got my pto-generator today.

Inspector507 · Sep 12, 2004

<font color="blue"> but interpreted it to have something to do with GFCI might not work properly--too many false trips </font>

Makes no sense to me, since a GFCI doesn't care if you have a ground or not. It measures the difference between the hot and neutral. If there is any difference between them, it kicks out.
GFCI's are permitted to replace a non-grounded outlet.

slowrev · Sep 13, 2004

I have heard that long power runs will cause GFCI's to false trip. I have not seen it myself, and maybe it has to do with inductance or something like that. Not sure, just what I have been told.

Soundguy · Sep 13, 2004

I know that if you have a difference in ground potentials between two references.. you can have current flow between them... Ground loops are the constant source of hums and buzz's in audio equipment... usually resulting in you having to 'lift' the ground from the offending equipment, and use only the reference at the deck / board.

Soundguy

slowrev · Sep 13, 2004

Yep, ground ain't always ground. Ground bonding is very important in Telco work as well.

On the GFCI false trip thing. As I understand it they look for a current difference between the Hot and Neutral leads. If different then trip out. I don't think the ground is really involved there, must be the loop length/inductance causing a lag and the GFCI sees that as a difference and trips out.

Of course I could be totally wrong on how the GFCI's work /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

SkyPup · Sep 14, 2004

Thanks for the original post, I also ordered the same PTO-genny from Northern Tool, along with the PTO shaft and the trailer to mount it on.

Our log home is too large to power, but we have a 20' X 45' studio apartment on top of our barn which has a 5,000 BTU Wall AC, shower, sink, john, kitchen, refrig, TV, and a 3/4 HP well pump.

With two tractors (2004 Kubota L-3130 and 1985 Massey 1030) and a plenty of fuel storage, this should cover us for at least a month off the grid! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

TOMLESCOEQUIP · Sep 14, 2004

Could someone explain, in general terms, how a transfer switch works, IE how it can isolate the neutral leg from backfeeding and how it's wired in to the box to prevent this ?? Does it go inbetween the meter and the existing box ?? how does your house obtain a satisfactory ground if the leg back to the pole is disconnected?? Its already been stated that an "earth" only ground isn't reliable.............Isn't that all you'd have if you take the neutral out of the loop ?? Am I missing something ??? Thanks............Tom

Inspector507 · Sep 14, 2004

The neutral does not get disconnected in these types of transfer switches. It is a solid connection. Some of them will go between your meter and your panel. Mine is setting beside my panel, or will when I get it in. I am only transferring 10 circuits, not the whole house.

TOMLESCOEQUIP · Sep 14, 2004

If the neutral doesn't get disconnected...........What protects the linemen from the possible back feed of the 120 volt loop when it comes to the neutral buss bar?? I guess this is what I don't see as a difference between turning off the main breaker or using a "transfer switch ?? If you run a big enough pto gen to power your house, Do you have to rewire the whole existing panel of your house to a 2nd set of breakers in the transfer switch panel ?? (IE duplicate breakers for everything ) I just want a safe hook-up for my pto gen............I've lost power for several days before...........It would be nice to have a somewhat "normal" operation of the house rather than just a few basic circuits and extension cords running everywhere for extended periods..............I have the tractor capacity (HP) to run the whole deal so why not use a gen large enough to do everything ??

Inspector507 · Sep 14, 2004

Even if the main is turned off, the neutral is still connected. Nothing wrong there. If you plan on running the whole house, you can install a transfer switch between the meter and panel, but they are expensive, since that now is going to be your "service disconnecting means" and must be listed as such.

TOMLESCOEQUIP · Sep 14, 2004

What is the difference in the way the transfer swithch is wired in that it doesn't send the neutral back feed you would get by just plugging the gen into a 220 volt welder outlet by making up a double male cord from the gen to the outlet ?? You could go as far as putting a extra box in with a knife type switch and hard wiring a cord to the gen ...............I don't want to beat a dead horse here but how does it keep the neutral safe for the lineman if the transfer switch doesn't break the possible flow ?? What does the transfer switch really do that the main breaker switch doesn't for the linemans safety ?? I'll quit now.............Tom