Grounding portable generator

[Old tool guy]

I have a project to place a container on a concrete pad and connect a portable generator. I need to be a little vague because of some proprietary details. The container is like a 20’ conex full of communication devices, it comes with transfer switch and connection points for power, it’s intended to be moveable. The power connection points are camlocks, 5 of them, the generator provides 120/208 4w+g 30 kW. There will be a ground rod adjacent to the container … question is do i need a ground rod at the generator? Renting it from sunbelt, the power cables will be 50 ft.

 

[mm08822]

Too vague!
Camlocks are only for liquid and powder hose connections AFAIK. How about twist-locks?

Need details about the distribution method if there is any.
Are these 5 connections rubber cords plugging into gen recepts or is there a main distribution panel in the container? (Depends where/how to connect the needed ground rods.)

 

[brewchief]

Too vague!
Camlocks are only for liquid and powder hose connections AFAIK. How about twist-locks?

Need details about the distribution method if there is any.
Are these 5 connections rubber cords plugging into gen recepts or is there a main distribution panel in the container? (Depends where/how to connect the needed ground rods.)

The camlocks for electrical are designed for larger loads, a quick search shows 400 amp each as common. 5 separate connections instead of a plug and receptacle.

 

[Old tool guy]

Too vague!

Thanks but … there is enough info there.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

You mentioned transfer switch. Is there gonna be PoCo power as well?

 

[mm08822]

The camlocks for electrical are designed for larger loads, a quick search shows 400 amp each as common. 5 separate connections instead of a plug and receptacle.

Yup. I found them. Seen them around several times but never had a project with them to need to learn their details.

 

[mm08822]

Thanks but … there is enough info there.

Is it a 3 pole or 4 pole xfer sw?
Any ocp in xfer sw?
Is the neutral and grd bonded within the container? If yes, where?
Is the neutral and grd bonded in the gen?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Thanks but … there is enough info there.

No actually more info is indeed needed.

 

[Mr onetwo]

I have a project to place a container on a concrete pad and connect a portable generator. I need to be a little vague because of some proprietary details. The container is like a 20’ conex full of communication devices, it comes with transfer switch and connection points for power, it’s intended to be moveable. The power connection points are camlocks, 5 of them, the generator provides 120/208 4w+g 30 kW. There will be a ground rod adjacent to the container … question is do i need a ground rod at the generator? Renting it from sunbelt, the power cables will be 50 ft.

I am assuming that 30Kw is actually 300Kw since Sunbelt doesn't have 30Kw to rent and MQ doesn't make one. This one can come with cam-locs https://www.multiquip.com/multiquip/DCA300SSJU4F3.htm The grounding instructions are below right out of the IOM.

 

[mike93lx]

I am assuming that 30Kw is actually 300Kw since Sunbelt doesn't have 30Kw to rent and MQ doesn't make one. This one can come with cam-locs https://www.multiquip.com/multiquip/DCA300SSJU4F3.htm The grounding instructions are below right out of the IOM.

Sure they do.

This is 30kw standby and below is a link to a 20kw rental. https://www.multiquip.com/multiquip/DCA40SSKU4F2.htm

20kW Diesel Generator Rental | Sunbelt Rentals

A 20kW diesel generator provides ideal power solutions for temporary, standby and emergency power requirements. All models feature quiet operation (60 dBA or lower at full load) and onboard fuel capacity of 24-hour minimum run times. Multiple voltages are easily configured, simultaneous single...

www.sunbeltrentals.com

 

[Mr onetwo]

My thought was Sunbelt has a 20 or a 36 but not a 30 specifically.Sounded like a prime situation, not a standby. Of course we all know about assumptions The grounding instructions are the same for both generators from MQ. Why would you have cam-locs on such a small generator?

 

[Firstram]

Why would you have cam-locs on such a small generator?

They are standard for temporary power, that's all we use in the film industry.
30kw or 500kw everything is compatible so you only need 1 style of connector. By sticking with camlocks, the PO can power up this operation anywhere in the country with 1 phone call.

 

[mike93lx]

I am assuming that 30Kw is actually 300Kw since Sunbelt doesn't have 30Kw to rent and MQ doesn't make one. This one can come with cam-locs https://www.multiquip.com/multiquip/DCA300SSJU4F3.htm The grounding instructions are below right out of the IOM.

I can't guess what you could fit in a 20ft connex that needs 300kw, but I want to see it!

 

[Mr onetwo]

I can't guess what you could fit in a 20ft connect that needs 300kw, but I want to see it!

We can only hope Mike!

 

[Old tool guy]

I can't guess what you could fit in a 20ft connex that needs 300kw, but I want to see it!

Sorry, can’t show or tell. It’s a commo container for government use. Load it into a C-130 with a generator, take it to Point A and you can communicate with Point B, C ….

The rental generator will be 36kW, it’s the closest they have.

It has 2 sets of power entry connections for gen1 and gen2, not designed for permanent shore power. The ATS is to switch generators.

 

[Mr onetwo]

too bad ...you have your grounding instructions anyway