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Jbird's avatar
Jbird
Explorer
Jun 29, 2013

Open ground question

When testing my coach outlets with a plug in tester it indicates " open ground" on all circuits when I am powering with my portable generator. The GFI circuits do not break but show the same open ground. My tester plugged directly into the Honda generator also shows open ground.
A different power source to my coach, all circuits test properly. Can anyone explain why I show open ground in coach and at generator and am I in any danger in coach using generator for power. Thanks to the knowledgeable in advance

34 Replies

  • Thanks folks. After reading the link re grounding generators I see I have had the open ground issue with a generator for 9 years thru two fivers and have just now discovered it because of other electrical problems. So it's either not to worry or Im living on borrowed time when using my generator. The link seems to encourage either view. Thanks again
  • Honda inverter gens have a "floating neutral" so that is normal for the three light tester to show open ground. Same thing with some inverters if you plug shore power into the inverter.

    Some RVs have an energy management gizmo that doesn't like that open ground from the portable gen, so guys with those have a 'work around' for that, but it is not an issue otherwise.
  • The generator is not ground bonded to the transfer switch.

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