Any electricians on site, generator question.

[sdupontjr]

Just ordered a new generator and should be here next week. 9000w inverter type that will replace my very old but working 5500w that I have been using for 26 years or so. This new one has a bonded neutral. So I started looking at bonded and floating neutrals.

My old 5500 has been back feeding my homes for the last 26 years with no issues. I also had a separate outlet dedicated for back feed with no problems. Would do my whole house except 2 AC units. I also used it when building my camp and when building my stands and such in the woods. This new one, from what I've been readings needs to have the neutral unbonded to the frame in order to back feed my home but needs to be bonded when using it in the field for normal work.

This model requires me to remove the gas tank to access the neutral that is bonded to the frame. Simply unbolt it. wrap it up to prevent arcing and bolt gas tank back. Now its ready to back feed, according to tons of videos online. I don't want to have to go through all that crap again when I use it with just simple cords plugged in it. Has anyone run across this or has done something that is much simpler to do? I even thought about some sort of switch that could be panel mounted. Cut hole, mount switch and it would simply connect that neutral to the frame. Basically doing the same thing except I dont have to remove a bunch of stuff to do it.

 

[Weldor]

Following.

 

[MacJenkins]

Yes, if you don't have a transfer swith right after your main, using a bonded generator will create a parrellel bond and can create issues. Could you get by with no issues, sure. And I assmue many do without knowing. I always cringe when I see a simple outlet or cord end that people use to backfeed their panel through a breaker.

Here is a good article discussing this.

Confused by What Grounding or Bonding a Generator Means? We’re Here to Help

Concepts like bonded neutral, floating neutral, and grounding rods can be confusing. Some simple explanations can help.

www.popularmechanics.com

 

[Weldor]

Interesting article. I use a Diesel Gen and a Yamaha this one has marine grounded plugs. Never thought about the neutrals. Both read voltage with a meter. I adjust the diesel voltage output by the Hertz frequency 60hz. anything below or over My newer inverter machines won't run . I guess they are smart enough to know over or under voltage. The Yamaha has a voltage regulator. I also know most new electronic's ,inverter based don't like GFI circuits and won't run. I use a ground rod on the Yamaha as it is stationed at the main for emergency back-up.