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I want to connect a portable generator to my house when the power goes out, via a transfer switch. When I
hook it up, do I need to run a ground wire from the generator to a ground rod or is the ground connection at the main panel
and existing ground rod sufficient?
A portable generator for temporary
power (i.e. during a power failure) is not considered a separately derived source as defined by the National Electric Code,
so a separate ground rod is not required. If the system is wired through a transfer switch as per the manufacturer's
instructions and grounding is done to the switch (and the switch to the panel), then you should be fine.
If you want to add one anyway, that's
OK - it would be considered a supplemental ground rod and it must be bonded to the building's grounding system.
Just
be careful not to ground the generator to a ground rod INSTEAD of to the building grounding system, as this may cause an unsafe
and potentially hazardous condition.
more questions pending...
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