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Electrical Wiring

Portable Gen Neutral question

12 years ago

when connecting a portable generator to house wiring (assume no transfer switch, but a mechanical lockout on the panel between the main and generator breaker), does the neutral have to be switched? What is the relationship between the generator neutral and ground (both at the generator and the panel)?

Comments (2)

bus_driver
12 years ago
Switching the neutral is not required. But if the neutral and ground ARE switched, it must be done by the same action that switches the other conductors. If all are switched, it must be simultaneous.
brickeyee
12 years ago
Most portable generators bond the neutral to ground internally.

If you want to use the generator to feed a panel, you need to remove the internal bond and use the bond in the panel.
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