Grounding the Generator
10
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HW3000/HW3000L Portable Electrical Generator Owner’s Manual
Grounding the Generator
The National Electric Code (NEC) requires the generator
to be connected to an earth ground. Before using the gen-
erator, connect a copper wire (minimum 10 AWG) from the
ground terminal (see Figure 14) to an earth ground. Con-
sult a licensed electrician for proper grounding methods.
NOTE:
The generator is neutral floating which means the ground
terminal on the generator is not connected to AC neutral
wire in the generator. If using a receptacle tester, it will not
show the same ground circuit condition as for a home
receptacle.
Special Requirements
There may be Federal or State Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, local codes, or
ordinances that apply to the intended use of generator.
Consult a licensed electrician, electrical inspector, or the
local agency having jurisdiction.
•
In some areas, generators are required to be regis-
tered with local utility companies.
•
If generator is used at a construction site, there may
be additional regulations which must be observed.
Using Generator for Back-up Power
Generator must be grounded to prevent electrical
shock from faulty appliances.
• Before using generator, consult a licensed electrician,
electrical inspector, or local agency having jurisdiction
for local codes or ordinances that apply to the intended
use of generator.
FIGURE 14:
Ground Terminal
WARNING
Improper connections of the generator to a building’s electri-
cal system can be deadly.
Electrical current from generator can feedback into
utility lines. Such feedback may electrocute utility
company workers or others who contact utility lines
during a power outage.
Electrical current can feedback into generator. When
utility power is restored, generator may explode,
burn, or cause fires in building's electrical system.
• Before connecting to a building’s electrical system,
consult a licensed electrician, electrical inspector, or
local agency having jurisdiction for local codes or ordi-
nances that apply to the intended use of generator.
What is a transfer switch?
A transfer switch is a device that allows switching
from utility power to emergency generator power.
The transfer switch is either a manual switch, an
automatic switch, or a combination of manual and
automatic. During a power outage, the transfer
switch isolates generator-powered circuits from the
utility line, allowing for safe and efficient operation of
the generator without backfeeding into utility power.
DANGER
Summary of Contents for HW3000
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