Portable generator wiring

[satchick]

I just bought a 5.5KW portable generator, now I just need to have the transfer panel wired for it. Just have a couple questions before I go get my permit Monday...

1. The generator has a bonded neutral now, the instructions that came with my Siemens transfer panel say that it'll work with either a bonded or floating neutral, but most people online say it should be floating. Does it matter since the panel is approved for both configurations?

2. I'll be running my well pump with the generator, when balancing the loads do you just use the operating current for motor loads?

3. Is it safe to have loads totaling 5Kw on a 5.5Kw generator? Obviously they won't all be on at the same time though. Is 500w enough reserve capacity?

[robz2801]

I depends on local regulation as to your netural bonding configurations as I see you said you are getting a permit,any good local electrician should be able to advise you on this.As for you gen set loading they are typically rated in a running and peak or surge watts,this should be listed on the generator data plate, if you run over the rated watts/amps the circuit breaker in the unit will trip.I have a generator with a manual ats to keep the cost down, 200 amp switch and a 15 kw,240 v gen...and the first time you use it you will realize what a wise investment you have made!! Enjoy.

[sump]

I just bought a 5.5KW portable generator, now I just need to have the transfer panel wired for it. Just have a couple questions before I go get my permit Monday...

1. The generator has a bonded neutral now, the instructions that came with my Siemens transfer panel say that it'll work with either a bonded or floating neutral, but most people online say it should be floating. Does it matter since the panel is approved for both configurations?

2. I'll be running my well pump with the generator, when balancing the loads do you just use the operating current for motor loads?

3. Is it safe to have loads totaling 5Kw on a 5.5Kw generator? Obviously they won't all be on at the same time though. Is 500w enough reserve capacity?

1. most things today that are "subpanels" and or 240 volt are to be 4 wire ..ie 2 ungrounded Hots, 1 neutral and one ground .... on the "subapanel" side the ground and the neutral are NOT connected .. even though in the main panel they are ....

2 yes

3 should be, start up amps will be the killer ...

[sump]

google this it should answer all your questions ......

C22.1-09 Code Handbook, An Explanation of Rules of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1

[satchick]

Got most of it done, I ended up adding a switch to the bonding wire on the generator so that it can easily be operated in either configuration; floating for powering the house, and bonded for portable use. Also did a load calculation and got both legs pretty well balanced, shouldn't have any problems there. My neighbor is an electrician and he should be coming over tomorrow to install the breaker in my main panel and splice the hots, I already got the sub wired up and mounted. The inspector should be here with my little green sticker on Thursday.

[anyonomus]

Satchick.. Are u sure that u are "allowed by code" to switch the neutral?
From where I hail,it may be different where u are at, it is against all regs/code to switch any neutral because of the potential of driving 220 V where only 110 is required.
I may be misunderstanding the term "bonding wire" though.

[satchick]

Wow old thread...

I'm only switching the neutral bond wire that connects to the frame, the instructions specifically state to disconnect this bond wire if the generator is connected to the building wiring. From the factory, portable generators have the neutral and equipment ground connected together. This is required for safe portable use, however when a generator is connected to building wiring, the neutral should be disconnected from the frame of the generator.

Some transfer switches are listed to work with either a bonded or floating neutral, mine is not.