Posted by John T on June 12, 2016 at 19:01:31 from (216.249.76.23):
I wasn't surprised I couldn't explain the basics of when and when NOT to ground a portable genset to "some" non professional electricians or non electrical techs or lay persons, but hey I tried my best as I always do in order I might save someones life.
I was going most on memory and didn't dig in my library to cite OSHA or NEC regulations but it turns out I GOT IT RIGHT or at least I agree with OSHA and the NEC if that counts lol
I tried to explain how the NEC (and saw how OSHA did the same, see below) indicated you DO NOT drive a ground rod and attach to your portable genset if its powering tools fed from an onboard receptacle and tried to explain how THAT IS ACTUALLY HAZARDOUS TO DO SO AND COULD GET YOU ELECTROCUTED.
LOW AND BEHOLD AND SHUCKY DERN OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1926 and the NEC state:
"In other words, a ground rod is NOT required and in fact may create a hazard" HMMMMMMMMM SOUNDS LIKE WHAT I SAID
It goes on further to state "why eliminate the ground rod? because the ground rod potentially introduces an electrocution hazard" HMMMMMMMMMM SOUNDS LIKE WHAT I SAID
So if you don't believe me no problem,,,,,,,,,but if you don't believe OSHA or don't believe the panel of NEC electrical experts or Mike Holt TAKE IT UP WITH THEM NOT ME I know what's right, I spent my life studying and practicing electrical engineering and safety. If you can prove to OSHA and the NEC why you are smarter then they are and you are right and they are wrong, then give it a shot and if you can then I will eat crow and humble pie lol
The trouble a non electrician or lay person would have trouble understanding is how there are times EARTH GROUNDING SHOULD BE USED AND OTHER TIMES (as above) ITS NOT PER OSHA AND THE NEC (NOT me mind you). Does the genny have a floating or bonded Neutral???????????? Is the Genny configured as a Separately Derived Source" or not???????????? Is the genny used in conjunction with a transfer switch and utility and if so how many poles is the transfer switch??????? Is the Neutral being switched??????????????
BOTTOM LINE WHICH MAY SAVE A LIFE if you don't believe me or dont believe OSHA or don't believe the NEC and know more then allllllllll of them, are you willing to go ahead and drive that ground rod and let your barefoot grandchild stand on wet ground and operate the electric tools fed by the genset????????????? I BEG YOU PLEASE PLEASE DO NOTTTTTTTTTT
So to anyone who still proclaims you MUST use a ground rod to make a genset safe, please please read all the below and look at Mike Holts explanation of how a ground rod cant stop electrocution and read OSHA and the NEC and consider changing your mind which could save your life.
NOTE 1) Do NOT feel bad or insecure or that youre a bad person if you dont understand the reasons when and when NOT to use a ground rod!!!!!!! Even engineers and electricians who are educated and experienced in the field can struggle with this.
NOTE 2) If on a job OSHA or an NEC Inspector levied a fine due to no ground rod THAT MAY BE BECAUSE THAT EXACT SITUATION OR CONFIGURATION OR WIRING SCHEME OR TRANSFER SWITCH OR NETURAL GROUND BOND OR NO BOND OR FLOATING NEUTRAL ETC ETC DICTATED IT
Hope this helps, I sure have tried so read what OSHA and the NEC and Mike Holt all have to say before you assume or Billy Bob or Bubba told you or by golly you always did it that way or you saw OSHA issue a fine (sure it was exact same situation?? willing to bet your life on that???) BEFORE YOU MAKE IT A BLANKET PRACTICE TO ALWAYSSSSSSSSSS DRIVE THAT GENERATOR GROUND ROD BECAUSE DOING SO COULD GET YOU KILLED.
A) OSHA AND NEC GENERATOR GROUNDING: http://www.oshaprofessor.com/Portable%20Generators%20and%20OSHA%20Construction%20Standards%203-05.pdf
B) Mike Holts explanation of Grounding doesn't prevent electrocution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlKiWk4Bb5Y
God bless and keep you all safe. As always feel free to do as you see fit and safest regardless if OSHA and the NEC say different, its your life you're risking.
John T Retired AC Power Distribution Electrical Engineer
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