Camping is a superb way to step out of the busy-ness of your everyday life and enjoy nature. Enjoying nature, cooking food on a fire, and sleeping under the stars help put your life into order and can make your worries seem less pertinent.
A lot of beneficial advantages come out of camping. However, you don’t have to sacrifice your quality of life—such as access to electricity— to reap them.
A portable generator lets you go camping while enjoying modern amenities and let you keep your devices charged while camping. A generator allows you to use appliances like heaters, grills, and electronics while still enjoying nature.
This guide will show you the essentials of bringing a power source and of grounding it. Before getting started, make sure that you research thoroughly before operating the generator.
When Should I Ground My Generator?
The short answer is anytime you are off the grid and want to connect the power. Whether you’re camping for a day or a month, you’ll want to bring a miniature power source. Read the instructions on your device carefully before proceeding.
In some cases, your portable generator will be a separately derived system. When you see that classification, you will need to ground your device no matter the circumstances. If no label is present, you most likely do not need to connect the product to a reference ground.
If you have misplaced the instructions, you can still operate the machine safely. You can look directly on the device to figure out your next steps. The generator transfer switch will tell you how to proceed. If there is no option to convert to a neutral ground conductor, you don’t need to ground the power source.
With no need to connect your device to anything external, the configuration falls into the unseparated derived system. With these products, the manufacturer has created a built-in grounding inside the machine.
How to Ground the Generator
Unfortunately, you can’t just ground a generator. You’ll need some tools to make the magic happen. If you don’t have the instructions, research your specific device before getting started. Make it a habit to keep a toolbox in your car or camping RV so that you can always ground your machine.
If you are missing a tool, you can ask fellow campers if they have what you need. Do not proceed with the grounding until you have all the necessary equipment. Wear electric-resistant gloves before getting to work in case of accidental shocks.
When camping in isolation, no tools means no power. A few days of mild discomfort is better than potential death or fire. Keep your toolbox and generator together so that you don’t forget.
Toolbox Essentials
Without these in your kit, you won’t be able to ground your generator. You can purchase most of the equipment at hardware stores in your area. Depending on where you live, you might have to order some pieces online. Make sure to give the shipments enough time to arrive before camping.
Essential Tools
- Wire Strippers: These allow you to strip the copper off of the coil safely and effectively. Without a well-stripped cord, you won’t get a connection. Try to have at least two in case of emergencies
- Solid Copper Grounding Wire: You’ll need enough to connect the wire to the generator and the grounding rod, plus a bit extra. The additional coil is necessary in case you need to move campgrounds, or if you mess up the first time.
- Four-foot Copper Grounding Rod: Without the reference point, you can’t ground your system. The shaft should stick out at least four feet above the ground, so research where you’ll be camping to see what length you need.
- Hammer/Mallet/Sledge Hammer: One of each tool is vital, depending on how often and where you go camping. The quality of the tool matters here, since a cheaper option could damage the coating on the copper grounding rod.
- Pliers: This tool enables you to firmly bend the cable and secure it to the grounding pole/connection.
- Socket Wrench Set: Tailor the devices to the size of your grounding bolts.
Helpful Extra Tools
You don’t need these pieces of equipment to install your portable generator. However, they can make your job a lot easier. If you have time to prepare, read over this list before going camping.
- Water: Yes, to drink. But also to soften the ground and make it easier to hammer the rod into place.
- Screwdriver: Make sure it’s a Phillip’s Head so that you have help removing sticky or non-hex head grounding bolts.
- Shovel: Sometimes, the ground is too rocky to hammer in the rod, so a shovel works better.
A Step-by-Step Guide
First things first, read the instructions carefully. Wear the proper safety equipment, and don’t let uneducated persons near the device.
- Step One: Place the generator in a safe space outside, near your campsite. In a close-by and suitable location, hammer or shovel the grounding rod into the earth and leave approximately an inch on top to fasten the cord.
- Step One (alternative): For ground that is too firm for the hammer, dig a small channel horizontally across the earth. Your aim is about 2 feet deep and long enough to fit the rod. When finished, lay the grounding point horizontally across the channel and cover it.
- Step Two: Strip the copper coil with the wire strippers. Connect the end, with the pliers, to the rod.
- Step Three: Unscrew the grounding bolt around the fixing with the pliers. Strip the other side of the coil and connect it to the piece on your generator. When finished, screw the bolt tightly with the wrench.
- Step Four: Before proceeding, check to make sure that everything is in place. From there, connect your generator to your campsite and test the power. Everything should run smoothly.
Why Do I Need a Portable Generator?
A power source allows you to maintain independence while camping. You can decide where to camp without having to rely on the electricity of the camp manager. As opposed to a full-scale electrical device, the portable generator lets you move freely. You don’t need to add gasoline or oil, plus you’ll get a longer-lasting machine.
The devices use air pressure to generate combustion rather than the traditional ignition via spark plugs. Because of the efficiency of the system and lower maintenance costs, you save money. The high-quality generating elements are also more environmentally friendly than the traditional electrical device.
It would be wise to ensure you have a backup solution for the likes of keeping your food cold while camping or a backup battery for mobile devices.
Advantages of a Ground Portable Generator
The first plus side is that the machines are tinier than the average electric power source. Because of this, you can transport it from one campsite to another without stress. The trend is for camp managers to provide generators for the campground, but it is still standard practice for campers to purchase individual units.
In cases of system failures, blackouts in the area, and weather troubles, a personal generator allows you to get the most enjoyment out of your camping trip. A power source specifically made for the outdoors will be able to withstand horrible storms or other weather.
Without a portable generator, you wouldn’t be able to use appliances such as a dryer or microwave. Charging a car battery, which is essential for back-up on long camping trips, is a tremendous burden without a power source. Why Do I Need to Ground a Generator?
To start, what exactly is grounding, in terms of generating electricity?
When you ground a generator, you connect an electrical circuit to a reference point. Regarding your power source, you’ll be using the frame as the system. A grounding rod, installed according to the directions, acts as your initial base.
Grounding is a crucial step in using a portable generator safely. It displaces excess electricity and prevents accidental shock or electrocution. Without grounding, you would have a dangerous situation of free-flowing, live power.
This process requires research and caution. You do not want to attempt to ground your device until you have read the safety instructions at least once.
Conclusion
A portable camping generator allows you to enjoy nature without having to sacrifice comfort. If the purpose of the trip is to reconnect with yourself, why waste time doing things without power? Getting an electricity source allows you to take hot showers, use appliances, and use your devices.
You can find respite in the forest, mountains, or desert, without having to live without modern pleasantries. Before you go to ground your generator and get started, we cannot stress safety enough. One mistake could seriously injure you or something else, or it could start a wildfire and endanger everyone in the area.
Be safe, double-check things, and enjoy your power source in the heart of the pristine Earth.
