9/7/2016 CodeQ&A

odeQ&A
byMikeHolt Apr1,2002
NECTrainer/Consultant,MikeHoltEnterprises

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Knowing how important NEC issues are to our readers, we're introducing a new online Code Q&A column.
Updated weekly, visit this link for answers to your latest Code questions and concerns. Q. Lets say a 5kW
generator supplies only equipment mounted on the generator, cord-and-plug-connected equipment
through receptacles mounted on the generator, or both. Should the generator have a ground rod
connection?

KnowinghowimportantNECissuesaretoourreaders,we'reintroducinganewonline
CodeQ&Acolumn.Updatedweekly,visitthislinkforanswerstoyourlatestCode
questionsandconcerns.

Q.Letssaya5kWgenerator
suppliesonlyequipmentmounted
onthegenerator,cordandplug
connectedequipmentthrough
receptaclesmountedonthe
generator,orboth.Shouldthe
generatorhaveagroundrod
connection?Apointontheframeof
thegeneratormarked"ground"
makesmethinkso.

A.No,agroundrodisnotneeded,
notrequired,andwouldserveno
purpose[250.34(A)].This
manufacturerprovidedagroundlug
onthegeneratorbecauseitdoesntknowanybetter.

CAUTION:Creatingabondingjumperconnectionatboththesourceandthefirst
disconnectingmeanswillcreateaparallelpath,allowingdangerousneutralcurrentto
flowoverthegroundingconductorsorgroundingpaths,whichisaviolationof250.6.

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9/7/2016 CodeQ&A

Q.Someofthejourneyman
electriciansonmylatestproject
believetheneutralandgrounds
shouldbeconnectedtogetherina
panelfedbya480Vto120/208V
transformer.Ivealwaysmadethis
neutraltogroundconnectionatthe
transformer,andkeptthegrounds
andneutralsseparated.Which
methodiscorrect?

A.Youmustmakeaneutraltocase
connectiononthesecondaryofthe
transformeratanypointfromthe
sourcetothefirstsystem
disconnectingmeansorovercurrent
device[250.30(A)(1)].Itsimportanttopointoutthatthisconnectionmustbemadeat
thesamelocationasthegroundingelectrodeconnectiontothegrounded(neutral)
conductor[250.30(A)(2)].

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DiscussthisArticle 1

jairo onSep30,2015

Ifyouhavea208Y/120Vsinglephase,polemountedutilitytransformerwithasecondary
rated300kVA,theelectriccompanygroundingtotheelectrodeisthroughthemeter
enclosure.Sohowisthesinglephasetransformerbankprotected?

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