manual transfer switch and neutral - ECN Electrical Forums

I don't quite understand when/why the neutral needs to get switched when a generator is involved in a residential system. Can you explain please.

i am installing a manual transfer switch but am wondering if i need to switch the neutral as well?

Thanks

The electrical system needs the neutral to be grounded at 1 and only 1 point.

If both your normal Service and your generator have grounded neutrals, when they are connected together you will have the neutral of the system grounded at 2 points, which is a no-no.

If your generator neutral is grounded, you need to switch the neutral; if your generator neutral is not grounded, you can allow it to be connected to the normal system's ground via the system's neutral.

Thanks Ghost,
they (the customer) will be installing a portable generator until a permanent one can be purchased.

Are neutrals usually grounded on the portable units? or it varies? and if it is grounded can i disconnect the neutral from the generator frame? Or i am messing up the listing?

There is usually a comment in the instructions of how to lift the bond in the generator if you are making this a non-SDS.
(not switching the neutral). I think Hondas come floating and most others are bonded from the factory.

I�ve never switched a neutral on a resi transfer switch, whether automatic or manual. I just make the appropriate change to the ground connection at the generator itself.

OK. Thanks.

i think now my question turns to SDS. why would would someone choose not to remove the neutral. or any advantage of SDS or non- SDS?

i know the definition of SDS but i dont think i have a 100% grasp as to why you would have one or wouldn't.

I can't think of any good reason to create an SDS in 120/240v systems. Usually you apply this when you would be changing from delta to wye or some other significant system change.

Check with your POCO. a few years ago, I saw a commercial for another POCO and they had a shot on a xfer switch and wasn't switched. I contacted them and they said they didn't want the neutral switch

OK thank you for the replies.