Grounding a generator involves connecting the equipment to the ground. The equipment is connected to a neutral conductor using a low resistance grounding wire. This neutral conductor is typically a metal rod that is driven in the earth.
But it’s important to remember that not every generator requires grounding. In this blog post, you will learn about some of the situations when it is recommended to ground the equipment for safety.
When Grounding the Generator is Important?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that there are certain conditions when the grounding of generators is not important. These include:
- Plugging equipment directly to the generator
- The neutral conductor is connected to the frame
- Low resistance of the terminals of the ground conductor
- The engine, fuel tank, and housing of the generator frame have low resistance bonding
In all the above cases, grounding of the generator is not required. The frame of the generator acts as a neutral conductor due to which you won’t have to ground the equipment.
Older generators and high-rating portable generators generally require grounding for safe use. You should read the instruction manual to find out if your equipment requires grounding.
A situation where you need to ground the generator is when the manual reads ‘separately derived system’. Such type of generator needs to be grounded before use. You can also check the generator connection to determine if the equipment has a separately derived system. If the transfer switch allows you to transfer the electrical current to a neutral conductor, our generator has a separately derived system that needs to be grounded.
If you don’t ground the generator, there is a risk of electrical hazard. The electricity will follow the path of least resistance resulting in an electrical shock for individuals near the generator.
Tips for Grounding a Generator
Ground a generator is not expensive. All that is required to ground the generator is to connect one end of the ground wire to the ground bolt of the generator and the other end to a conducting rod that is fixed on the earth.
Here are some tips to ensure the proper grounding of the Huntsville Prime Power generator.
1. Secure Connection
Make sure that the grounding wire is in good shape. The grounding will not be possible if the wire is frayed. In addition, the ground wire should be properly wrapped around the conducting rod. The arc flash won’t be directed to the ground if there is not a good connection between the ground wire and the conducting rod.
2. Proper Size of Grounding Rod
The rod must be fixed deep into the ground for proper connection. Moreover, you want to ensure that the rod is far away from the generator to ensure proper grounding. So, make sure that the conducting rod is at least eight feet long for proper grounding.
3. Securely Fix the Rod
You will have to hammer the conducting rod to the ground. To make the ground soft, you can use water before hammering the rod. Make sure that the rod is several feet into the ground.
4. Regular Inspection and Repairs
Regular inspection of the grounding equipment is important to ensure proper operation. The generator frame should be checked each year to ensure that it is safe to use. A qualified electrician will also check the conducting wire to ensure that it is in good condition. If the wire is broken or frayed, the electrician will repair the wire to ensure proper grounding of the generator.
Contact Generac Superstore for all types of industrial and residential generators. We deal in sales and service of diesel and gasoline generators. Dial (855) 880-1880 today for professional generator installation in Huntsville and Birmingham, AL, and Nashville, TN.