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Post Info TOPIC: Is it necessary to earth your generator
Kooroorinya Kelpie


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Is it necessary to earth your generator
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Hi all. I have just read, and posted, in a thread relating to a recall of a particular brand of generator which made me wonder if it is essential, necessary or desirable to earth our gennies when using them. I ask this as our Honda 2 Kv has a fairly conspicuous earth tab on the outlet panel but nowhere in the manual can I find a reference to earthing it I know that a good few years ago we were instructed to ground the chassis of the unit whilst using it but do the modern units need this ?? I know we have some brilliantly knowledgable scribes on this forum so come on guys, you are on next. Cheers.



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Peter_n_Margaret


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Do NOT earth your generator.

Cheers,
Peter

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Kooroorinya Kelpie


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Hi Peter. Now I'll ask the dumb question of why do the put the earth terminal there ?

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Phil C


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In real terms the RCD in the caravan should operate without an earth stake at the generator. I have no idea why they put a terminal on the genny to get an effective earth you need to drive an earth stake 1.2 meters into moist earth. Im sure you will be safe with no earth at the genny. Put it this way, I have never used one and Im still here. Safe travels..

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brian


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Kooroorinya Kelpie wrote:

Hi Peter. Now I'll ask the dumb question of why do the put the earth terminal there ?

 These portable generators are not only used by RVers.

Many are used on construction sites, pipelines etc. where equipotential bonding between individual units and structures can be required, separate insulation monitoring equipment is employed, and/or earth stakes are mandatory.

The earth tab is the point where this is done.



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Phil C


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100% Kelpie.

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powerstream


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That is why the mines are seriously looking at RVD technology as they have to send an electrician with every generator or welder to set and test the earth stake and then when that job is finished the electrician has to remove that earth stake then go to the next job and repeat the same costly procedure but using the RVD technology it can be used without that procedure.
The generator without earth neutral bonding will not work with an RVD so if you use a basic plug in generator you do not have protection.
Ian

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Phil C


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Ah, now it starts to make some sense, thanks powerstream. Shows I need to keep up with the new stuff.

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Kooroorinya Kelpie


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Thank you guys that explains it for my low tech brain. Over many years I have been involved in fishing and farming and in both of those situations you are, of necessity, forced to do your own repairs/maintainence but as things get more high tech I get further behind in understanding them. As long as I can pick others' brains I guess I'll survive. Cheers.

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powerstream


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www.safelec.com.au/safelec-videos.html
Phil
Please have a look at the videos.
ian

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Phil C


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I have just taken a look at the instructions for my honda, seems they call for an earth stake too.. ok I will slink off to my corner and shut my yap... still doesnt seem right seeing that the caravan is sitting on rubber wheels.

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powerstream


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Phil
Most tyres today are steel belted the old Rayon basically went out the door when Courtaulds Hilton closed in Australia after fulfilling their obligation to the Australian Government to stay here for 25 years but the biggest problem is the human element if the vehicle body is live then you step down with one foot on the van and one on the ground.

Please do not sneak away and hide as your thoughts and interest are needed to bring out what you and other people need to know.

Ian



-- Edited by powerstream on Monday 10th of February 2014 07:14:34 AM

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Kooroorinya Kelpie


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Hi Phil and all. Mate we can't snuck off on account of we are mature aged, technology rejects. We have a duty to broaden our knowledge base by getting these other blokes to make us edjumakated. Cheers.

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KFT


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Phil and others

remember that these gennys and the instructions are prepared for an international(read global) market.

If you have a closer look at the instructions there may even be a separate paragraph with a heading like "additional instructions for Australia" or something along those lines.

frank

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Avagreatday.

Kathy and Frank currently at Home near Quirindi NSW
Phil C


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Thanks guys, I rather thought I had reached my used by date. The technology I was edjumecated with (thanks Kelpie) is a bit dated, but the passion for same and easy travel remains. Thanks again folks, nice to know you are appreciated.

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oldtrack123


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Phil C wrote:

I have just taken a look at the instructions for my honda, seems they call for an earth stake too.. ok I will slink off to my corner and shut my yap... still doesnt seem right seeing that the caravan is sitting on rubber wheels.

 

HI

Actually it makes a lot of sense

The Van when on mains supply is earhed by the EXTENSION lead EARTH cable Driving a stake to earth the van frame can axctully lead to problems

Stray earth currents for one ,could overload the extension lead earth

A MEN system does not require the devices /appliances to be connected to  an earth stake to function

In that regard the van is a plug in appliance

Even IF the extension lead earth open circuits the van RCD will still function with a fault to earth on a MEN system

With a generator the whole system plugged into the van inlet socket , the whole system is a floating earth system

An earth stake does not gain any additional protection & can to some extent add to the risk

 

PeterQ



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Patto44


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My Honda 3kva book states - DO NOT EARTH.

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