Generator Earth.

[Kelvin12]

Probably one for Old Track, (Peter). Should a 240v generator in a motor home be earthed. There is a specific earth terminal/connection fitted but was wondering if it necessary these days. I have seen and used generators but never seen one earthed while operating.

You are probably going to tell me now that its a wonder I wasn't killed not earthing the thing.....

Dirk

[TigerMK1]

I am sure a more learned person will respond. However the earth return for electrical current in the event of a faulty appliance/situation assumes the person/ appliance is the same ground as the generator. Now if your generator is fixed to your metal motorhome and is grounded, yes a ground fault will occur correctly. If however your generator is mounted externally eg. on the ground surrounding your RV it will no longer provide any protection of a earth fault. This is because you (if you created the fault) are insulated from the ground by big rubber round things. This is why onboard 240V systems need a ELP fitted within the RV, not depanded on the generator earth.

I wait to be shot down by those more expert than me.

[oldtrack123]

Probably one for Old Track, (Peter). Should a 240v generator in a motor home be earthed. There is a specific earth terminal/connection fitted but was wondering if it necessary these days. I have seen and used generators but never seen one earthed while operating.

You are probably going to tell me now that its a wonder I wasn't killed not earthing the thing.....

Dirk

Hi Dirk

A portable generator [as used byRVers] should not be earthed
Neither by an "earth "stake or other means
It serves no useful purpose,& can in fact lead to problems
the same applies to vans /motor home etc,do not use an earth stake

But if connecting to a van /motor home ,etc, by means of the van inlet socket, ALWAYS use a good THREE core extension lead
The required "earthing "is done by connecting the generator to the Van by means of the earth cable in the extension lead.
[referred to as "equipotential bonding"]

Just be aware that the van RCD is inoperative.[n the case of a generator or inverter
You have NO protection from electric shocks to van frame[earth]
It also means you have broken the safety recommendation for such,fully isolated power sources
Only connect ONE class 1 device at any time
You will almost certainly have connected MORE THAN ONE Class1 device ,as the van itself is a Class1 device

If the generator/inverter is permanently fitted & wired it SHALL be done in accordance with the Standard AS/NZS3001:2008
This will ensure correct RCD operation
PeterQ

[Kelvin12]

Thanks for the information fellas, appreciated.

The generator is going into a sound proof box in the hold, hard wired to the inverter/charger, but will be manually switched over to charge rather than come on automatically. Don't fancy it kicking over in the middle of the night. So reading the above it doesn't need to be earthed via the earth on the generator in that case, have I got this right then.

Dirk

[oldtrack123]

Thanks for the information fellas, appreciated.

The generator is going into a sound proof box in the hold, hard wired to the inverter/charger, but will be manually switched over to charge rather than come on automatically. Don't fancy it kicking over in the middle of the night. So reading the above it doesn't need to be earthed via the earth on the generator in that case, have I got this right then.

Dirk

Hi Dirk
That manual switching SHALL involve creating an earth /neutral bond, in the correct location, for the VAN RCD to be fully operational and the generator frame SHALL be equipotentially bonded to the VAN earthing system!
Make sure the electrician is fully familar with the requirements of AS/NZS 3001:2008[many do not know it even exists ]

[Kelvin12]

Thanks Peter, you help is appreciated. Will defiantly bring the regs to the sparkies attention after the problems with the LPG. Pays to keep on top of this stuff just for you own knowledge let alone safety.

Dirk