Are vehicle-mounted generators always required to be connected to a grounding electrode?

Vehicle-mounted generators do not always need to be connected to a grounding electrode. The requirement for grounding depends on the application and the specific electrical installations being used. In many cases, portable generators are intended for temporary use, and if they are used in locations such as construction sites, they typically may not require a permanent ground connection. Instead, they may rely on the bonding and grounding provided by the equipment they serve, especially when the generator is used within a system that ensures adequate grounding through other means.

This flexibility allows for quick setup and relocatability, which is often one of the primary advantages of vehicle-mounted generators. Regulatory standards and codes may offer specific guidelines regarding when grounding is required based on the generator's use and the environment in which it operates. In scenarios where a vehicle-mounted generator is used to power equipment at a site and is plugged into a properly grounded system, the grounding provided by the equipment can suffice, eliminating the need for a separate grounding electrode.