Grounding Generator

[ajohansson]

Originally Posted by mrgrayaz

That's interesting, I have a Progressive EMS and have no problems running off my Champion 2800w portable using the 30aa or 20a (both adapted since I have a 50 amp trailer) connectors - no extra plugs/wires/jumpers needed.

But no - we never ground ours

If that champion 2800 is a "contractor" type generator it is already grounded.

All inverter style generators use a floating neutral which can be a safety issue when powering a trailer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-bTLdMjuqU

[Murf2u]

Originally Posted by powercat_ras

The critical thing for using portable generator with loads on a vehicle (RV) is that the ground of the portable generator that is not mounted on the vehicle (RV) needs to be tied to the ground of the vehicle (RV). This is usually taken care of with the grounded power cord. Earth ground not required for this situation. You should never be able to read any voltage between generator chassis and RV frame.

This is why it's so potentially dangerous to back-feed a house with a portable generator without a proper transfer switch but just pulling the main breakers.

The neutral and ground are bonded in the house circuit, but only the neutral leg is broken by the mains, the ground is bonded through the mains and meter base.