What Happens If You Don't Ground a Generator?

Ever copped a zap from a fence after a storm? Now imagine your generator doing that—only with a lot more bite. If you don’t ground your portable generator, you risk electrical shocks, house fires, and wrecked appliances. The good news? A safe setup’s easier than you might think—read on to find out how.

Do you need to ground a generator if you use an extension cord

If you’re plugging your generator directly into appliances with a heavy-duty extension cord, grounding usually isn’t required. That’s because the generator’s frame acts as the grounding path in this case.

But if you’re connecting it to your home’s wiring or powering multiple items through a distribution board, grounding becomes critical. Better safe than zapped.

How to ground a generator without a grounding rod

No copper rod? No drama.

While a grounding rod is the gold standard, in a pinch you can:

• Use a building’s existing ground system (with proper approval)

• Bond to a metal water pipe that’s properly earthed

• Use grounding plates or mesh in temporary setups (common on work sites)

The key is a secure, conductive path to earth. If you’re unsure, call a sparkie.

Do I need to ground my inverter generator?

Inverter generators are a bit different.

Many are built as “floating neutral” systems and don’t require external grounding—especially when used with extension cords. But once you hook them into your switchboard or power your caravan, grounding becomes essential.

Always check the manual and your setup.

What is the Best Way to Ground a Portable Generator?

Getting grounding right doesn’t have to be hard—but it does have to be done properly. A good setup keeps everyone safe, especially during storms or in wet conditions.

Generator grounding kit

The easiest way to do it right is to use a generator grounding kit. These usually include:

• A copper grounding rod (around 2 metres)

• Heavy-gauge grounding wire

• Grounding clamps

To use:

1. Drive the rod at least 0.5–2 metres into the ground.

2. Attach one end of the wire to the generator’s grounding lug.

3. Clamp the other end to the rod.

Test the connection with a multimeter for peace of mind.

Do I need to ground my generator when using a transfer switch?

Yes—absolutely.

If you're using a manual or automatic transfer switch to power your home, grounding is a must. The switch ties your generator into your home’s wiring, and without proper earthing, a fault could send current where it doesn’t belong.

Make sure:

• The generator and switch are both grounded

• The neutral-to-ground bond is made in one place only (usually the switchboard)

• You consult an electrician for compliance with AS/NZS 3000 standards

Whether you’re running tools on-site or powering through a blackout, taking a few minutes to ground your generator the right way makes all the difference.

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Timothy Jagger

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About the author:
“What I love most about getting outdoors is switching off and hitting reset. I used to spend my weekends legging it out from under a roof—now I help others do the same.”