Re: [A/S] Re: Generator Question

["Neal Warren" <uncleneal@xxxxxxxxxx>]

    In reference to grounding a trailer when using a generator, most of the
motorhomes have on-board generators, and no one seems to think that they
need a ground wire to an earth ground to be safe. At least neither my 310
nor 345 manual said anything about it.  Of course, the generator is grounded
to the frame of the motorhome to provide shock protection.
    As long as the generator is isolated from the earth, and the trailer is
isolated from the earth, I don't see that there is any path for an
electrical shock from the skin of the trailer to the earth.
    It would seem that the generator would have to be earth grounded, the
trailer not earth grounded, the trailer have faulty wiring so that a hot
wire is making contact with the frame or skin of the trailer and the ground
from the generator to the trailer be faulty for there to be a shock hazard
when standing on the ground and touching the trailer.  In that case,
grounding the generator and not the trailer would present a greater danger.
    The ground lug on the generator receptacle should ground the trailer
frame to the generator when the trailer is plugged in to the generator, and
provide all the safety needed.  You would then be wired the same as a
motorhome generator.
    If you ground the generator, you need to ground the trailer also.  If
you don't ground the generator, there is no need to ground the trailer.

Neal