[jcheil]

I have a generator that provides primary power for a cabin in the middle of the woods.
What is the proper neutral-grounding/ground-rod setup for this?

My first thoughts would be Neutral and Ground bonded at the generator with a ground rod at the generator, then no bonding or ground rod at the main panel fed from the generator.

Thanks for any advice.

[donf]

You really need to check the manufacturer's instructions.

The type of generator determines whether a ground is needed. You can check the NEC for additional information, but the manufacturer's instructions are first in line.

[jcheil]

There are no manufacturers instructions. It is a simple portable generator that I wish to wire directly to the panel in the cabin (all 110v). The generator has bonded neutral/ground but that can easily be removed.
Basically I can change ANYTHING that I need to on the Cabin Side and the Generator Side to make it "correct".

[donf]

Okay,

First, DO NOT REMOVE ANYTHING!

I do not believe anything is simple.

Article 445 of the NEC covers the topic of Generators.

You can read through that segment of code by going to the NEC. There is a sticky at the top of this forum that gives you the link to the code. 2008 and 2011 versions are there.

More than likely there is a metal name plate on this generator that gives the manufacturers name and the model number of the generator.

From that you can, more than likely, find the installation instructions on the web.

[tkrussell]

Article 445 of the NEC does not cover grounding of generators, more for the manufacture of gensets.

A generator as a primary source of power shall be considered as a separately derived system, and shall follow NEC Section 250.30.

There are two methods allowed, I will outline the simplest method:

Leave the neutral and ground connected at the genset as it arrived from the manufacturer.

Drive at least one 8 foot ground rod, preferably two six feet apart, some states require at least two, and connect to the neutral/ground of the genset with #6 copper wire.

From the genset onto the cabin the neutral and ground shall not be allowed to connect.

A live, neutral and equipment grounding conductors will be needed for any feeder leaving the genset to the cabin's panelboard.

Separate any equipment grounds in the panel from the neutral bar, be sure the neutral bar is not bonded to the metal box of the panel.

[Stratmando]

I would consider charging battery(s), so at Night you could have LIghts, Fan if needed, Radio and not have too have the Generator Running.

[jcheil]

Thank you, that is exactly what I was thinking originally.

[jcheil]

Actually, I already have a 1050w Solar Array and 2700ah of battery storage.
I didn't want to overcomplicate the question by bringing that up. I only have the generator fire up when (rarely) the batteries drop below 11.5v or if we need to run the Air Conditioning.

And I know someone will ask so yes, my transfer switch is a 4-pole (1 pole not being used since I am all 110v) that swaps the neutral and ground also between the gen and the inverter, so I'm safe there.
Thanks for all the help.