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Cap-n-Cray View Drop Down
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Posts: 121 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Generator Problem...
    Posted: 16 Jun 2014 at 4:06pm
I did make a G-N bonding plug and it did correct the surge protector generator problem.





Everything worked great.

Thanks...
Cary
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Posts: 89 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Jun 2014 at 4:08pm
Excellent... another Happy Camper (Literally). Smile
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Posts: 89 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Jun 2014 at 6:07pm
Originally posted by Cap-n-Cray

I did make a G-N bonding plug and it did correct the surge protector generator problem.

Everything worked great.

Make sure you mark this plug with something like  "Generator G-N Bond" so that you don't accidentally plug it into something else. However, even if it is plugged into an already bonded outlet (like your home or pedestal) nothing bad will happen. But double bonding an outlet is a code violation, so only use this G-N Bonding plug on a floating neutral generator.

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Cap-n-Cray View Drop Down
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Posts: 121 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Jun 2014 at 6:43pm
Yup...

I am a general contractor and know code.
Cary
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Camper Bob View Drop Down
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Posts: 913 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Jun 2014 at 6:47pm
You have all dazzled me with your footwork. Let me see if I understand. I have powered our Pod with the Honda 2KW genset without a surge protector in the circuit. Works fine. Am I doing something that is dangerous? Safe Travels.
Camper Bob and Camper Sue
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Jun 2014 at 8:01pm
Originally posted by jmsokol

Originally posted by Cap-n-Cray

I did make a G-N bonding plug and it did correct the surge protector generator problem.

Everything worked great.

Make sure you mark this plug with something like  "Generator G-N Bond" so that you don't accidentally plug it into something else. However, even if it is plugged into an already bonded outlet (like your home or pedestal) nothing bad will happen. But double bonding an outlet is a code violation, so only use this G-N Bonding plug on a floating neutral generator.


Potential safety issue, too.  Double bonding can route current around protection devices, like GFCI, preventing it from tripping when it should.  Another scenario is nuisance tripping from the odd flows.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Jun 2014 at 8:03pm
Originally posted by Camper Bob

You have all dazzled me with your footwork. Let me see if I understand. I have powered our Pod with the Honda 2KW genset without a surge protector in the circuit. Works fine. Am I doing something that is dangerous? Safe Travels.

You should check to see if it has a neutral-ground bond, and if not, build the device shown above.  Also check with the VoltAlert device to be sure you don't have a safety issue, each time you hook up.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 89 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Jun 2014 at 8:04pm
Originally posted by Camper Bob

You have all dazzled me with your footwork. Let me see if I understand. I have powered our Pod with the Honda 2KW genset without a surge protector in the circuit. Works fine. Am I doing something that is dangerous? Safe Travels.

Not a problem at all and not dangerous. However, there may be some other modern electronics that "want" the ground and neutral to be bonded. Of course, the most obvious ones are a voltage/surge suppressors such as the very fine Progressive Industries products. There's also a few pieces of pro-audio gear that don't like it and will error or misbehave. And without a G-N bond you can't use a 3-light tester to confirm if your internal RV wiring is OK.

BTW: I'm going to be discussing generator G-N bonding when I'm a guest on the RVtravel webcast this Saturday at 12 Noon EST. Click this link a few minutes before it starts and you'll be able to post your questions to me directly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrPP_gN4JGo

Mike Sokol
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Posts: 913 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Jun 2014 at 8:17pm
Thank you both. I don't seem to have any sensitive electronic gear on the road with me I haven't ever used the surge suppressor with the generator. I certainly have when powering from a pedestal at a campground. Other than very sensitive electronics, is it necessary to use the surge suppressor with the generator? Should I fabricate a G-N bond even though everything seems to work properly now? Safe Travels.
Camper Bob and Camper Sue
Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund)
2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod)
2016 Lance 1685
2015 Nissan Pathfinder
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Camper Bob View Drop Down
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Joined: 26 Sep 2011
Location: Portland Oregon
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Posts: 913 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Jun 2014 at 8:18pm
Originally posted by Camper Bob

Thank you both. I don't seem to have any sensitive electronic gear on the road with me so I haven't ever used the surge suppressor with the generator. I certainly have when powering from a pedestal at a campground. Other than very sensitive electronics, is it necessary to use the surge suppressor with the generator? Should I fabricate a G-N bond even though everything seems to work properly now? Safe Travels.
Camper Bob and Camper Sue
Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund)
2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod)
2016 Lance 1685
2015 Nissan Pathfinder
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