Genset

[trays]

Recently I saw a small petrol powerd genset in a hardware store for about $A375.
I wsa temped, but decided that in my small boat it woudl not fit, and I could nto really afford it wanyway.

However, out of curiosity, what does one do for an earth for 240 v. Seems a littel risky to have 240v floating around in a small GRP boat. Obviously, I am not an electrician.

Ray

<hr width=100% size=1>Ray

 

[jbate]

You would need to connect the 240V system and genset casing to a common earth. Opinion varies about whether to earth 'everything' or not; earthing the 240V system and the 12V engine, shaft, etc to say the Shaft bracket is quite a common solution, i.e. the sea become the 'ground'.

Do you have a petrol engine on your boat? Mixing fuels for gen/engine could be problematic and personally I don't like petrol (or gas) on boats, it's an accident waiting to happen. This would put me off buying a petrol genset more than any concern over 240V.
JB.




<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

Regarding earth for 240 volt. Simple answer is DON'T! assuming the genset is a single phase machine with an insulated neutral, i.e. Has only two wires coming out of it. Then the only way you can get a shock is to come into contact with both wires, in which case an earth wouldn't help any way! If you have no earth and you come into contact with one wire and anything else there is no path for current to flow so you are safe. Even if you run earth wires all round the boat with the above system there is nowhere to connect them to as the genset will be earth free.
However I would be inclined to consult a qualified local electrical type chappie to make sure of your safety and that you are within any local regs.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[trays]

I have an outboard. So, no engine to earth too and no prop shaft.

Thanks for hte reply

Ray

<hr width=100% size=1>Ray

 

[trays]

Thanks for the reply.

Interesting.

Ray

<hr width=100% size=1>Ray