Generator experts I have a GFCI ?

[hammick]

I bought a used Tsurumi 7000w generator yesterday and I have checked out all outlets with my meter and everything seems to be working properly. I have also confirmed that the neutrals are bonded to ground as it is supposed to be on this generator.

What isn't working are the test buttons on the two GFCI receptacles. With generator running at full speed and receptacles powered the test buttons do nothing. Before I buy new GFCI outlets I was wondering what the chances of both of the GFCI outlets failing or if it is more likely a different issue. This generator has seen it's fair share of use.

Thanks for any advice.

[Sunking]

First understand having your generator properly bonded and grounded has nothing what so ever to do with a GFCI circuit. No ground is required or needed for proper GFCI operation. If a GFCI does not operate when you push the Test Button, you have a defective GFCI device period. Replace them.

The only requirement for a GFCI to operate is have a Source and Return conductors connected at the proper voltage. No ground is needed or required. If you have an older home with only 2-wire receptacles and have an Electrician come to your home to add a additional receptacle, they will use a GFCI circuit and only connect 2-wires of Line and Neutral. No ground will be ran because there is no ground to run. Perfectly safe and meets all code requirements.

[sensij]

If hot and neutral are reversed, the GFCI may behave as described if using an external tester. Double check that before buying a new one. Also make sure the line and load side of the outlet are wired correctly. If you are using the built in test button, that is more likely to be the problem.

[Sunking]

If hot and neutral are reversed, the GFCI may behave as described. Double check that before buying a new one. Also make sure the line and load side of the outlet are wired correctly, if required.

I don't think even having the polarities reversed would have any effect on GFCI. They are not polarity sensitive as current flows both ways through the sense coil. Now if you plugged something in, it was bonded, you will get a nasty surprise, but Open Circuit no problem. Not something I am willing to try.

If you really want to know more about GFCI, a good friend of mine Mike Holt wrote an article about them on ECM

[hammick]

Thanks for the info guys. Everything was wired correctly. Put in two new GFCI outlets and they trip just fine now when tested.

[Mike90250]

Thanks for the info guys. Everything was wired correctly. Put in two new GFCI outlets and they trip just fine now when tested.

Always good to hear of a happy ending

[Sunking]

Thanks for the info guys. Everything was wired correctly. Put in two new GFCI outlets and they trip just fine now when tested.

You are welcome.

We will see about Everything Wired Perfectly" when you start using it. GFCI have two major headaches. One you already discovered, they quit working. The second issue may not be so easy and cheap to fix, Tripping.

I don't mean LSD, I mean faulty equipment, wiring errors, or Gremlins is the real fun one. You will know real fast if you got the Bonding and Grounding done right or not.

[hammick]

You are welcome.

We will see about Everything Wired Perfectly" when you start using it. GFCI have two major headaches. One you already discovered, they quit working. The second issue may not be so easy and cheap to fix, Tripping.

I don't mean LSD, I mean faulty equipment, wiring errors, or Gremlins is the real fun one. You will know real fast if you got the Bonding and Grounding done right or not.

Works fine with my heat gun that I tested it with. In reality the plug I will use most is the 240v twistlock to run my well pump. It is not GFCI protected.

The generator is a heavy duty contractor model. Neutral was bonded from the factory.

[DanS26]

You did not say how this generator would be used. If it going to be used as a stand alone genny at say a work site then the neutral/ground bond is proper. But if you are connecting to a home or business electrical system then it is important to determine if it is a "separately derived system" and then you need to determine if you bond or float the neutral.

[hammick]

You did not say how this generator would be used. If it going to be used as a stand alone genny at say a work site then the neutral/ground bond is proper. But if you are connecting to a home or business electrical system then it is important to determine if it is a "separately derived system" and then you need to determine if you bond or float the neutral.

Initially I will run my well pump with it so bonded is fine. Eventually I will wire both 120v legs to a Conext 4048 inverter. The inverter will be grounded so I assume I will need to float the neutral in the generator at that point.

If I find out it's too much generator I will sell it and get something smaller or just use my Yamaha inverter (the 4048 inverter will take one 120v leg for charging). I feel like $400 was a hell of a deal for such a beast with a GX390 Honda engine, electric start and a brand new battery. It also has idle control which makes it a lot less noisy. Not sure if it will go to full RPM connected to the Conext 4048.

The problem is the weight. I cannot get it out of my truck without help.