Q: Hi Jim, I just bought a Generac XP8000E from Lowes for an emergency power source. What manual transfer switch would you suggest? I plan to have an electrician install the transfer switch in my garage, next to the main electric panel (200A). I like the idea of being able to pick and choose what circuits to power on, rather than being stuck to a set number of circuits. Also, do you have any suggestions for indoor power inlet boxes, that can be installed in my garage? Thanks for your help. by Mike from Massachusetts on January 14, 2012
A: With the purchase of the Generac "XP" model generator you will need to go with a GFI type transfer switch due to the full GFI protected panel on the generator.
Unfortunately this type of generator with GFI protected 240V outlet does not allow for whole house control and a GFI type transfer switch needs to be used.
Below are some recommendations based on the model generator you are purchasing.
Q: Jim, I'm a licensed NH Electrician I have a Honeywell 7500Watt Portable Generator that will be used to supply selected loads in a non-separately derived residential application as outlined by the 2011 NEC. The tag on this generator indicated that the neutral is bonded to the frame. I need to know if this generator can be made into a floating neutral generator without voiding listings or warranty. If the answer is yes then where and how does the manufacture recommend the removal of the bond? And will the manufacture send a new label that indicates the generator is now a floating neutral generator. This will be an issue with any generator that has its neutral bonded to the frame portable or stationary. Any info that you can give me will be a great help.
Regards,
Ron T.
by Ron Tasker from New Hampshire on January 08, 2012
A: The manufacturer does not recommend removing the bonded neutral from the generator and neither do I and just about 97% of generators on the market have a bonded neutral.
If you need to break the neutral in the generator backup set-up then you need to go with a GFI type transfer switch such as the Reliance Controls "X" series switches.....see link for details.
Note: Typically these switches are not required unless the large transfer switch outlet on the generator is GFI protected which is found on Professional generators such as the Generac "XP" models and not the "XG" model.
The biggest thing, is the fact that a generator has a bonded-neutral does not rule out compatibility with 2-pole transfer switches. The only time that a portable generator will not be compatible with a 2-pole transfer switch is if the generator has a bonded-neutral AND there is a GFCI breaker or GFCI mechanism protecting the receptacle they are using to connect the generator to the transfer switch.
Code does not require switching the neutral, so using a bonded generator with a Pro/Tran is perfectly fine as long as there is not a GFCI built into the receptacle that is being used. If there is a GFCI, it won't work because the breaker trips.
Any time a bonded-neutral generator is connected through a transfer switch to a house wiring system, there are two neutral-to-ground bond points: one at the main panel and one at the generator.
Having two bond points creates 'dual paths' on the ground and neutral, aka "ground loop", meaning the ground wire from the generator to the house panel will share everything with the neutral wire from the generator to the house panel.
This leads to there being a very small amount of current on the ground. If there is a GFCI breaker tied into the generator receptacle, it will sense this current on the ground and trip every time the generator is connected, even under No load.
* If the generator does not have a GFCI protecting the in-use receptacle, there will not be a trip and the generator will power circuits successfully.
A common argument against this is: "but the ground cannot have any voltage or current in any situation" - this is not true. The NEC states "the ground cannot carry 'objectionable' current".
The ground wire in question is the wire between the house panel and the generator, a small amount of power on this wire is not a safety concern in this type of application.
We have no record of a single injury, or a single inspection ever turned down, related to a bonded neutral generator connected to a home through a 2-pole transfer switch.
Note that this has been done historically for decades, using bonded generators without switching the neutral, ever since generators and transfer switches existed.
There was never a problem until about 10 years ago when generators started adding GFCI's (per OSHA job site requirements) and wiring them into the larger receptacles. GFCI's on the 15 amp 120v outlets are usually separate and not connected to the 4 wire 120/240 outlets, but it's a challenge to identify this without contacting the manufacturer. It varies greatly and is rarely specified in the owners manual.
The entire problem here is related strictly to the GFCI breakers built into bonded-neutral generators, not the fact the generator has the neutral bond alone. In knowing this, if we look at all of the portable generators that are bonded neutral, and then if we separate the models WITH a GFCI breaker protecting the 120/240 outlet, the percentage of these generators is extremely small. These are the only generators that will ultimately require a 3-pole transfer switch that breaks the neutral.
Breaking the neutral simply eliminates the ground loop (dual paths) between the generator and house panel created by having two bond points, and will eliminate the problem of the GFCI breaker tripping.
Jim Baugher, Product Expert Electric Generators Direct
Jim's Recommendation
The Generac XP series are engineered specifically with contractors and construction sites in mind. All models have the Generac OHVI® engine. These models are built to withstand extended job site use.
We were lucky enough to open up one of these units and really get in there and check it out. It is a very high quality machine. Even the way the accessories are packed in the box tell you how much attention is given to this premium Generac portable line. This truly is a professional generator.
Another bonus is the XP series are built right here in Wisconsin!
December 19, 2011
Jody Mullica Hill, NJ
Jobsite Gen
Needed a gen for jobsites. Used for 50 hours first two weeks everything good, not that loud also it has its own trickle charge on board. And when oil got just a little low it popped up on hour meeter. I'm very happy.
December 01, 2011
Rich Highland, NY
Well Equipped & Better Prepared
EGD Tech support was essential in my ability to make an informed decision on appropriate equipment. Customer Service was also professional and focused on customer satisfaction. My Generac model XP8000E arrived as promised and in excellent condition. The generator assembly was minor and it started on the first attempt.
Bad weather has hit us hard in upstate New York with downed trees and flooding causing utility outages.
With the generator and transfer switch connections our family is now Well Equipped and Better Prepared to weather the next storm.
Quality Service, Products, Transport, and Price is a winning combo. Thank You EGD
EGD Tech support was essential in my ability to make an informed decision on appropriate equipment. Customer Service was also professional and focused on customer satisfaction. My Generac model XP8000E arrived as promised and in excellent condition. The generator assembly was minor and it started on the first attempt.
Bad weather has hit us hard in upstate New York with downed trees and flooding causing utility outages.
With the generator and transfer switch connections our family is now Well Equipped and Better Prepared to weather the next storm.
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