I would suggest that you do not tie the generator ground into the grid service ground.
Keeping the two systems apart once you flip the breaker to "generator power". You can run a 4th wire for ground to the generator. It does not have to be a #10 wire. I believe a #12 would suffice. It should however be rated for the kind of service entrance you have if it's exposed to elements or in conduit.. your call on that. Check with your generator manufacturer on grounding of the generator, and just how it should be handled. Some require a ground post driven into the ground.. other are grounded internally to the frame. You have two separate electrical systems that can "cross talk" and cause you or someone else serious harm if not handled correctly. Grant.. [Has motorhome with generator and shore power, very similar switch arrangement] On Sun, Nov 4, 2012 at 6:30 AM, Jim Cathey <j...@windwireless.net> wrote: > I can only find 10-3 cable. Since I go through my service panel where >> Neutral is grounded, why could I not combine Neutral and Ground in one >> wire >> and use the ground rod of the panel? >> > > I'm sure you could. The only reason for the fourth > wire is if you should have a heavily-unbalanced load > that caused the neutral to rise above ground potential > more than a few volts, thus rendering the genny chassis > 'warm' relative to the dirt it's sitting on. If it bugs > you enough, run a separate ground wire. (Green is nice.) > > -- Jim > > > > ______________________________**_________ > http://www.okiebenz.com > For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com > To search list archives > http://www.okiebenz.com/**archive/<http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/> > > To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: > http://mail.okiebenz.com/**mailman/listinfo/mercedes_**okiebenz.com<http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com> > _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
