How to Make a Neutral Ground Bonding Plug? – A Detailed Guide
Last updated on July 11th, 2023 at 03:52 am
The neutral ground boding plug was designed to allow you to use an inverter generator to power your RV through an EMS. Before performing any project or home improvement on an electrical system, it is important to understand how it works. In particular,
Making a neutral ground bonding plug is not complicated. If an onboard generator powers your RV, setting the transfer switch to generator mode creates a ground-neutral bond.
Alternatively, if you set the transfer switch to receive the shore power, the external power source will do the bonding.
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This article delves deeper into the topic so you can understand everything about the neutral ground bonding plug.
How to Make a Neutral Ground Bonding Plug?
Making a neutral ground bonding plug is not a complicated process. To start off with some basics, all RV systems are often wired with their neutral and ground fuses floated. One of the reasons for this is a requirement by the NEC and RVIA that the safety ground wires should never carry any load.
Moreover, any distributed electrical system should only have one ground-to-neutral bonding point. Any time you want to plug your RV into the power from a building, the RV will have its ground and neutral bases connected together externally.
For the RVs that come with onboard generators, then the ground-neutral bond connection is created by setting the transfer switch to generator mode. But if the transfer switch is connected to an external power source, this source will do the bonding of the neutral and ground wires.
For those with an inline voltage monitor system from manufacturers such as Surge Guard or Progressive industries, the voltage monitor will keep checking to ensure that the neutral and ground voltages are very close, preferably within 3 volts or so.
This will work well if you are plugged into shore power that is properly grounded and bonded. For RVs without the voltage protection device, it is not possible to tell if the generator has a floated neutral.
Bonding Plug: What Is it?
Are you familiar with a bonding plug? It’s a nifty little device that can make a world of difference when it comes to electrical safety.
Essentially, a bonding plug is a small, simple adapter that you plug into an electrical outlet. It’s designed to connect the ground wire in the outlet to the neutral wire, which helps to prevent electrical shocks or electrocution.
While it may seem like a small thing, a bonding plug can provide peace of mind and keep you and your loved ones safe. So the next time you’re setting up electrical equipment, don’t forget to add a bonding plug to your toolkit!
What Is the Function of the Neutral Wire in the Plug?
Typically, a neutral wire is used to complete the circuit in the event that a hot wire initializes a circuit. This purpose is served by the neutral wire.
Neutral wires play the role of a conduit for the circuit to the original power source. This way, the currents get to circulate through the electrical system and thus allowing electricity to be fully utilized. Also, it helps to prevent faulty and excess currents from residing in the outlet.
You can identify a neutral wire by its white or gray casing.
Are Neutral Ground Bonding Plugs Safe?
When it comes to wiring, safety should always be your top priority. You need not worry. For starters, this bonding plug has been used on many portable generators with no adverse effects recorded. Also, even the generator manufacturers confirm that it is a safe product.
Does a Bonded Neutral Generator Need to Be Grounded?
Whether or not the bonded neutral generator needs to be grounded depends on the application. If you are just using the extension cords, you do not necessarily need to use a ground rod.
However, if you are connecting it to an electrical panel such as an RV, building an electrical system, or manual transfer switch, you are required to connect your generator to a ground rod. It is advisable that you check and ensure you adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local regulations that relate to grounding.
What Does a Neutral Ground Bonding Plug Do?
A bonded plug is generally a 110 plug that is wired to connect the green ground and the white neutral wires together. During use, the bonded plug is plugged into one of the outlets of the generator.
Technically, the bonded plug is not needed for most of the operation. Its only use comes in enabling the use of some EMS surge protectors. In other words, the bonding plug is necessary only to keep the EMS happy.
Should the Ground and Neutral Wires Be Wired Together
By design and purpose, the neutral wire is the return path of the current while the ground wire holds the fault current to trip the breaker in protecting the person and facility. Thus, the neutral and ground wires should never be wired together in the facility except for the main panel.
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Conclusion
Neutral ground boding plug plays an important role in the EMS. Hopefully, this article sheds some light on the bonding plug and to make it.
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