Ted M
New Member
There is much confusion regarding connecting a portable generator to a service panel. I’d like some expert advice on doing this safely and legally.
I ordered a Generac XG7000E from Home Depot. It will not be here until January 18.
I tried to get an owner’s manual from Generac, but that requires knowing the exact serial number, which I do not have yet.
My service panel is a 200 amp, 40-circuit Square D, QO type.
I have a K-5210 Generator Interlock Kit to use. (www.interlockkit.com)
The Generac XG7000E will run outside in the yard, connected with a standard 120/240V, 30 amp four-wire flexible cable with twist lock connectors to a Reliance PB30 power inlet box.
From the box, attached to the outside of the house, will run 10/3 +G to a back-fed 30 amp CB.
I’ve read the NEC sections about generators being an SDS now.
I also read Mike Holt’s book on Grounding vs. Bonding.
Some on this forum say that an SDS means the neutral is switched.
Others say it’s an SDS if the neutral and ground is bonded.
Which is it?
And, specifically, does anyone know if the Generac XG7000E has a bonded Neutral-Ground?
If bonded, can it be disconnected, so only one neutral path exists?
If it IS bonded, then there will be two paths for neutral current.
How does this comply with code?
Is it impossible to use a Generator Interlock Kit now?
Or must we now use a Reliance type “X†transfer switch, which switches neutrals also.
I guess thousands of people buy generators and hook them up without going through all the confusion I’m having, but I want to get it right.
Ted
I ordered a Generac XG7000E from Home Depot. It will not be here until January 18.
I tried to get an owner’s manual from Generac, but that requires knowing the exact serial number, which I do not have yet.
My service panel is a 200 amp, 40-circuit Square D, QO type.
I have a K-5210 Generator Interlock Kit to use. (www.interlockkit.com)
The Generac XG7000E will run outside in the yard, connected with a standard 120/240V, 30 amp four-wire flexible cable with twist lock connectors to a Reliance PB30 power inlet box.
From the box, attached to the outside of the house, will run 10/3 +G to a back-fed 30 amp CB.
I’ve read the NEC sections about generators being an SDS now.
I also read Mike Holt’s book on Grounding vs. Bonding.
Some on this forum say that an SDS means the neutral is switched.
Others say it’s an SDS if the neutral and ground is bonded.
Which is it?
And, specifically, does anyone know if the Generac XG7000E has a bonded Neutral-Ground?
If bonded, can it be disconnected, so only one neutral path exists?
If it IS bonded, then there will be two paths for neutral current.
How does this comply with code?
Is it impossible to use a Generator Interlock Kit now?
Or must we now use a Reliance type “X†transfer switch, which switches neutrals also.
I guess thousands of people buy generators and hook them up without going through all the confusion I’m having, but I want to get it right.
Ted