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Rick Filcoff's avatar

Hello Mike,

Thank you for the informative article. Could you please clarify regarding the use of a ground-to-neutral bonding jumper for use on a portable generator: Is it the case that, while the jumper may not be required or serve any purpose in some instances, is it ever the case that the installation of the ,jumper can be harmful or create problems? (1. I am of the understanding that the ground-to-neutral bonding jumper should always be installed. That approach simplifies things. 2. It is further my understanding that if there are multiple people/multiple devices being powered from a portable generator, then the National Electric Code requires a GFCI between the generator and the loads. On the other hand, it is also my understanding that a GFCI does not require connection to a ground, much less that the neutral and ground be bonded together. The GFCI trips when there is an imbalance greater than 5 mA between the current in the line ("hot") conductor and the current in the neutral conductor. This imbalance can occur for numerous reasons. not all of which require a conductive path from the line conductor to earth ground. (GFCI's still function at electrical outlets for which there is no earth/safety ground conductor present.)

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Peter K's avatar

Mike - I'm not sure how to reach out to you other than by commenting on an article you have posted. I'd like to know how to submit a new question to you for your RVelectricity Substack.

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