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bmwbob's avatar
bmwbob
Explorer
Jan 07, 2018

Open ground fault on EMS when using generator

I am trying to use a Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X portable surge suppressor with my 2000watt inverter generator.
The EMS shows me an error code E2 (open ground).
Progressive’s tech support says that bonding the neutral to the ground will clear this condition, and you can use the little 3 light outlet tester to confirm this.
So, do I just need to go the hardware store and get a 3 pronged plug, and strap together the neutral and ground lugs with a simple jumper, or does there need to be some other component or connection made besides that which I’ve described?
Thanks!
Bob

7 Replies

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  • ktmrfs's avatar
    ktmrfs
    Explorer II
    Jan 07, 2018
    DrewE wrote:
    As has been said, the plug as you describe will do the trick.

    I don't know that there's much if any need to use the portable EMS with an inverter generator, however. The voltage output should be steady, and there's nothing to produce surges. My solution in this case (as it's a portable EMS model) would be to simply not use it with the generator.


    agreed, especially for a portable EMS.

    For us it's easier to just use the bonding plug rather than remember to turn off the onboard EMS system, and then remember to turn it back ON when we hook to shore power. It's the not remembering to turn it back ON that could get one into trouble.

    If it is an external EMS, probably easier to just not dig out the bonding plug and EMS.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Jan 07, 2018
    pianotuna wrote:
    Bob there is no need for the PI unit when running the generator. Some generators void the warranty on PI.


    VERY important if the OP's genset happens to be a Yamaha EF2000iS. :E
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Jan 07, 2018
    Bob there is no need for the PI unit when running the generator. Some generators void the warranty on PI.
  • bmwbob's avatar
    bmwbob
    Explorer
    Jan 07, 2018
    The jumper in the plug did the trick!
    Problem solved!
    Thank you!
    Bob
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Jan 07, 2018
    As has been said, the plug as you describe will do the trick.

    I don't know that there's much if any need to use the portable EMS with an inverter generator, however. The voltage output should be steady, and there's nothing to produce surges. My solution in this case (as it's a portable EMS model) would be to simply not use it with the generator.
  • ktmrfs's avatar
    ktmrfs
    Explorer II
    Jan 07, 2018
    bmwbob wrote:
    I am trying to use a Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X portable surge suppressor with my 2000watt inverter generator.
    The EMS shows me an error code E2 (open ground).
    Progressive’s tech support says that bonding the neutral to the ground will clear this condition, and you can use the little 3 light outlet tester to confirm this.
    So, do I just need to go the hardware store and get a 3 pronged plug, and strap together the neutral and ground lugs with a simple jumper, or does there need to be some other component or connection made besides that which I’ve described?
    Thanks!
    Bob


    basically what you describe. buy a 3 prong plug, internally tie neutral to ground with a #14 wire, put it back together, put a label on it so you khow what it is and plug it into one of the generator outlets.

    NEC doesn't allow neutral and ground to be bonded in a sub panel, and by NEC code, a trailer panel is a subpanel.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jan 07, 2018
    Yes, it's because on a generator the ground and neutral is not connected together like those that are hard wired.
    You just need to make a plug (like you described) that has the Neutral and ground shorted together and plug that into the gen or RV.

    This is timely, I just installed an EMS in our new TT and need to make one of these plugs. Thanks for the reminder!!

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