Open Ground E2

[03HRVacationer]

A little FYI,

We installed a PI EMS in Oct at the Workhorse Rally, it has worked flawlessly. This weekend we are at the Nascar race in NH. It's the first time I've use the Honda generator sense the install and I'm getting the error and she wont kick in.

I talked to the guy that installed it, RV Medic, Dale, he knew the problem right away. The generator needs to be grounded. It has a spot on it for a ground and so far I've been unable to acheave a good ground to clear the error. My next move is to put a self tapper into the frame and try again.

Was wondering if anybody has come across this and what they did to ground the genny.

Thanks,

Al

[ATVr]

I don't think I understand the grounding issue. If you are wired into the Honda with a grounded connector you should be grounded to the RV. As for the ground at the screw Honda provides, you won't get a better ground anywhere else. Just spitballing here, but Honda inverter generators don't have a grounded neutral. The owner's manual mentions this and notes that some test equipment will show an error because it's reporting the ungrounded neutral as a fault. A cheapy, plug in tester in my rig doesn't like the Hondas but it is normal operation as far as the Hondas are concerned. I realize that your fault is showing up as a grounding problem, but perhaps the "real" problem is the ungrounded neutral. The neutral can be grounded but there are grounding issues in trying to make the Honda behave like household power. Technically, an inverter Honda doesn't have a neutral and a hot... it has two hots. If you want to undertake making a uniform grounding system from the generators on... find a knowledgable electrician or maybe two. There is a lot of debate on how best to ground things with the Honda inverters.

[RV Wizard]

The neutral (white) wire on the output of the generator needs to be bonded (connected) to the equipment ground (green) wire. This is normally done at the service entrance of a shore power system.

[03HRVacationer]

Fixed, bonded the netural side to the ground screw inside the genny,

The ems loved it the first try.

Thanks guys, the Honda guy at the CW tent gave me the heads up on the unbonded neutral, he couldn't tell me how to fix it but I knew.

Thanks for Replying

[RV Wizard]

You are welcome. Enjoy!