Predator 3500 Inverter Generator: Need a ground strap?

[MendocinoExplorer]

I just purchased Harbor Freight Predator 3500 inverter Generator. I haven’t put the oil in it yet, still reading the manual. The manual says that I must install a 4 gauge wire from the generator inverter to a copper ground rod.

The inverter is marketed to RV owners. How is it possible to have a ground cable when the inverter is mounted in the bed of my tow vehicle (Ram 2500 pickup)?

Thanks in advance,

Rennie

[5picker]

That is a CYA (cover your butt) statement from OSHA and intended IF the portable generator is used to supply power to a building via a transfer switch.

From OSHA...

"Grounding Requirements for Portable
and Vehicle-mounted Generators

Under the following conditions, OSHA
directs (29 CFR 1926.404(f)(3)(i)) that the
frame of a portable generator need not be
grounded (connected to earth) and that the
frame may serve as the ground (in place of
the earth)

• The generator supplies only equipment
mounted on the generator and/or cordand
plug-connected equipment through
receptacles mounted on the generator,
§ 1926.404(f)(3)(i)(A), and
• The noncurrent-carrying metal parts of
equipment (such as the fuel tank, the internal
combustion engine, and the generator’s
housing) are bonded to the generator
frame, and the equipment grounding conductor
terminals (of the power receptacles
that are a part of [mounted on] the generator)
are bonded to the generator frame,
§ 1926.404(f)(3)(i)(B).

Thus, rather than connect to a grounding
electrode system, such as a driven ground
rod, the generator’s frame replaces the
grounding electrode.

If these conditions do not exist, then a
grounding electrode, such as a ground rod,
is required.

If the portable generator is providing electric
power to a structure by connection via a
transfer switch to a structure (home, office,
shop, trailer, or similar) it must be connected
to a grounding electrode system, such as a
driven ground rod. The transfer switch must
be approved for the use and installed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s installation
instructions by a qualified electrician."

[MendocinoExplorer]

Perfect! Thanks so much for confirming !

[K7TNT]

Go to YouTube and look at the reviews, don't see anyone with a ground strap. For $659.99 it was a good price. At 35* outside it starts right up. This thing is quit, we will be happy camper now.

[sasch]

bought a Predator 3500 last fall - secured it to a custom installed 5th wheel hitch - towed it from MI to S CA and on into MX - Never grounded to anything and runs and powers my 5er just great. I will note however I have two cousins who bought Champions and both have problems with the ground faults on their campers - even when grounded to a ground rod.

[cavie]

It's called legalez

[Boatdude62]

Have a champion 3500 duel fuel, runs a CC 36 ckts 5er no problem. FYI

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by Boatdude62

Have a champion 3500 duel fuel, runs a CC 36 ckts 5er no problem. FYI

Do you also have a EMS system in line?

[Swampy]

Most if not all inverter generators have no electrical connection between Neutral and Ground. In order for your EMS to function properly, you will need to bond the Neutral to the Ground. This is easy to accomplish with a replacement125V, 20A 3 pole male plug and an inch of #12 Cu wire. You can plug the grounding plug into any unused outlet on the generator and the EMS will function as it should. you contain the jumper totally inside the plug and run it from the round spade (Ground) to the larger flat spade (Neutral). Make sure you keep any wiring connections away from the smaller spade (Hot wire).

Good Camping ..... Swampy

[Electra glide]

Would this generator fit and/or work in the stock generator spot in the nose of a fifth wheel? I didn't get one with my Vengeance and now I wish I had one.

[Swampy]

I am not familiar with the available space in your camper, but here are the listed specifications for the 3500i :
Product Height
20 in. Product Length 22.75 in. Product Weight 99.2 lbs. Product Width 17.3 in.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Electra glide

Would this generator fit and/or work in the stock generator spot in the nose of a fifth wheel? I didn't get one with my Vengeance and now I wish I had one.

It might... but built in generators are designed to have cooling and also exit the exhaust in such a way that it doesn't infiltrate the camper.

I wouldn't just sit one in there and run it.

[Electra glide]

Originally Posted by 5picker

It might... but built in generators are designed to have cooling and also exit the exhaust in such a way that it doesn't infiltrate the camper.

I wouldn't just sit one in there and run it.

I was thinking I would route the exhaust out. I might just keep checking craigslist and see if a used gas Onan ever pops up.

[Lvn2tvl]

Originally Posted by Electra glide

I was thinking I would route the exhaust out. I might just keep checking craigslist and see if a used gas Onan ever pops up.

Probably a better, safer idea if installing inside a camper that it be the same type one using the same type connections.