RV Sub-Panel Ground

[Pirate]

Having an RV sub panel put in. It is rated for 100amp, 1 50, 1 30, and 1 GFCI 20 outlets, each fed by their own breaker.

The panel in the house is a 100amp breaker and the RV panel will be fed with 4 wire, probably #4 in conduit.

The only guy who bid it out insists that the sub panel does not need it's own ground rod. Everything I read on the internet says that the sub panel neutral and ground should NOT be bonded together and that the sub panel should have it's own ground rod(s) with the ground from the feed wire onto the sub panel ground bus.

Can anyone verify which is correct, separate ground at sub-panel or use main panel ground?

Thanks.

 

[Pete Judd]

Ground rods are cheap. Drive two, 10 feet apart, for the ground for the sub panel.

 

[grsthegreat]

Well.... you have to run 4 wires from the main panel if its going to be a 220 circuit (2 hots, 1 neutral and one ground). Only the main panel is to have the neutral and grounds connected. All other panels to have isolated grounds.

Here in Idaho we HAVE to install 1 additional ground rod at any subpanel IF its located outside the originating structure. IF the panel is mounted to the same house that houses the new Rv panel, then no ground rod is needed. If its located at another structure, or mounted in the ground away from the main panel, then yes a ground rod IS required. 5 years ago you didnt need a ground wire run to subpanels...under the last 2 code revisions you do.

Hope this helps

 

[Pirate]

Thanks. This RV sub-panel is about 100' from the house, mounted on side of a car port.

 

[grsthegreat]

Thanks. This RV sub-panel is about 100' from the house, mounted on side of a car port.

Yup, will need 1 (one) ground rod and a ground wire run all the way to main panel

 

[raasd]

Yep, run the ground wire and use a ground rod. I run an RV park and this is how all of our panels are done. If you can find the right supplier you should be able to get the 4 wire cable spooled together(aluminum). Conduit is a good idea especially for aluminum wire.

 

[ronjhall]

Make sure 30 amp is wired for 120 volts. Many RV's electrical systems have been ruined by wiring it with 240 volts.

 

[yelbike]

"Only the main panel is to have the neutral and grounds connected. All other panels to have isolated grounds."

This state is correct.

You may add a grnd rod or two if you like but not required. Connect them to your ground only.

Ensure the bonding bar(jumper) is removed when installing the sub(they are typically shipped loose for sub anyway). If your using a qualified electrician he should already know this.

If you the ground and neutral are tied together other then at the main panel you run make a circulating circuit with the bond. You will over heat your neutral conductor over time with induced eddie current that will flow.

As far as the RV park goes, thats a totally different animal (it has its own section in the code book).