Bonded or Floating Neutral for generator?

[GeneV]

I have bonded neutral portable generator with full GFCI protection connected to a manual transfer panel in the house which also transfers the neutral. All works ok with the exception of the well. Haven't tried the sump pump. My question is this, can I connect a floating neutral portable generator to my transfer panel whichout any issues? Must I ground the portable generator outside if it is a floating neutral generator? Hopefully, I don't need to change anything in the manual transfer switch. I think the problem with existing setup it that the well being 500 ft deep loses sufficient current over the distance to trip the GFCI breaker. Thanks

I would think in this case yes to grounding the generator with a grounding rod, or am I wrong?

 

[MAX-24-Dean]

Well it's about a week later.
The maccgyver solution of disconnecting the an internal factory wire does not sit well with the lawyer.
Duromax says to use a 3 pole transfer switch. example of an automatic, but Duromax does not sell one.
Our son is going to be installing this outside under a covered porch in Mississippi. Any recommendations for an automatic 3 pole transfer switch?
Manual 3 pole transfer switches are easier to find, but recommendations for them would also be appreciated.

An Automatic transfer switch needs to be connected to a generator that has sufficient ampacity to serve all the connected loads at the time the switch automatically transfers. Otherwise you run the risk of damaging a small generator.

This discussion combined with lack of accurate documentation is a safety headache.
All I want to do is SAFELY hook up my generator (Duromax 9000iH with bonded neutral) either to:
(1) Equipment directly - like plugging in an electric drill, or Extension cords to distribute to frig, window a/c
(2) To a proper connection and transfer switch to a subpanel to power my "critical" house circuits - a/c, microwave, etc.

But from my reading this thread it seems like (1) needs a bonded neutral and (2) needs a floating neutral.

What's the safest and easiest way to switch between?
Is a neutral-ground plug a valid solution?
neutral-ground plug

The Duramax generator can handle about 30 amps at 240 volts. I would reccommend a dedicated panel for the required loads you want on the generator and just transfer the the dedicated panel loads for standby circuits. Then you can use a less expensive transfer switch. 30 amp instead of a 100 amp transfer switch.

Edit: Or install panel interlocks that lock out the utility main breaker in off position and have the interlock allow a breaker for the generator to be turned on. Then turn off breakers in main panel that the generator does not have enough ampacity to serve, Manually start generator.

 

[BX23S-1]

I would think in this case yes to grounding the generator with a grounding rod, or am I wrong?

Thank you Gene for answering his question when he quoted me, i couldn`t get back in here to help him soon enough. And yes, you are correct.

 

[copytmpmzl]

An Automatic transfer switch needs to be connected to a generator that has sufficient ampacity to serve all the connected loads at the time the switch automatically transfers. Otherwise you run the risk of damaging a small generator.



The Duramax generator can handle about 30 amps at 240 volts. I would reccommend a dedicated panel for the required loads you want on the generator and just transfer the the dedicated panel loads for standby circuits. Then you can use a less expensive transfer switch. 30 amp instead of a 100 amp transfer switch.

Edit: Or install panel interlocks that lock out the utility main breaker in off position and have the interlock allow a breaker for the generator to be turned on. Then turn off breakers in main panel that the generator does not have enough ampacity to serve airbnb cleaning service 30a, Manually start generator. stucco Raleigh

thank you so much for your suggestion

 

[GeneV]

Thank you Gene for answering his question when he quoted me, i couldn`t get back in here to help him soon enough. And yes, you are correct.

Think of me as your personal posting assistant.

 

[BX23S-1]

Think of me as your personal posting assistant.

thanks pal, that`s awesome, lol

 

[GeneV]

Alls I could say though, real nice having a way to backfeed the panel, with picking/choosing which circuits to run. Just now got our power back, been out since 5pm yesterday. Everything that needed to run I had running on a 5500w Generac, just sometimes would swap the furnace going vs water boiler.

Some of my neighbors don't even have a generator at all, so they got to sit in the dark while we were in front of our tv watching Netflix (until the cable went out too).

 

[BX23S-1]

Alls I could say though, real nice having a way to backfeed the panel, with picking/choosing which circuits to run. Just now got our power back, been out since 5pm yesterday. Everything that needed to run I had running on a 5500w Generac, just sometimes would swap the furnace going vs water boiler.

Some of my neighbors don't even have a generator at all, so they got to sit in the dark while we were in front of our tv watching Netflix (until the cable went out too).

Love it!
Yep, happens where i live too...... the neighbors just snarl at me as they drive by and my wife & i have power, and they don`t.

 

[GeneV]

Love it!
Yep, happens where i live too...... the neighbors just snarl at me as they drive by and my wife & i have power, and they don`t.

Haters gonna hate.

 

[copytmpmzl]

@GeneV thank you so much for your suggestion