been wondering about this question since I decided to have a transfer switch installed in my house. The first electrician told me not to worry that my Westinghouse generator came fuse bonded. Since I hadn’t seen your video I just accepted it. Then while. searching for transfer switches, someone asked will this transfer switch switch the neutral?
    Someone answered with the following:
    Essentially, all three wires leading into your house are the center of the switch or the off position. All three utility wires are the top on position and all three generator wires are the bottom on position. The neutrals from utility and generator are hooked to the neutral bar in the breaker box. So yes the neutral gets switched because the transfer switch is an on-off-on switch. You can literally have power coming in with both sources, but only one at a time will be engaged by the switch.
    Is this correct?

    • @MasterTheNEC
      @MasterTheNEC  3 місяці тому

      Well, you kinda go "all over the place," so it's hard to give you a reliable response. So, is this a portable generator or a fixed generator? The simple installation of an "Interlock" device is not acceptable for a portable generator setup if the generator is bonded, meaning a connection from grounded conductor to frame at the generator. Also, since most residential transfer switches, where applied, do not switch the neutral (the neutral from the generator to the transfer switch) then it's not a separately derived system so the bonding jumper in the generator should not be there...it needs to be an "unbonded" generator which is more common in whole house permanently installed generators. So, we are NOT condoning the removal of any bonding jumper on a bonded generator, and a home owner or DIYer should NEVER screw with a generator.

    • @MrBritrider
      @MrBritrider 3 місяці тому

      @@MasterTheNEC My generator is a portable generator that comes fuse bonded. Are you saying that if it comes this way it should not be used to connected to a transfer switch?

    • @MasterTheNEC
      @MasterTheNEC  3 місяці тому

      I have no idea what "fuse" bonded means. A portable generator that has a bonding jumper from the frame to the Grounded conductor is a bonded generator and it should not be connected to a dwelling without a transfer switch that switches the neutral. Using a generator with a bonded neutral and no transfer of the neutral in a transfer switch is incorrect for a portable generator.

    • @MrBritrider
      @MrBritrider 3 місяці тому

      @@MasterTheNEC Ok thanks. Having a meeting with electrician tomorrow.

  • @LeandroGGallo
    @LeandroGGallo 3 місяці тому

    How is a GFCI supposed to trip if there is no path to ground and the generator is isolated by the wheels? In the event that the metal part of the generator is in contact with the ground, or with an electrode.

    • @MasterTheNEC
      @MasterTheNEC  3 місяці тому +1

      GFCI's do not use the earth to function. In fact, in the operation of the GFCI, the earth plays ZERO part in its function.

  • @no1but24
    @no1but24 8 місяців тому

    I’m just using a interlock 240 volt 30 amp inlet box, no transfer switch, once I disconnected the neutral wire on my generator to make it floating neutral, and hook my generator up to the house via inlet box will it now be bonded through the house?

    • @MasterTheNEC
      @MasterTheNEC  8 місяців тому

      Sorry - we can not recommend or advise you to remove ANYTHING on your generator. That is something we can not comment on for legal reasons. We can only tell you what the NEC says, modifying anything without the manufacturer's consent is not within the scope of this video.

  • @ryanrapp8015
    @ryanrapp8015 5 місяців тому

    Can a floating netural portable generator be changed to a bonded netural by a certified electrician? I have a netural and want to use it with extension cords to devices in an emergency situation.

    • @MasterTheNEC
      @MasterTheNEC  5 місяців тому

      I would consult with the manufacturer of the generator before I just let any "electrician" even those that are licensed simply change the manufacturers intent of their generator for a specific application and use. That just my recommendation as the first steps.

  • @kylesanty6
    @kylesanty6 6 місяців тому

    Were you referencing documents other than NEC?

    • @MasterTheNEC
      @MasterTheNEC  6 місяців тому

      Nope....Why?...NEC not good enough?

  • @brianbelliveau5551
    @brianbelliveau5551 4 місяці тому

    So how do you know if you have a bonded generator?

    • @MasterTheNEC
      @MasterTheNEC  4 місяці тому

      It will typically be noted on the generator or you will see the bonding jumper.

  • @alvilla701
    @alvilla701 11 місяців тому

    If the generator has a floating neutral, then, should the neutral be bonded at the main panel or at the transfer switch?

    • @MasterTheNEC
      @MasterTheNEC  11 місяців тому +1

      This is typically done at the transfer switch.