Inverter earthing questions

[Alex_Blackwood]

This is good advice, people often forget that marine installations differ to domestic or commercial, land based installations.

The advice i have given the OP isn't some theory i've dreamt up (not suggestion you have said it is), it is industry standard and best practice. It is exactly how all current standards, ISOs etc say that it should be done.

Inverter installations are a particular concern of mine, a lot of people seem to think that, just because the power is coming from batteries, it is somehow different to the electricity that comes from the wall sockets in their house. I have seen some very shoddy and dangerous inverter installations and even had a few electric shocks when working on boats with bad installations.

We, I assume, are all aware that the unit the OP refers to is an Uninterruptable Power Supply Inverter/ Charger. With provision for an A.C. Input?

 

[PaulRainbow]

We, I assume, are all aware that the unit the OP refers to is an Uninterruptable Power Supply Inverter/ Charger. With provision for an A.C. Input?

Cannot speak for anyone else, but yes, i am aware of that. The OP said he wanted to use it as a simple inverter, the AC input is optional.

I would remind the OP of previous comments regarding shore power charging though, as he has not indicated what provision he has for charging batteries.

 

[VicS]

what is the standard for new builds? Is it incorporated into the Recreational Craft Directive?

ISO standard 13297:2020 with Amendment 1:2022, which specifies the requirements for DC systems up to 50 volts and single phase AC systems up to 250 volts installed in small craft.

 

[Alan S]

There is no AC input on the model I have. It's an inverter only.

 

[Alan S]

My batteries are charged by solar mainly with occasional use of stand alone charger when on shore power.

 

[Refueler]

I'm glad I am not being shot at for my 'blunt' post previously - but forgive me for the seriousness of this matter.

I am a little concerned because not all Marinas / berths have latest supply systems .... I can think of a number of times I have berthed and plugged in = to find shore earth is faulty or plain not connected.
There are still examples of ENR based supplies when you travel ...

I realise that this posts content throws a curve ball into the arena ... sorry but there are a few places out there .... maybe not in UK - but who knows where you may sail to tomorrow.

 

[VicS]

There is no AC input on the model I have. It's an inverter only.

Then you do not have the item indicated by your link in #17 !

.

 

[VicS]

>
>
I realise that this posts content throws a curve ball into the arena ... sorry but there are a few places out there .... maybe not in UK - but who knows where you may sail to tomorrow.

Probably no further than another nearby inland waterway

 

[Alan S]

Then you do not have the item indicated by your link in #17 !

.

Sorry about the confusion. I did a quick google search for my model and picked the wrong link. It looks exactly like that and is a CNSIpower 1500W 48V inverter only.

 

[rotrax]

The BSS is relevant to me, the OP.
Also I do not want to be electrocuted by a faulty appliance. Good installation practices should prevent this.

You wont go wrong if you follow the CORRECT installation manual and add in specifics required by the BSS.

My new inverter, a 12V input type, came from a trusted supplier and it clearly stated it was suitable for Marine use.

I ensured it was mounted in a well ventilated area and had the specified all round clearance. The other must was cables of sufficient, size, as short as possible. So far we have tested it to 1400W draw continuous with good results.

Any higher current requirement will use shore power or our 8KW Genset. Which was an ebay bargain, renovated and installed by me.

My installation followed best practice and the installation instructions.

Looking foward to using it again soon.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I'm glad I am not being shot at for my 'blunt' post previously - but forgive me for the seriousness of this matter.

I am a little concerned because not all Marinas / berths have latest supply systems .... I can think of a number of times I have berthed and plugged in = to find shore earth is faulty or plain not connected.
There are still examples of ENR based supplies when you travel ...

I realise that this posts content throws a curve ball into the arena ... sorry but there are a few places out there .... maybe not in UK - but who knows where you may sail to tomorrow.

This is part of why the AC systems should have an Earth path to the water, inverter or no inverter. It provides you with your own safety net.

 

[PaulRainbow]

You wont go wrong if you follow the CORRECT installation manual and add in specifics required by the BSS.

My new inverter, a 12V input type, came from a trusted supplier and it clearly stated it was suitable for Marine use.

I ensured it was mounted in a well ventilated area and had the specified all round clearance. The other must was cables of sufficient, size, as short as possible. So far we have tested it to 1400W draw continuous with good results.

Any higher current requirement will use shore power or our 8KW Genset. Which was an ebay bargain, renovated and installed by me.

My installation followed best practice and the installation instructions.

Looking foward to using it again soon.

Can i ask, which make/model of inverter do you have ?

We usually agree on a lot of things, but i'm finding it impossible to agree that having on Earth connection to the water is "best practice" for many inverters or generators. Current "best practice" is for shore power to be Earthed to the water, even without an inverter.

 

[rotrax]

Can i ask, which make/model of inverter do you have ?

We usually agree on a lot of things, but i'm finding it impossible to agree that having on Earth connection to the water is "best practice" for many inverters or generators. Current "best practice" is for shore power to be Earthed to the water, even without an inverter.

It is the Craig Solar 12/240v/3000w model. Made by Jinsi Electronics, China. All reviews are 5 star on their website.

I agree. Neither my self installed Westerbeke 8KW Genset or the inverter are earthed to the water.

However, the shore power, thru-hulls, anodes and stern tube are. This is US Standard practice. Being an American boat, that is what we have.

 

[Beneteau381]

The BSS is not relevant. My vessel is on the ocean, not on a canal or river.

It came from a trusted supplier and has good reviews.

I am prudent and safety concious but also a very experienced mechanic with substantial general electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic experience.

If the device failed and allowed the casing to be live, I would be in trouble if I touched it.

But that goes for all sorts of household and leisure equipment. The chances of that type of fault are very low.

My maternal Grandmother was electrocuted to death by a faulty mains radio set in 1957.

Things have moved on a bit since then in regard to safety.

It irritates me as well when people quote the canal boat regs, nowt to do with us!

 

[Alan S]

It irritates me as well when people quote the canal boat regs, nowt to do with us!

Why the irritation?
This is a forum for practical boat owners. Does that not include boats that are used on inland waterways?

 

[PaulRainbow]

It irritates me as well when people quote the canal boat regs, nowt to do with us!

Why is it "nothing to do with us" ? The OP is on the inland waterways, so it's entirely relevant to him.

 

[Refueler]

It irritates me as well when people quote the canal boat regs, nowt to do with us!

Like many comments - can be too generalised ...

I agree that at times - particularly Gas and Electrics Inland Waterways Regs get quoted for boats that never see canals ... but this thread is about an inland waterways boat.

 

[Binnacle]

I think it's realistic and prudent to use the BSS regs as guidance for saltwater boats. They are practical, sensible, and based on years of experience preventing people doing stupid things and sinking boats or blowing them up.

In the efflux of time we will have to use something similar for our sea sailing vessels.

 

[Beneteau381]

Why is it "nothing to do with us" ? The OP is on the inland waterways, so it's entirely relevant to him.

aha! I retract

 

[Beneteau381]

Why the irritation?
This is a forum for practical boat owners. Does that not include boats that are used on inland waterways?

I retract, not paying enough attention, but my comment stands when people try to use the canal regs to justify what they think we should do in sea going boats