Earthing suitcase generator.

[BruceK]

My small genny has an earth terminal. Where on the boat should this be earthed to if at all?

 

[Jurgen]

Assume the generator is in the engine bay.

If so then I would suspect that you would earth to the engine?

Also does the exhaust exit the boat via a dedicated through hull fitting, if not then carbon monoxide would be of concern.

If gen sits on the swim platform / pontoon then I don't think it needs earthing

Just my thoughts and am happy to be corrected

 

[MYAG]

My small genny has an earth terminal. Where on the boat should this be earthed to if at all?

Usually the -ve terminal of the generator battery.

 

[David2452]

Suitcase gennys are designed for and generally used ashore in the open and a spike driven into the ground to take the earth teminal, you could connect to your common ground but most people don't bother. Advice in post #2 about siting the thing and possible CO issues should be well heeded.

 

[VicS]

My small genny has an earth terminal. Where on the boat should this be earthed to if at all?

If you are using double insulated tools etc ( ie those with just a 2 core mains lead) there is no need to earth the genny.

If you are using earthed equipment ( ie with a 3 core mains lead ) the genny should be earthed to the boat's own AC shorepower/ DC negative ground point. *

If you are connecting the genny to the boats shore power input this will do the necessary earthing an no additional connection is needed.


Using double insulated tools etc is the simple and sensible way forward.

Ashore, as David say,s to a ground rod if you are not using double insulated equipment **

* I'd not bother on a GRP boat

** nobody bothers anyway!

 

[VicS]

Usually the -ve terminal of the generator battery.

Do small suitcase generators have a battery?

 

[BruceK]

Thanks guys. It plugs into my shore power cable so I'm assuming it will be alright then.

 

[MYAG]

Do small suitcase generators have a battery?

Agreed "suitcase" models don't but the OP wrote "small" which is all relative of course.

 

[BruceK]

For clarity the suitcase genny is 1 kW, the main genny is 3kW. The main genny - a Honda does not have a earth terminal

edit: But the Honda is loud and would annoy neighbours.

 

[rosssavage]

Agreed "suitcase" models don't but the OP wrote "small" which is all relative of course.

Title said "Earthing suitcase generator" though...

As mentioned, earthing taken care of through shore power lead. No additional earth required.