Looks like their is a new addition that you can fit to protect yourself when using inverters or inverter generators & ideally suited to the caravan/motorhome industry as it has no moving/wearing parts.

Its called the "DUO ESD" from Powersafe products developed for the mining industry, vibration proof & fits next to your normal RCD.

At just over $120.00 this might be worth looking into, they can supply all the compliance-testing paperwork.

No connection with the company other than using a few of there products over the years & intend fitting this one to my Coaster, the additional protection is needed when using a bigger inverter as we do.

www.powersafe.net.au/shop/the-duo/

Same thing, different supplier.

TechnoGypsy wrote:

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[1] safety  OF INVERTERS
Time and time again we see caravans coming in where the customer has installed an Inverter into the caravan, there is a power lead from the inverter is joining into the 240volt system of the caravan, powering the entire 240volt system of the caravan.

[2]THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION.
The caravan requires an earth; this earth comes from the 15amp lead you use to power the caravan. If a fault occurs with either the 240volt wiring or an appliance being connected into the 240volt wiring there are two safety features built into the wiring:

[3].The earth wiring itself, the earth provides a ground potential of all metal objects connected to the caravan's 240volt wiring, YES that means the metal cladding on the outside of your caravan as well.

[4] The RCDMCD, a residual current device cut-out device stopping the flow of power to earth should a electrocution occur, this does not work if being powered from and Inverter.

[5]In short an Inverter should only be connect from a 12volt outlet directly to small appliances, like a phone charger, computer, satellite TV unit or the TV itself, Anything with an earth pin on the plug should not be connected.

[6]RULE OF THUMB -Anything with a metal body which has the 240volt power lead connecting it directly to the power point like a toaster or kettle, should never be connected to an Inverter.

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 HI

[1] Only a licensed electrician SHALL install inverters/generators wired permanently  into the van 240V wiring

THere are rules & regulation that SHALL be met

[2] If not done correctly ,YES definately life threatening

[3] it generally means ALL the metal,  frame ,chassis, metal door,  windows & frames  metal sink, stove [even gas], metal skin , fixed appliances such as fridge air con etc & portable applianced with a 3pin plug 

[4]Totaly correct, the installed RCD is not functiona lwith a generator or inverter plugged into the van power inlet socket !

[5]That is certainly the safest way ,however is generraly considered safe from shocks to earth, IF ONLY ONE apppliance with a 3pin plug is connected AT ANYTIME

 [6]Actually some items which do not have exposed metal ,still require a 3pin plug & an earth connection for safety, but refer to [5]

That is why it is best to say ANY thing which has a factory fitted 3pin plug!! 

 

So overall it is in pretty  close agreement with ALL  MY posts  regarding SAFE generator/inverter use

Good to see some who undertstands

 

PeterQ

When using a EU2000i Honda generator plugged into van;Should I utilise an earth wire from designated genny earth/ground attached to Steel peg driven into dampened ground?
I am aware of several fatalities caused by technicians using inverters in techie's trucks that were not correctly earthed - causing Telstra to ban the use of inverters in late 90's.

-- Edited by Possum3 on Tuesday 28th of April 2015 11:35:20 PM

Possum3 wrote:

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Possum3 wrote:

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When using a EU2000i Honda generator plugged into van;Should I utilise an earth wire from designated genny earth/ground attached to Steel peg driven into dampened ground?
I am aware of several fatalities caused by technicians using inverters in techie's trucks that were not correctly earthed - causing Telstra to ban the use of inverters in late 90's.

-- Edited by Possum3 on Tuesday 28th of April 2015 11:35:20 PM

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HI

Quick answer,

For Small portable generators & inverters  connected by plug & socket

  NO, Do not earth the generator frame to mother earth by ANY MEANS

That includes by earth stake or any connection to water pipes, steel building fram,e ETC

This is no matter what the makers manual may say

This applies to inverters as well

THe rules  state "An earth stake is NEITHER required or recommended"

Those that you are referring to are now banned from sale ,because of deaths& serious accidents

They were not an isolated supply

But be warned, it only need ONE earth fault to develop ANYWHERE in the system for your modern generator /inverter to become just as deadly

 THAT is why I ALWAYS warn potential users that.:

[a]That no more than ONE class1 appliance[ always have a 3pin plug] should be connected @ any time

You can safely use more than one class 2 [have two pin plugs]with a very low risk of shocks to earth

[c]Your van RCD will be not functional if you connect the generator or inverter via the van power inlet socket

If you intend such use, I would suggest that you have the van fitted with a RVD in conjunction with the RCD

Available from "Safelec"or' Powerstream RV'

PeterQ

Possum3 wrote:

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Thanks Peter; What if I use a Clipsal RCD between Generator and Caravan Inlet?

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HI

Absolutely NO use .

it will not be functional, Or give any sort of protection against shocks

Not realy any different to the one in a van

It will not have the required wiring to function correctly

The fact that it will trip by pressing the test button do not indicate correct wiring for operation

Apart from having a SAFELEC RVD installed in the van, the only option with the generator is to have one  directly fitted & wired into the generator by a qualified electrician

That would need to be approved by the generator makers /supplier if the geny is still under warranty

PeterQ

Now I am confused, if the RCD is used between generator and van inlet it will be on same circuit as supply.

The active and neutral needs to be the same potential .. Not wire outsideb men ..

Atleast have one of these .. The newer voltage device is better.. 

Motorhome ( what I have ) with generater fitted is set up better than caravan.. 

Fitted right way up.. sheesh inteweb tech! 

 

-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Tuesday 5th of May 2015 11:06:11 PM