Gen need ground

[Pmedic4]

There has always been a lot of confusion about grounding generators, and actually OSHA has provided information regarding that subject.

Grounding Requirements for Portable and Vehicle-mounted Generators
Under the following conditions, OSHA directs (29 CFR 1926.404(f)(3)(i)) that the frame of a portable generator need not be grounded (connected to earth) and that the frame may serve as the ground (in place of the earth):
• The generator supplies only equipment mounted on the generator and/or cord and plug-connected equipment through receptacles mounted on the generator, § 1926.404(f)(3)(i)(A), and
• The noncurrent-carrying metal parts of equipment (such as the fuel tank, the internal combustion engine, and the generator’s housing) are bonded to the generator frame, and the equipment grounding conductor terminals (of the power receptacles that are a part of [mounted on] the generator)
are bonded to the generator frame, § 1926.404(f)(3)(i)(B).

Thus, rather than connect to a grounding electrode system, such as a driven ground rod, the generator’s frame replaces the grounding electrode.
If these conditions do not exist, then a grounding electrode, such as a ground rod, is required.
Search for OSHA "grounding_port_generator.pdf" or the above sections.

As a firefighter, we always had thatargument discussion, as the Chief always said it was required to have the vehicle mounted generators grounded by a stake driven into the ground. Even when someone pointed out the OSHA definition, he always required it to be grounded by driving a 4' long stake into the ground connected via a heavy copper wire.
Guess we just followed orders of the Chief - the short answer was no one saw any danger in driving in the ground stake.