[A/S] Re: honda grounding

["Matt Worner" <wornmatt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> In a moment of wild intelligence, I got out my Honda Generator 
> instruction book

Old Army acronym, "RTFM".  Don't ask for the translation...


> p. 18 " Honda portable generators have a system ground that connects 
> generator frame components to the ground terminals in the AC output 
> receptacles.  The system ground is not connected to the AC neutral wire. 
> If the gereator is tested by a receptacle tester, it will not show show 
> same ground circuit condition as for a home receptacle.  "
> 
> Perhaps this is what has lead to tinkering

There are many cases of enthusiam exceeding talent.
 
> p. 14 " Ground Terminal- The generator ground terminal is connected to 
> the frame of the generator, the metal, no-current carrying parts of the 
> generator, and the ground terminals of each receptacle.  Before using 
> the ground terminal, consult a qualified electircian, electrical 
> inspector or local agency having jurisdiction for local codes or 
> ordinances that apply the the intended use of the generator."
> 
> and a picture of a screw set in a square terminal plate on the bottom of 
> the plug panel
> 
> I guess I thought it held the case on...... duh
> 
> It sounds to me as though the generator relies on the ground of any 
> system it is plugged into in regular use, and since the ground of say a 
> house or trailer might differ ,  there is no one answer to the question.

Exactly.  When you are plugged in to shore power you are grounding 
at the service equipment (panel or meter).  You must not be bonded 
anywhere else.  That is why the trailer neutral is not bonded at its 
panel, since it is just another plug in appliance to the electrical 
system of the house or campground.  (Bonding is connection of 
grounded conductor {white neutral} to the grounding conductor 
{green/bare ground wire} to metal of structure.  On large commercial 
(steel framed) structures there are actually bonding jumpers from 
service equipment to the frame.)  

With a generator if you are not grouned at the genset there is no 
ground reference for you to get a shock from unless the generator is 
grounded inadvertantly.

Best of all worlds is a ground rod in the ground to a terminal on 
your trailer.  Big old galvinised spike and a #10 stranded jumper to 
a good clean spot on the frame will do it.  Otherwise stay isolated 
is probably safe enough. 
> and on p. 16 " The AC circuit protector will automatically switch OFF if 
> there is a short circuit or significant overload of the generator at the 
> AC recetacles.  If the circuit protector......."
> 
> So, for the sake of discussion, right now I am in a State Park in SC, 
> still hitched up, so my jack , safety chains etc are not touching the 
> ground.  I am plugged into the 20AMP box with my normal  three prong 
> extension chord.  ( and I confess I did not test the outlet first... 
> been here twice before... no excuse )
> I am assuming that the CG hook up is my ground, 

Correct.

> since the truck and 
> trailer are sitting on their tires. I should add that my '73 trailer 
> does not have any GFI's on it

You can get an in line GFCI and plug in through that.  Then the 
absence/presence of a ground becomes moot.

> 
> How safe am I ? Besides the circuit test ( I promise to to better ) is 
> there more I should do ? Like maybe drop a safety chain for the night ?

Should be fine just as you are (again assuming the campground 
service is up to snuff).
> 
> Daisy ( alone in the woods in lovely Poinsettt State Park, Sumpter SC )
>
Matt (still in NJ, but off to Columbus tomorrow to a reunion of 
Uncle Sams finest.  http://187thahc.net)