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Jerry_B's avatar
Jerry_B
Explorer
Jun 04, 2014

Portable Genset grounding question

My Genset will be wired thru the existing RV transfer switch into the RV electrical panel. The 30 amp cable from the Genset has the power, common and ground leads. Is there a possible issue with the entire trailer getting 120Vac on it since the trailer is sitting there on rubber tires and not grounded? Where are the possible pitfalls? We know of a young girl that was electrocuted entering a trailer that had a problem, so we somewhat cautious. Thanks.
  • Thanks folks. Looks like it is safer without the genset earth grounded.
  • Unless you are going to carry a 6' copper rod and drive it into the ground at every stop, there is no realistic solution to ground generators (built in ones have the same issue).

    Realistically, unless you have a real rats nest of messed up wiring, it's a non-issue.

    In simple terms, the ground completes the circuit back to the power station. Since your RV cord has a ground wire that links back to the power station (your generator), it's covered.

    I work with electritians regularly. Grounding and bonding is a messy subject. Ask 3 electritians the correct method to ground and you will get 6 answers that disagree.
  • It is fine just plugged in. The troubles come far more from bad utility connectors.

    Plug your RV into a GFCI outlet once a year to check for ground leakage.