Is your battery negative earthed?

[VicS]

There are a few suggestions either way and directives it seems encouraging certain set-ups with grounding the 240v with the 12v negative.

I just wanted to try and be clear that with my boat, all wood, it has 240v 16a plug in, connected direct to an 240v RCD - this powers the Victron combi and calorifier. Now the boat will spend occasion stints on shore power, is it best to fit a GI and connect the 240v earth from the RCD to the 12v ground (engine,propgear) or is that not a necessary expense?

Thanks again.

It is not necessary although considered by the experts in the field to be the best practice. You will see from the above posts that some people are opposed to the idea of bonding the shorepower earth to the DC negative etc

If you bond then fit a GI .

Your whole boat must be protected by an RCD in the incoming shorepower supply. .. dont rely on the pontoon one!

Read ISO 13297 ... link provided earlier. You will then know all the relevant requiremnts

 

[OldLady]

Thanks again. My boat's shore power comes through a RCD so the whole craft is protected. I've read through the ISO and happy with the setup I have. I really dislike the idea of connecting the 240v earth to the DC negative, for no real reason other than the idea scares me a little, even though any earth leakage will go to ground, the idea of them being connected is a bit worrying.

I have a GI and may go ahead - read this on sterlings WS http://www.sterling-power.com/products-galvanic-why.htm and it seems very sensible so does put the fears to rest a little.

If I were berthed and connected up to 240v in marina all the time i would go for it.

Also I just wanted to add that the BSS standards for inland waterways do not enforce the installation of a craft fitted RCD!! Which is mental, they stipulate so many rules for 12v installations (down to the level of spreader required on screw down battery terminal etc.) and yet no RCD is required, just recommended!! 12v can cause a fire but 240v can kill.

 

[macnorton]

Grp boat.
Engines drives and thru hull fixings electrically Isolated from both 12v and 240v. No Gi fitted just trips and rcd.

 

[Rossynant]

To add to the poll: GRP boat.
Thru hulls electrically isolated from everything (and engine water intake from engine...). 12v and 240v separated (connection made by plugs and sockets, with AC system powered either from shore or from inverter). No GI. Engine separated completely when not in use, but connected to anode. Rig not grounded for lightning.