Grounding
Updated
by
Juan Velez
This bulletin covers the following models: All Champion open-frame generators, inverters, and open-frame inverters.
Should I ground my generator?
All operational scenarios are different, so please follow local code.
We recommend earth grounding all generators and inverters for additional safety. All Champion generators and inverters are provided with a ground terminal either on the panel or on the frame for this purpose.
A copper rod driven into the ground and a copper wire attaching the rod to the generator or inverter ground terminal will give protection against shock in case of an electrical failure.
Special Circumstances
- A portable generator is not a permanent fixture; if this is required, we sell a line of home standby generators for this kind of application.
- If the portable generator is connected to a building, have a local Certified Licensed Electrician use the building's electrical ground as the ground point.
Sensitive electronics and GFCI outlets will not work properly, reset, or could be damaged due to having potential multi-voltage levels on the ground if the building's ground is not utilized. Additionally, in this scenario, the alternator needs the neutral unbonded from the ground if it is bonded from the factory.
Follow local codes because ground rod depths depend on local factors, soil composition, and humidity. Sand is a poor conductor, and humidity is needed to be conductive. The goal here is to provide the path of least resistance to the earth in the case of an unlikely electrical failure.
