When using RV generator to power house in emergency GFI trips in RV?

Question

I shut off main in house and all breakers. Then start (4.4 kw)generator and plug male to male wire from RV outside receptical to house outside receptical. When I turn 1 breaker on in the house, the RV inside GFI circuit trips..... BUT when I do the same with a portable generator (3kw) it works just fine for running lights and the fridge? WHAT IS WRONG?

Answer 1

The problem is that some of the current that is supposed to be returning on the neutral wire is going back on the ground wire. The GFI detects the imbalance and turns off, just as it is supposed to. The RV obviously has the ground and neutral bonded, your house certainly does, this is what is causing the problem. If you were to disconnect the ground wire between the RV and the house, this would fix it but would also be unlawful.

I have had a couple portable generators which did not have the neutral and ground connected together, yours would appear to be the same way. With no common connection between ground and neutral at both ends (before and after the gfi) there is no problem.

NEC (national electrical code) specifically Prohibits a cord with a male connector on each end. There is a reason they call it a suicide cord. I'll admit I have used them. I just have no way of knowing what skill level you are working on there.  Make sure the main disco is off and covered with tape and a sign warning people not to turn it on. Please.

Answer 2

Probably useing different grounds As you can see by the following the return current has to equal the source current and any type of surge will trip it (the gfi) http://personal.cha.bellsouth.net/j/o/jo...

Answer 3

Leave the main breaker off in the house, if that doesn't do it, ground the RV to the house ground rod.