Earthing a generator

[jimbouy]

Re: Earthing a generator .... not first time answered poorly

My comments based on Use of my Kippor.

It too has an earth bonding point, but like you I don't use it.

I have an RCD plugged in to the genny and it does not trip as soon as I turn on. Neither does the RCD on the mains panel on board.

I have no idea if either would trip under an emergency situation... in both cases the test button trips them out.

Jim

 

[Guest]

Re: Earthing a generator ..... in water ?

"You could drop a cable into the water (with a significant amount of exposed metal at the end), which would then provide protection if you drop the tool in water, or somehow have a conductive path between you and the water."

Surely this is no different to sticking the spike in the ground ? With the rubber feet etc. on bottom of frame - this gives similar scene ?

 

[JerryHawkins]

Have a look at:

http://www.justgenerators.co.uk/pages/FAQ.htm

According to this, you are still at risk between the generator output and the RCD. By linking the neutral and earth, you allow the RCD to work and so protect yourself at all outlets after the RCD.

Jerry

 

[Guest]

[ QUOTE ]
Have a look at:

http://www.justgenerators.co.uk/pages/FAQ.htm

According to this, you are still at risk between the generator output and the RCD. By linking the neutral and earth, you allow the RCD to work and so protect yourself at all outlets after the RCD.

Jerry

[/ QUOTE ]

I think you ought to go back and read it again ...... it actually advises you NOT to modify the genny and NOT to earth it out by the method you state...... it says that once you do that link - you actually modify the genny and then are forced to use a RCD always. It advises to use genny as supplied.

I am sceptical of the site ... why ? Because IMHO it appears to a jack of all and contradicts my Wolf and Briggs & Stratton manuals. BUt then again - I am no expert in fact know very little apart from start, plug in and use.

 

[Guest]

Re: Earthing a generator.... despair !!

No-one seems to be able to answer the basic set-ups of Genny's / 240V etc. on board. One expert / book says one thing .. another says another .... some in fact say all and then YOU decide.

So lets move on to Gennys and earthing ... Say for example you have a boat where 240V system and 12V systems are grounded to zinc under the hull as some tell you to do. Fine ... Now add in a genny and as one suggested jump neutral to earth on the genny. Connect Genny to 240V system on boat ... Fault occurs on board ... now depending on the terminal that faults - we have potential for bl**dy disaster through not only the boat, the 240V and 12V systems.

I am despairing of so called experts on boat electrics and especially intro of Gennys on board.

Boy My Head hurts !!

 

[najsmith]

Re: Earthing a generator ..... in water ?

[ QUOTE ]
"You could drop a cable into the water (with a significant amount of exposed metal at the end), which would then provide protection if you drop the tool in water, or somehow have a conductive path between you and the water."


[/ QUOTE ]

If you're on a swinging mooring or deep water pontoon (like me) and far from shore facilities, surely you could drop the hook over and earth to that... right?