gfci problem with solar generator

[chasleeG]

I have a solar generator I've built and I can't get the gfci to work, I tried two different gfcis but one will not set unless you first plug it in to a shop receptacle,and it will not trip. the other will re-set but will not trip. I have a cheap-o 4000/2000 watt inverter (harbor frieght),grounded to trailer frame. what's my problem?

[Robert1234]

How much do you know about GFCI and how works? Are you distributing current via a breaker box? Or simply wiring up the GFC outlet straight from your inverter? Finally... Why are you setting up the circuit with GFCI?

[SunEagle]

How much do you know about GFCI and how works? Are you distributing current via a breaker box? Or simply wiring up the GFC outlet straight from your inverter? Finally... Why are you setting up the circuit with GFCI?

Most of the quality inverters already now have a GFCI on the receptacle. Since most inverters are used outside where a person can come in contact with water while using an electric powered device, having a GFCI there to protect a person is required.

All homes in the USA have receptacles on the outside of the house that are protected by GFCI circuits. This is required by the National Electric Code.

If you plan on powering a tool or device outside you need to have it plugged into a GFCI receptacle. The same practice should be followed when using inverters.

[Robert1234]

Most of the quality inverters already now have a GFCI on the receptacle.

I agree with everything you have said, but I suspect this isn't the case or he wouldn't be trying to add one.
This may be one of those cases where it's best left with the simple advice of "hire an electrician" or buy an inverter with the integral GFI protection you refer to.

[green]

Here is a bit of safety advice, it may sound obvious but sometimes the obvious needs to be pointed out. When a breaker or other device is "tripping" something is wrong. It could be something simple like two devices that are not agreeing with each other or it could be something serious and dangerous. At any rate something is not right, sometimes it's best to hire a professional to keep everyone safe.

[SunEagle]

I agree with everything you have said, but I suspect this isn't the case or he wouldn't be trying to add one.
This may be one of those cases where it's best left with the simple advice of "hire an electrician" or buy an inverter with the integral GFI protection you refer to.

You can actually purchase an external GFCI device with UL listing. It has a standard male and female plug like a small extension cord with a box in between containing GFCI circuitry inside. It is all molded plastic and water proof.

I purchased one of these a while ago when I bought my portable generator which didn't hve a GFCI receptacle on it. I didn't want anyone getting shocked while using the generator.

[Robert1234]

Yep.

Chas, FYI... All a GFI outlet does is sense if current is flowing up the ground wire as compared to the neutral. Like green says, if the device trips then something is wrong in these parts of the circuit.

[Sunking]

Do you even know what a GFCI is, and how it operates? .

For one it is not a over current protection device like a circuit breaker or fuse. No ground is required or needed for it to operate properly. It only takes 4 to 6 milli-amps to operate a GFCI. Sounds like you do not know what you are doing.

Al a GFCI does is compares the current flowing in the hot and neutral conductor. If they do not equal (greater than 5 ma difference), it operates.

[Robert1234]

My mistake on the wires referenced. I stand corrected.

[chasleeG]

chasleeg

I am installing the gfci because it is required,I do understand how a gfci operates as i have replaced them in my home and all my rentals, I have tried one of the gfcis ungrounded. Yes I was going to use the ungrounded warning on the receptacle. the other gfci is a gang plug pig-tail I use at work.bob the electrician checked the wiring thinks it is the inverter. Me too, for all that's worth. may be some one could recommend a good inverter,cheap,gfci protected,pure sine wave for generator.It uses a 240w panel ( I am adding another 240w panel) and have 4 m27 batteries for 600amp hrs. advertised.

[inetdog]

I am installing the gfci because it is required,I do understand how a gfci operates as i have replaced them in my home and all my rentals, I have tried one of the gfcis ungrounded. Yes I was going to use the ungrounded warning on the receptacle. the other gfci is a gang plug pig-tail I use at work.bob the electrician checked the wiring thinks it is the inverter. Me too, for all that's worth. may be some one could recommend a good inverter,cheap,gfci protected,pure sine wave for generator.It uses a 240w panel ( I am adding another 240w panel) and have 4 m27 batteries for 600amp hrs. advertised.

If the inverter is intended for plug-in connection, then it is usable for off-grid use only and you should not try to interconnect it in any way with your house wiring system. (The forum topic is on-grid, so I am not sure exactly what you are trying to do.)

If you use a transfer switch, just as you would for a gasoline generator, you can still have problems with GFCI. If the ground and neutral are connected together at the inverter and the ground and neutral are also connected together in your main electrical box, then you cannot use a GFCI on the output of the inverter. Some neutral current will end up flowing through the ground connections or the earth instead of through the neutral, and that will cause the GFCI to trip.

If you are just running an extension cord from the receptacle on the inverter and are not making any connection at all to your house wiring, then it appears that you have some sort of ground fault in the cord connection or in the load you are trying to supply.

[thastinger]

My GFCI outlets operate properly powered by my Cotek PSW inverter.

[chasleeG]

mea culpa

I am very lame on the inter net. I got into the wrong section and couldn't understand the reply.I'm up to speed now (yeah right) I use this generator to run a irrigation pump and what not, not on any grid. my daughter wanted to use it for an art display. I said no because it had no gfci protection, the inverter states it has overload protection. I tested it with tester and it has no built in gfci. and one will not operate correctly. my question is can one be made to work, I have found no info on this unit. this is just a hobby. the quest is to see if this renew-able stuff can be made do-able. money-wise.

[Sunking]

the quest is to see if this renew-able stuff can be made do-able. money-wise.

Well you should have asked that right up front as it is very easy to answer and could have saved you a lot of money and time.

Answer is a big fat NO. Anything you take off grid with solar off-grid battery is going to cost you at least 10 times more than just buying the power from the power company.