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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,931 Likes: 34
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We are talking about regrounded neutrals here, not mis-wired phases. Tell me you have never seen a regrounded neutral in a place that has been running trouble free for decades. Usually these get found when someone adds an AFCI or GFCI
Greg Fretwell
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,445 Likes: 3
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Greg, my error with that UPS system was related to the neutral hook-up ... not the 'hot' wires. I can't claim to remember the details, and I never did understand the issue - only that the APC tech immediately spotted the problem.
Installing several more similar systems since then, the same little detail always makes me pause. The systems have a few more quirks as well, but that's a topic for another thread.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,213
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The generator is not bonded (Honda) but even if it was, the worst thing I can see is you would have some neutral current on the ground. Which wire would burn up?
I have seen plenty of improperly wired SDS transfer switches and no outward problems. As a practical thing it is the same as those 4 wire sub panels with a rebonded neutral. If your generator has outlets on it, the neutral is bonded to the generator frame. Nearly every small generator in the US is designed like this. Permanantly mounted generators can remove this bond, but it's generally not feasible to remove this bond on portable generators as it would float the neutral in the gen when running stand-alone. Leaving the only proper solution as switching the neutral in the transfer switch.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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The only installation issue I can see is maybe if the subpanel is flush mounted within the wall, since the transfer panels are usually surface mount. Getting that flexible conduit that comes attached to the little transfer panel into the subpanel may require some cutting of the drywall and drilling a stud. No big deal, but still an added pain. Are you going to use a hard wire transfer panel model with a WP power inlet mounted outside the building or just a long cord and plug connection hookup? I’m just envisioning the HO dragging a power cord into the laundry room during a power outage.
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,931 Likes: 34
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The little Hondas are not bonded
Greg Fretwell
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 244
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The laundry room installation got derailed for exactly the reasons you mentioned. The new plan is to intercept the feeder and put a 125A transfer switch out by the meter. I'll install a 20A 220V. male twistlock receptacle for the generator input. The meter is in the exterior garage wall so it will be easy to surface run conduits inside.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 244
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Regarding the bonding. I'm planning on leaving the bond in the main, isolating the solid neutral connection in the xfer and running a ground wire out for the generator frame to be safe. If a switched neutral is required by code please cite code section.
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 7
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Is the 20amp twist the largest outlet? If you have a 30 amp I would use that option
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Posts: 404
Joined: March 2007
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