Generator and Circuit grounding

[fabricator]

Hi Casey,

I don't think this classifies a "brilliant thinking stuff".
It's just a standard wiring addition.
I ran it by two electricians and they don't have any problem with it. (Provided I switch the neutrals also).
Components are all approved and standard code is being followed.

cheers,
veggie

Switching the neutrals makes no sense to me, so you switch from the mains to the generator then you have no earth bond on the generator side.

If I am understanding your comment correctly....
The generator is earth permanently bonded direct to the garage panel with a grounding cable.
(See the second version sketch of the system a few posts back)

Veggie

OK got ya.

[fabricator]

Hi Veggie,

I don't think this classifies a "brilliant thinking stuff".

I don't think it's rocket surgery either.  But those that follow might.

I keep forgetting that the switch is ganged - one toggle w/ two sets of contacts.

Are generators suppose to have ground rods.  Will the GFIs (switches or breakers) work with out a ground reference for the neutral and the ground or does it just look for differentials?

Casey

I've reconsidered.  I'd plug the puppy in, tie the grounds together at the "arrow" and see what happens.  What are you worried about smoke testing.

Addendum:  You realize that 120 receptacle on the generator (tab broken) has 240 volts on it?  That meets code?

Generators connected to the wiring from the mains power MUST not have their own ground rods, there can be only one ground in the system, the ground bonded to your main panel, that section in the NEC is very clear.
A receptacle wired 120 cannot carry 240, no matter what you do to it.

[cognos]

Careful with that...

In Ontario, a "split receptacle" - such as one in a kitchen, where each single receptacle of a duplex device is connected to a dedicated circuit - can indeed be a source of 240 volts, and 30 amps...

The small breakaway tab connecting the 2 single receptacles is what makes this possible.

If one were to jerry-rig a device that plugs in to such a split receptacle and reconnects the 2 hot wires, you can get 240 volts. Seen it done by roadies. Not legal, but doable.

But I'm sure most already knew that.

[veggie]

Found this article on the web regarding Generator Grounding....
May be of some help.

[LowGear]

A receptacle wired 120 cannot carry 240, no matter what you do to it.

The receptacle (Broken Tab) in the second drawing first page (AB 50 & AB 60) sure looks like its set to deliver 120 different phases to me.

In Ontario, a "split receptacle" - such as one in a kitchen, where each single receptacle of a duplex device is connected to a dedicated circuit

I think this two different circuits on one split (Tab Broken) receptacle on the kitchen counter is the code in Washington State and that both circuits come off the same leg inside the panel so you don't have 240 floating around the kitchen counter tops.

Casey