| Author |
Message |
HondoJoeMC5 (69.75.75.26)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 22, 2004 - 11:00 am: | |
Hi,
I am installing a new 6.5kw onan generator & 50a shore line. All #6-4wire. 120v split to balance load.
My ONLY question is what to do with all the neutrals. The current 50a panel does not have a neutral bar. All the neutrals are tied together in the bus panel and do not connect to panel/chassis. Should I keep it this way??
Or go get a new panel WITH a neutral bar so as the neutral are grounded to the panel??????
I know this has been discussed repeatedly at times but I want a "simple" answer please.
I have a experienced RV electrician doing this and am told we can go either way.
Thank you, Joe in Palm Desert |
David Anderson (168.215.176.217)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 22, 2004 - 3:34 pm: | |
I assume by your post that you have 240 volt split phase (two 120 volt hots) from your genny which makes 240 volt available, correct??? If so, your neutral and ground should bond at the genny. Your panel must have two hot leg wire lugs to screw down each 120 volt phase, and an UNBONDED neutral buss bar for all the white wires (and genny neutral), and a grounding bar (bonded) to the box for all your load circuits' grounds and genny ground.
You can buy a grounding bar at Home Depot, however make sure your neutral is not bonded to the box.
At least that is the way I read the code. If I'm wrong, someone jump in and correct me.
Something to remember, the wires from the genny output to the first circuit breaker, whether 100 feet or 10 inches is not fuse protected. You never want to get any short circuits there, so be careful and be diligent in protecting this circuit.
good luck,
David |
John that newguy (199.232.240.52)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 22, 2004 - 3:48 pm: | |
Hey Hondo... Check this site:
http://users3.ev1.net/~crossstitch/
It has some decent, easy (for me; easier for you) to understand
schematics, drawings and pictures. |
Luis (Sundancer) (67.120.233.20)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 22, 2004 - 9:43 pm: | |
HondoJoe:
One question, because I too will be faced with this problem. You mention that you split your ac system so as to balance the load. What are you going to do when you go to a camp that only has 30 amp? Are you prepared to do without half of your ac circuits. I've read where most 50 amp RVs, use the second hot lead only for the second AC unit and any circuits they can do without. Maybe you've already compensated for this scenario, just a thought.
Luis |
HondoJoeMC5 (69.75.75.26)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, August 23, 2004 - 3:22 am: | |
Thanks Guys,
The info shared & a look at crosstich website
got me straitened out. I now understand to keep the neutral UNBONDED to the box & chassis.
We have a 50A auto-transwer switch going in. This will be nice, no more manual switch back & forth. Has a time delay for genny to get up to speed & warmed up. Makes a clean install too.
Fortunately I have a knowledgable friend leading this for me so I am safe. We will have more info later. Sure helps being HERE!! Joe MC5A |
R.J.Bob Evans (204.83.31.88)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, August 23, 2004 - 3:13 pm: | |
Dave: My gen is protected by a breaker on the genset that (I assume) will trip for a short between the gen & the panel.
HJoe: As we discovered this summer, with the auto transfer switch you can not hook up to a GFI shore outlet. In our case a (loud) discussion with the camp owner led to me installing a regular 15 amp outlet & our problem went away. |