Briggs and Stratton generator

Anonymous-0 · Nov 8, 2008

I'm looking at a Briggs and Stratton Elite Series 8000W portable generator sold by Tractor Supply for what seems a reason price. I only found 4 reviews and they're split 50/50 positive and negative. Anyone have any experience with these? Also, one website said this generator cannot be used if your transfer switch and mains are wired to the same ground because the GFCI will trip. Is this true and how would I know how the ground is wired? I have a Cutler Hammer manual transfer switch part number CH816GEN6060. A diagram I found online said the circuit breakers are two-pole.

buickanddeere · Nov 9, 2008

With two pole transfer switch the generator must be wired for a floating neutral. The neutral to ground bond will be accomplished in the breaker panel.
Now most portable generators are wired with a bonded neutral as portable generators are set up for "stand alone " use without a transfer switch.
If using a generator with a bonded neutral, the transfer switch must be three pole and switch the neutral as well.
Otherwise the ground and neural become connected in a parallel path. This can allow neutral current to flow in the ground path. This will raise the voltage of the ground system above earth potential.
Most people assume a ground system is a hard path to earth, not so. I've seen 15amp circuits connected to direct to the ground wire and never trip the breaker.
Ground systems with open connections are far more common than one would think. The other fact is a ground rod(s) make poor contact with dry,frozen or some soil types.
So running current through the ground system can raise it 0.1 to 120V above earth. Livestock get fussy at voltages above 0.1. It's the cause of many mystery herd health, poor production, etc.

Briggs and Stratton generator

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

buickanddeere

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