Neutral or not to Neutral?

[lx2077bob]

Here's a good one for all you electrical buffs who would like a brain teaser...
Would like to know everyone s thoughts on switching the neutral when installing or using a generator through a manual transfer switch Do you need to switch the neutral in order to isolate it from sending transient voltage back to the utility company? I say no only because the ground comes into contact with the neutral so all stray voltage will take the least path and leave through the ground...What are your thought guys?

[DDC_Dan]

If the neutral conductor from the genset is grounded at the genset (separately-derived system), the neutral must be switched such that it is grounded either through the genset OR the bonding jumper, never both. If the neutral from the genset is floating (non separately-derived), then the neutral need not be switched.

Note that having a genset with grounded neutral connected to a service with the normal bonded neutral can create a very dangerous situation during certain fault conditions and should never be done.

Here's a good treatment of the subject:

http://www.cat.com/cda/files/99865/7/LEXX0604-01.pdf

[lx2077bob]

OK...now would it be safe to say if I have continuity between the neutral and ground than I don't have to switch the neutral?

[timebuilder]

OK...now would it be safe to say if I have continuity between the neutral and ground than I don't have to switch the neutral?

Okay, which neutral and which ground are you asking about now?

Did you read the articles that I mentioned when you posed this question up in the other section?

[timebuilder]

Here's a good one for all you electrical buffs who would like a brain teaser...
Would like to know everyone s thoughts on switching the neutral when installing or using a generator through a manual transfer switch Do you need to switch the neutral in order to isolate it from sending transient voltage back to the utility company? I say no only because the ground comes into contact with the neutral so all stray voltage will take the least path and leave through the ground...What are your thought guys?

My suggestion is to install it according to code.