Grounding Standby Generator

The grounding rod is the most important tool you will need to ground your generator because you absolutely could not ground it without the grounding rod.

Grounding standby generator. Ive asked a question about this subject one other time and comments were made about the relative wisdom of switching. A standby power source should have its own grounding electrode system to facilitate ground fault current returning to the generator if a line to ground fault occurs when a generator is powering load. Low impedance ground path is opened by switch vacuum or air high impedance path to ground is only one available. Im installing a standby generator for my sons new home build and have questions about grounding bonding the genset.

Fault is detected by 78 gd. Nec requirements apply to standby generators permanently installed on buildings see this grounding article from neca director of standards here. If the generator has an overcurrent device the supply feeders from the output side of the overcurrent protective device on the breaker must include an equipment grounding conductor sized in accordance with 250122 based on the rating of the overcurrent device at the generator. Grounding a generator means connecting an additional connection between the generator frame and the earth by means of a metal rod that is driven into the ground.

It is important that the copper grounding rod is at least 4 foot in length. However this grounding electrode system must always be bonded to the equipment ground conductor that is also bonded to grounding electrode conductor at the utility service disconnect.