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    hookman's Avatar
    hookman Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Nov 17, 2009, 09:02 PM
    Generator neutral ground bonding
    I have a EU2000i generator for my 5th wheel. The trailer system is not bonded and the gen set is not bonded. I was told to make a short extension cord and bond the male plug so that the electrical will work properly. I would like to know if this will work safely.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #2

    Nov 17, 2009, 10:12 PM

    Neutral and ground may or may not be connected to the frame of the generator. Bonding the neutral and the ground to the frame (2 straps) would be the best method if the generator is permanent.
    hookman's Avatar
    hookman Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Nov 17, 2009, 10:32 PM
    The generator is portable and might be used for other purposes such as power tools so I would to have away to use it both ways without taking things apart.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
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    #4

    Nov 18, 2009, 05:17 AM
    That is a very small portable generator that will NEVER be used in a hard wired application. Leave it the way it came from the factory. You have absolutely no reason to change anything on it. :)
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
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    #5

    Nov 18, 2009, 05:18 AM

    That's also a tiny unit for a 5th wheel. You will not be able to power very much at the same time. Will it even run the A/C?
    hookman's Avatar
    hookman Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #6

    Nov 18, 2009, 04:48 PM
    It is for charging the battery, run the Microwave or the satellite TV. The trailer is not bonded or the generator. When on park power theirs is bonded. I was informed one item should be bonded.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #7

    Nov 18, 2009, 06:50 PM

    When using power tools without the bond, you essentially have an isolated power source or an electrified truck when things are defective.

    When connecting the bond with a whole house generator, you can create ground loops.

    GFCI's are a good thing when placed on the generator.

    When operating stand alone, you can't sink a ground rod, so neutral and ground should be bonded together.

    One way to solve the problem is to use a 4 wire transfer switch where the neutral gets switched and connected properly.
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