3000W Chinese Gensets Info.

in my RV, the built-in genset DOES have the neutral and ground bonded. When operating from the generator, the generator IS treated as the main panel I guess. The transfer switch properly isolates the shoreline from the RV system when operating from the generator. But that makes me wonder, if I have the shoreline connected while I run the generator (which I do when I perform the monthly exercise of the generator) is the RV still grounded through the shoreline. I can't think of a good reason why the ground would not stay connected.

Code-wise, the generator is a 'separately derived system' and needs to have the neutral and ground bonded. This bond should be disconnected from the RV by the transfer switch when running on shore power. If it's just a 120 volt generator, there is no neutral (code-wise) and none of the code requirements about neutrals apply, but almost everybody talks about it having a neutral wire anyway and incorrectly think the code requirements apply. With a 120 volt generator the NEC allows one conductor to be grounded (to the frame in the case of an RV), creating a grounded conductor, or it also may be allowed to float. By convention all RV manufacturers appear to create the grounded conductor for built-in generator installations. There are valid arguments to have the grounded conductor and valid arguments to let it float. Another debate that may never end.

The ground wire from the shore plug should be securely connected to the RV frame at all times.

The info about the UK wiring is interesting, and sounds a lot different from Germany, where many plugs can be freely inserted in either direction, and these generally don't make contact with the safety ground.