You're on the right track! Here's a breakdown and confirmation of your reasoning

Understanding the Goal: Single Point of Bonding

The key is to have only one point where the neutral is bonded to ground. This prevents circulating currents on the ground wire, which can cause nuisance tripping and even create a shock hazard.

Your Plan: Correct

Here's a more detailed breakdown of your plan, emphasizing why it's correct:1. Main Panel



Keep the neutral bonded to ground in the main panel. This is your primary and only bonding point. This is where the main service neutral connects to the grounding electrode conductor (GEC) that goes to your grounding electrode (ground rod, water pipe, etc.).2. Generator Inlet and Wiring (to ProTran2)

Use a 3-wire connection (Hot-Hot-Neutral) from the generator to the inlet on your house.

Do NOT include a separate ground wire in this cable. The grounding is provided through the neutral. This is crucial for a portable generator setup.3. ProTran2 Subpanel



Keep the neutral bus isolated (unbonded) from the enclosure in the ProTran2 subpanel. This is what makes it a subpanel. Move the circuit neutrals from the circuits you're transferring to the isolated neutral bus in the ProTran2. Keep the equipment grounding conductors (EGCs) from those circuits bonded to the enclosure of the main panel. Do not move the EGCs to the ProTran2. They should remain connected to the ground bus in your main panel. Connect the enclosure of the ProTran2 subpanel to the ground bus in the main panel with an equipment grounding conductor (EGC). This provides a fault path for the subpanel itself.4. Generator

Your understanding is correct: portable generators are typically designed with the neutral bonded to the frame internally.

Do NOT attempt to remove this bond.Why This Works Generator Power

When on generator power, the neutral bond within the generator acts as the single bonding point. The ProTran2 isolates the neutral bus, preventing a second parallel neutral-ground path.

Utility Power

When on utility power, the generator is disconnected. The main panel's neutral-ground bond is now the single bonding point. The ProTran2 still acts as an isolated subpanel, and the equipment grounding conductors remain connected to the main panel's ground bus.

Important Considerations and Safety Checks Verify Generator Bonding

Make sure your generator does have an internal neutral-to-frame bond. You can usually find this information in the generator's manual or by testing with a multimeter (be extremely careful when working with electricity!). Some generators have a floating neutral, which would require a different wiring configuration.

Wire Gauge

Ensure all wiring (including the wire from the inlet to the ProTran2 and the breaker feed from the main panel to the ProTran2) is of the correct gauge for the amperage rating. 10 AWG copper for 30A.

Proper Connections

Tighten all connections securely. Loose connections can cause heat and arcing, leading to fire hazards.

Professional Review



Highly recommended

Have a qualified electrician review your plan and inspect your work before* you energize the system. This ensures everything is done safely and meets local electrical codes. This setup, while often done by DIYers, involves critical safety elements.

In summary, you've got the right approach. Keep the neutral bonded in the main panel, isolate the neutral in the ProTran2 subpanel, and keep the EGCs in the main panel. Verify your generator has an internal bond, use the correct wire sizes, and get a professional to inspect your work for safety. Flag for review