inverter safety
Submitted: Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 11:02
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brian2
in a recent post it was advised that a
RCD boxbe used between a 240v lead and campervan,do we need anything similar when using an inverter in a vehicle,
mine has a 20 amp fuse in line is this safe enough ??? any sparkies out there ???
Why dont vans have a
RCD box fitted as a std requirement ?
Reply By: Neil & Pauline - Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 11:47
Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 11:47
My inverter has a
RCD incorporated in the outlet and a fuse going in. I am not an electrician but I do know the
RCD works as I am still here.
Neil
AnswerID:
209581
Reply By: T-Ribby - Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 11:52
Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 11:52
The post you're referring to was regarding camper-trailers, not camper-vans.
Vans hardwired for 240v are fitted with an
RCD box as standard.
Have a look for it.
T.R.
AnswerID:
209582
Follow Up By: brian2 - Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 11:57
Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 11:57
thankyou for the reply do you know if all
inverters have a
rcd fitted ?
FollowupID:
469644
Follow Up By: Robin - Monday, Dec 11, 2006 at 08:01
Monday, Dec 11, 2006 at 08:01
Brian2
All
inverters do not have an
RCD
Robin Miller
FollowupID:
469728
Reply By: Tony Middleditch - Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 11:56
Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 11:56
Brian, an
RCD (Residual Current Device) - also known as a safety switch and previously known as an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) operates by measuring any in-balance in current flow between the active and neutral conductors. The standard
RCD will operate when the in-balance (fault current) reaches or exceeds 30 milliamps. The in-balance current would be flowing through an alternate means back to the source of supply (through the earthing system).
The issue with portable power sources is the lack of an earthing system and the lack of M.E.N (Multiple Earth / Neutral bonding). This means that a fault current path through may not exist meaning that the
RCD will not operate unless the fault is integral with the supply cables or the connected equipment.
So, in answer to your question, an
RCD would improve the safety but will not work in the same circumstances as it would in a fixed LV (240 volt) installation.
Note, If RCDs are to be fitted to a switchboard, it is best to use individual MCB / RCDs (main circuit breaker RCDs) to each circuit requiring protection.
Disclaimer - Electrical work undertaken on fixed LV
grid supplied installations is required to be undertaken by an authorised person.
Cheers Tony, REC7359
AnswerID:
209583
Reply By: Crackles - Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 13:56
Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 13:56
Brian. Most of the time items plugged into an inverter are double insulated & don't require an
RCD for protection (eg: chargers/laptops). The problem with an inverter in a car is often an extension lead is used away from the vehicle & as it doesn't have it's own earth stake like a house, an
RCD has no return path for a fault, possibly not tripping even when you're getting a shock on the other end. I see some hire company's are now fitting
RCD's to their generators with portable earth spikes to be hit into the ground. A similar system could be used on an inverter although our power company decided against putting them in all the trucks.
Cheers Craig..............
AnswerID:
209591
Follow Up By: brad1972 - Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 22:44
Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 22:44
its a workcover requirement in nsw that
rcd's , earth spikes are fitted to any gensets on a construction site.
Cheers Brad
FollowupID:
469702
Reply By: joc45 - Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 19:52
Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 19:52
Be careful! The budget 380w inverter I own says definitely DO NOT earth the neutral of the 240v output; ie, do not connect it to the vehicle earth. Obviously both the AC output leads are floating with respect to the -12v input and connecting one back to the -12v will cause problems or disaster. This would be something to do with simpler design.
Larger
inverters may be ok, but
check the handbook first.
Gerry
AnswerID:
209635