Portable generators - electrical safety question

[steve_cronin]

did you know,....

...that there are several marinas on the south coast who will not let you connect to their shorepower UNLESS you have an isolating transformer. They even insist on renting you one if you really do need to hook up.

Steve cronin

 

[Richard10002]

Re: did you know,....

And they are? For those who might want to avoid them.

 

[Vara]

Re: did you know,....

Yes a list of the offending marinas would be helpful. We are talking South-coast UK I spose?

 

[steve_cronin]

Well, this is from memory.....

One of the Lymington Marinas, I think it was the haven.

Brighton, and Port Solent although the latter will let you get away with just their adapter if they think your installation is competent.

There was another but without recourse to my old logbooks I can't be certain.

Steve Cronin

 

[Guest]

[ QUOTE ]
Oh dear! Two for using an RCD, two against!

I notice the machine has an earth terminal on its frame. If I connected a wire to this and dangled it in the water, would that make any difference to your answers?

[/ QUOTE ]

The Earth connector on frame is supplied to be able to metal rod earth to ground near where you use it at home / yard etc.

There are various camps for and against a wire from that into water .... me - I don't bother, contrary to advice here - I start and run with no extra connections / earths - just safety trips / RCD .... I have no idea if that will be enough - but is what local dealer in Gennys here told me was enough ... (he is dealer, service eng'r, electrician etc. licensed by Genny Co's)

When I mentioned things like floating, non-floating etc. - he just stood and said - Yes - great ... like I said - connect start and switch on ... Main thing - it may be a portable - but it still kills - be careful - stop it before touching anything daft !!

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
RCD .... I have no idea if that will be enough - but is what local dealer in Gennys here told me was enough

[/ QUOTE ]

If the output is fully floating ie not having either wire earthed to the frame you will be quite safe even without the RCD. You would be able to grasp either conductor without getting a shock (Don't try it though). That far then the RCD is superfluous, BUT if a fault develops that does connect one side to the "earth", or if it is earthed internally anyway, then you will be at risk.. For that reason an RCD is in fact a good idea as it will protect you should you come in contact with the other conductor and the frame.