How to ground Honda EU2200i

Grounding your portable inverter generator allows excess electricity to be displaced and prevents you and other users from getting accidentally shocked or electrocuted. In this article, we will explain how to ground the Honda EU2200i.

Majority of us tend to purchase the Honda EU2200i portable generator for basic emergency use – like powering an air conditioner, refrigerator, or your RV. At the same time, we can notice that the generator doesn’t come with GFCI outlets. However, it comes with a ground terminal to accommodate grounding. Because of this, you may ask, under what circumstances do I need to use the grounding terminal on the Honda EU2200i generator?

Generally, if your portable inverter generator is providing electric power to a structure by connection via a transfer switch to a structure (whether shop, home, trailer, or office), then you should connect it to a grounding electrode system, such as a driven grounding rod. So, how do you do this?

To ground the Honda EU2200i, you need to use a grounding rod along with other materials. The whole idea is to connect the generator frame to the grounding rod. Let us expound on this further.

Before all else, what is grounding and why is it important?

Grounding is connecting an electric circuit (the frame) to a reference ground (grounding rod). In simpler terms, the whole process involves connecting a copper wire from the frame of your Honda EU2200i generator to the grounding rod to ensure the safe operation of your generator at all times. More often than not, we tend to overlook grounding and even disregard it at times. However, if you do not ground the generator you risk damaging sensitive electronics, such as smartphones, laptops, and TVs. Grounding also keeps you safe from electric shocks and even explosions that could potentially cause a fire.

 Generally, as electricity flows through a set of wires it dissipates energy by returning it to the ground. That means that in any normal electrical system, the electricity would flow through a set of hot wires to a set of neutral ones. However, if something happens to the circuit, then electricity will have to find a way to flow through the path of low resistance.

In that case, if you do not ground your generator the path of low resistance could cause electricity to find into sensitive areas where it is not intended. When this happens, it can spark a fire, cause electrocution or even damage your generator in a way that it cannot be fixed. With that in mind, grounding provides an alternate path to allow electricity to seamlessly flow to places where it poses the least risk possible (safe operation).

What grounding materials would you need for this?

The table below gives you a summary of the grounding materials required for this process and reasons why they are essential.

Now that you have all the materials, how do you ground the Honda EU2200i?

To ground the Honda EU2200i, you need to wire its transfer switch to the copper grounding rod. The following steps should ensure a smooth and successful grounding process;

Step One: Confirm that you have all the grounding equipment ready

You need a copper grounding rod, which is at least 4-8 feet in length. You also need a copper grounding wire that matches the distance between your Honda EU2200i and your buried rod. Additionally, you should check whether you have pliers, wire strippers, and a wrench, which you will use to strip the copper grounding wire and connect it to the grounding bolt and grounding rod on the generator. Lastly, you need a hammer or mallet that you will use to push the copper grounding wire into the ground.

Step Two: Drive the copper rod into the ground

The copper grounding rod is the most important tool in this process. It ensures that any electric current is safely dissipated. That said, you should hammer it into the ground to a depth of 8 feet so that the grounding rod doesn’t electrocute anyone standing on the surface. If the ground seems too tough, you can use water to loosen up the soil before driving it into the ground. If you are grounding your generator on rocky terrain, ensure to drive the rod at a 45 degrees angle.

Step Three: Connect the copper wire to the buried grounding rod

Using your wire strippers, strip out 8-12 inches of insulation from one end of the copper wire before wrapping it around the top part of the grounding rod. When wrapping it, ensure to wound the wire tightly over the rod using the pliers.

Step Four: Connect your Honda EU2200i generator to the grounding rod

When grounding the generator, ensure to turn it off. Once it has stopped running, find the grounding bolt and use your pliers to loosen the nut. Using your wire strippers, strip out about 1-3 inches before wrapping it around the bolt as you tighten it with the pliers. Tighten the nut and make sure that the wire is intact. The secure connection ensures the safe operation of your Honda EU2200i.

Conclusion

Grounding has several advantages to it. The main one being that it reduces burning and melting effects in your generator and also reduces mechanical shock in circuits exposed to ground fault. However, not all generators should be grounded. So, ensure to check with the owner’s manual to understand whether your generator should be grounded.

FAQs

1. Is grounding necessary for my generator?

Yes, it is. All generators should be grounded for safe operation.

2. Can I ground my Honda EU2200i to my house?

Not unless the portable inverter generator has properly installed open-transfer switch.

Kerry Smith