generator issue

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sscottab

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we bought our new rv in may a 2020 gray wolf limited toy hauler and been out 4 times already and every place we went have full hook ups so the generator i bought for the rv has not been used untill yesturday wanted to try it out incase we need it. when the generator is hooked up the surge protector shows open ground but when plugged into the house it shows all good (a dedicated 30 amp circute) here is a link to the generator i bought. https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-4000-Watt-Gasoline-Powered-Digital-Inverter-Generator-RYi4022X/308737029
forgot to add when the ac comes on the over load light on the generator flashes and this generator should have no problem powering the rv and a/c unite.
 
you have two choices. Do not use the surge protector on the generator (not needed) or you need to build and Edison plug to plug(Do a search) into the gen to fool the surge protector. Much easier to not use the surge. Master electrician here.
 
thank you for the quick reply. this is why i like this forum great people and helpfull.
 
The adapter you would use s called a Neutral-Ground  Bonding plug, or sometimes a Generator Bonding plug. Its simple to make or there are several available on the market.

Products:
https://rvpower.southwire.com/products/accessories/surge-guard-generator-neutral-ground-bonding-plug-model-44400/
https://www.amazon.com/LILIONGTH-0313-1178-Generator-Plug/product-reviews/B01BYSFQSW


DIY Bond Plug
http://noshockzone.org/generator-ground-neutral-bonding/
https://ricksdiy.com/generators/portable-inverter-generator-neutral-ground-bonding-plug-honda-yamaha/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2GqbM0JxlM
 
Good advice above. If this is a Motor home, Did someone add a surge guard AFTER the auto transfer switch or are you using some kind of device like a 3 light outlet tester?

If the later.  Just ignore the open ground If the former I suggest bonding at the generator terminal box.

Why is it that way:
Well on what I call "Mains" power (Shore) the neutral is bonded to ground at the main service box and possibly at the transformer as well  If you are holding say a Skill hand grinder and there is a hot to case short (There is a reason I mention that product) YOU Can become a "Return" path for the current that would normally flow in the neutral wire.

I said there is a reason I mentioned the Skill hand held grinder.. That's the reason I bought my first Dremel. I got tired of throwing the blasted Skill when it shorted.

Now the 3rd pin (round pin) on the plug is supposed to short that current to ground and protect you . 

But with a portable/mobile generator.. So long as it  is not bonded to ground. you can not become a "Return path" as the path is "Broken" (like a turned off switch) so they do not bond neutral to ground they let the "Ground" float.

usually at about 60 volts relative to either hot or neutral by the way.

Occasionally .. this bothers me.  (But Only when I'm working on the electrical system. HOT and running on the generator which is not very often) 
 
cavie said:
you have two choices. Do not use the surge protector on the generator (not needed) or you need to build and Edison plug to plug(Do a search) into the gen to fool the surge protector. Much easier to not use the surge. Master electrician here.
Click to expand...

I would not characterize it as fooling anything. The generator is a separately derived service and needs the neutral bonded to  the ground for safety purposes.

The ?surge protector? is correctly identifying a fault. Build the bonding plug, or, check the manual that came with the generator in case they have a bonding lug or something.
 
Lynx0849 said:
I would not characterize it as fooling anything. The generator is a separately derived service and needs the neutral bonded to  the ground for safety purposes.
Click to expand...

I agree it is not 'Fooling" anything. But I disagree that the generatot needs bonding for safety reasons. in fact it is safer if it is NOT bonded.. I explained in a prior post.
That is why the code does not require bonding for portable or RV type generators.

Now if you have say a 40,000 watt whole house emergency generator. That may require bonding.    But again... The reasons are valid and have to do with the way the house is wired.
 
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