Codes in the 100's are very genearlized, and boring for a specialized debate when it comes to home generators ( unless you manufacture generators and must comply). There are NEC sections specific for these. It would be more intersting if you would post some of those. You used the term "you are violating" but that would be for Mfg's, lawers and for paid installers. As far as I can tell he's doing it to his own equipment so that's only a scare term.
We've brought up a real drawback to your incistance, that the frame stay tied to the neutral, and that is as you know, that current will be flowing all the time on the connecting generator grounding wire with 120v loads, which we a know is a no-no. How can you post this reccomondation as an authority? I see you know code, but your answer goes against it.
Are you serious? Article 90 and 100 are the most important sections in the code, as if you don't understand them you will never understand the rest of the code.
First of all, electricity doesn't care if you're a manufacturer, attorney, or electrician. It doesn't matter if you're installing the equipment by yourself on your own property without a permit / inspection process or if you hire someone to do the installation who follows a permitting / inspection process. Electricity doesn't care. If you want a safe installation in either situation, follow the NEC. That is it's purpose...practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity (90.1 (A)). Generally, if sections of the NEC are violated, hazards are generated. I don't really have the time or space here to go through all of the possible hazards associated with this particular scenario. I'm sure I don't even know them all. But I do know that behind almost every code section, there are many stories of shock, electrocution, and fire. Many stories I know very well.
If you read all of my posts, I never said to leave neutral and equipment ground bonded. I said that given the OP's stated intention, there is no safe way to complete the installation. Again, here's why.
If you leave the neutral and equipment ground bonded, then you will violate 250.6 (A):
"Arrangement to Prevent Objectionable Current. The grounding of electrical systems, circuit conductors, surge arresters, surge-protective devices, and conductive normally non膨urrent-carrying metal parts of equipment shall be installed and arranged in a manner that will prevent objectionable current. "
Many have pointed this out. I never disagreed, but that is not the full story. That is not the only section of the code. The OP also wants to use a plug and receptacle, which violates section 702.1:
"The provisions of this article apply to the installation and operation of optional standby systems.
The systems covered by this article consist of those that are permanently installed in their entirety, including prime movers, and those that are arranged for a connection to a premises wiring system from a portable alternate power supply."
A plug and receptacle is not considered permanent.
So now, what happens if you separate the neutral and equipment ground at the generator. You still violate section 702.1, because he wants to use a plug and receptacle. But you also violate 90.7, 110.2, and 110.3.
"90.7 Examination of Equipment for Safety.
For specific items of equipment and materials referred to in this Code, examinations for safety made under standard conditions provide a basis for approval where the record is made generally available through promulgation by organizations properly equipped and qualified for experimental testing, inspections of the run of goods at factories, and service-value determination through field inspections. This avoids the necessity for repetition of examinations by different examiners, frequently with inadequate facilities for such work, and the confusion that would result from conflicting reports on the suitability of devices and materials examined for a given purpose."
"110.2 Approval.
The conductors and equipment required or permitted by this Code shall be acceptable only if approved."
"110.3 Examination, Identification, Installation, and Use of Equipment.
(B) Installation and Use. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling."
This is very important because the generator in question has been designed, manufactured, and tested against certain safety standards. The generator can't just be rewired and assumed safe. It's not. It was not intended to operate that way and there may be associated hazards. One obvious hazard is electrocution, as with no system bonding jumper in place, the equipment ground (generator chassis) can become energized. The possible ways this can happen is limited only by one's imagination. Another hazard is that the fault current path is changed. The new connections/configuration should be tested to see if it will carry the fault current that the generator can supply. That and many other tests were conducted before the generator was available as a commercial product.
The code doesn't want to rely on a plug and receptacle because they are more likely to fail than a solid connection. In this case, the plug and receptacle are mounted on a generator that will be vibrating, thermal cycling, and exposed to the elements. What can start out as a good connection can deteriorate fast. High resistance in the ungrounded (hot) or neutral connection can cause improper voltage at the load and prevent the circuit breaker from opening. High resistance in the equipment grounding connection can cause the equipment ground (generator chassis) to become energized during a ground fault.
The correct way to do the installation is to use a three pole transfer switch, if the generator will allow for a solid connection. If it doesn't allow for a solid connection, then there really is no safe way to connect this generator to the premises wiring system. The OP asked what is "for best safety". That's why I'm answering. There are many possible ways to connect the OP's generator to his premises wiring system, but for best safety, follow the NEC.
