Inverter wiring "open ground" ?

Thread Starter

goldwingtk

Joined Apr 20, 2011
1
Just starting to play with solar.
I installed a inverter to power a house receptacle. I used a double-pole double-throw switch so if needed i could switch back to house main. The switch is used to redirect hot and, neutral only, I used the existing earth ground. Now when i test the circuit my tester shows a open ground when i use inverter power. I can switch back to house main and the circuit will test correct.
Why?
 

SgtWookie

Joined Jul 17, 2007
22,230
In the States, the mains neutral wire is connected to ground at the electrical service panel/breaker box/fuse box; that is the only place the two circuits are connected. Outside of the service panel, the ground wire does not carry any current unless there is an electrical fault.

You should not be connecting wires to your house receptacle like you are doing now. You will need an approved device known as a "transfer switch" to enable a change over from the utility company power to your inverter power. It should be installed by a licensed electrician.
 
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