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Open ground question

Jbird
Explorer
Explorer
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
36' Mobile Suites,Chev 3500 Duramax
34 REPLIES 34

SCClockDr
Explorer
Explorer
Without an EMS in the mix our Honda 3000i ran for years with the ground/neutral un-bonded.

Then we added a Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C to the mix and it showed an error of "Open Ground" when on the Honda. A call to PI's Tech Support (Outstanding BTW) lead me to purchase a replacement male 15 amp extension cord plug which I wired to bond the Neutral to the Ground. The Generator is bonded to the trailer frame as well but they indicated that was not a requirement. Now the EMS is happy and I can monitor the incoming volts & current etc. so I am happy.

I'll probably lift the generator to trailer frame bonding in the near future.
George & Cathy
08 Titanium 28E33SA, XM, Honda EU 3000is, Trimetric, RotoChocks, LP Reg. Mod, 2 Gal Accum., WiFiRanger GO2/Mobile
04 Ram 3500 5.9 DRW, PAC PRXB E/B, 4" MBRP SS Exhaust, Gauges, Aux Tank/box, BrakeSmart.
ETCS (ss) USN Ret

Jbird
Explorer
Explorer
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
36' Mobile Suites,Chev 3500 Duramax

BFL13
Explorer II
Explorer II
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.
1. 1991 Oakland 28DB Class C
on Ford E350-460-7.5 Gas EFI
Photo in Profile
2. 1991 Bighorn 9.5ft Truck Camper on 2003 Chev 2500HD 6.0 Gas
See Profile for Electronic set-ups for 1. and 2.

RoyB
Explorer II
Explorer II
Lots of good discussions here on grounding generators...

TO GROUND OR NOT TO GROUND

enjoy

Roy Ken
My Posts are IMHO based on my experiences - Words in CAPS does not mean I am shouting
Roy - Carolyn
RETIRED DOAF/DON/DOD/CONTR RADIO TECH (42yrs)
K9PHT (Since 1957) 146.52M
2010 F150, 5.4,3:73 Gears,SCab
2008 Starcraft 14RT EU2000i GEN
2005 Flagstaff 8528RESS

n7bsn
Explorer
Explorer
The generator is not ground bonded to the transfer switch.
2008 F350SD V10 with an 2012 Arctic Fox 29-5E
When someone tells you to buy the same rig they own, listen, they might be right. When they tell you to buy a different rig then they own, really pay attention, they probably know something you don't.