|  | 
| Author | Message | 
| slim Member
 | # Posted: 23 Nov 2014 07:35pm Reply
 
 I have a 6000W generator that I would like to power my isolated pole building.  The buildinghas no power (not connected to any grid).  The generator has a bonded neutral and ground.  This is what I plan to do....Any problems??
 
 I plan on having a generator power inlet box outside on the bldg.  Inside I will have a subpanel with about 3 or 4 circuits.  I plan on driving a ground rod next to the building and connecting the ground from the service panel inside the building to it.  The generator is portable, and will be set about 20' from the garage when in use.  Because the neutral and ground are bonded at the generator, I will not have them bonded at the subpanel.  The neutral from generator will be connected to neutral in sub, and ground from generator to ground in sub.
 
 I would appreciate any advice.
 
 
 | 
|  | 
| MtnDon Member
 | # Posted: 23 Nov 2014 09:22pm Reply
 
 Good plan
 
 
 | 
|  | 
| slim Member
 | # Posted: 23 Nov 2014 09:49pm Reply
 
 Thanks for the response, MtnDon.  I wasn't sure whether the ground rod should be at generator with gen connected to it, or at bldg, with sub connected.  Don't know if it makes a difference...I can't see where it would, but I am no electrician.
 
 
 | 
|  | 
| Steve_S Member
 | # Posted: 24 Nov 2014 08:00am Reply
 
 @Slim, a good friend of mine, commercial electrician recommended to me that I have a ground with my Genny (7kw) as well as my panel.  But then I intend to use the genny for more than just backup, for powering other equipment which would be powered just from the generator directly.  In any case, I see no harm in having the extra ground @ the generator.  Erring on the side of caution, especially with electrics is never a bad thing IMO.
 
 I'm building a "dog house" for the generator to keep foul weather off it, with a rod punched into the ground next to it but well ventilated for cooling etc...
 
 
 | 
|  | 
| MtnDon Member
 | # Posted: 24 Nov 2014 09:26am Reply
 
 Ground rod at the genny is ok as long as that is only to the metal frame of the genny and does not include grounding the electrical wiring. If there is a connection between the metal frame and the wiring ground wire that can result in troubles. With two separately connected ground rods connected to the wiring that can form loops that can cause the flow of loop currents that can play havoc with electronics.
 
 
 | 
|  | 
| slim Member
 | # Posted: 24 Nov 2014 12:09pm Reply
 
 So if the wiring ground, that is bonded with the neutral, is connected to the genny frame, then there should only be one ground rod, either at the genny or at the bldg (subpanel).  If the frame is isolated from the wiring ground then two ground rods are ok.......Is that what you are saying MtnDon?
 
 
 | 
|  | 
| MtnDon Member
 | # Posted: 24 Nov 2014 01:17pm Reply
 
 yes
 
 
 | 
|  | 
| slim Member
 | # Posted: 24 Nov 2014 02:40pm Reply
 
 Thanks for the replys, MtnDon and Steve_S
 
 
 | 
|  | 
| Pookie129 Member
 | # Posted: 25 Nov 2014 04:49am - Edited by: Pookie129 Reply
 
 URL  URL FOR GENERATOR SHED
 
 Generator Shed / Enclosure
 
 
 | 
|  | 
| Pookie129 Member
 | # Posted: 25 Nov 2014 04:50am Reply
 
 PS - turn down the volume, not sure who picked the sound track, but it is a little much...lol
 
 
 | 
|  | 
|  |