Running a Generator Whilst Driving?
Submitted: Monday, Feb 25, 2013 at 12:56
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100750
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Replies:
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Aussie_Al
OK, please don't flame me here as I'm only asking a question!
Is there any reason (legal or otherwise) why I couldn't or shouldn't run a portable generator secured to the drawbar to run power to my van whilst driving? Of course the lead would need to be secured
well running to the power inlet on the van.
I realise this isn't established practice, but is it advisable and if not, why not?! :-)
Many thanks,
Alan
Reply By: Member - Andrew - Monday, Feb 25, 2013 at 13:34
Monday, Feb 25, 2013 at 13:34
Hi Alan
Seem to remember that some of the really big motor homes from the really old days used to do this before the big capacity and reliable alternators became available.
You also see refrigerated trucks set up this way, but of course all the wiring etc is internal and protected.
I also have a vague memory of fridge trailers for medical supply deliveries being independently powered to ensure the fridges were running to protect the drugs in remote areas.
Not aware of any rules that prohibit a second engine being operated.
Regards
A
AnswerID:
505511
Reply By: 492 - Monday, Feb 25, 2013 at 13:55
Monday, Feb 25, 2013 at 13:55
Hi,I am electrician,and from safety point that would be very dangerous,if your van has external power point, like most vans do ,which is design to connect power from power point on caravan site via extension cable,not the opposite way, that power point will become LIVE ,as it has two prongs exposed despite having a lid ,if for any reason any one (kids) will flip the lid up , and tuch both prongs or Active one and another source of Grounded Earth, than some one could be killed,because you sending power 240V the opposite way from generator,and Active and Neutral prongs will be exposed,very dangerous mate ,does it make sense? regards Adam.
AnswerID:
505513
Follow Up By: Aussie_Al - Monday, Feb 25, 2013 at 14:00
Monday, Feb 25, 2013 at 14:00
Thanks Adam,
I do understand however I don't mean to hard wire it into the van's electrical system; I was talking about running from the genset to the normal caravan inlet (just as I would do if
free camping).
Many thanks
Alan
FollowupID:
782446
Follow Up By: Dennis Ellery - Monday, Feb 25, 2013 at 17:30
Monday, Feb 25, 2013 at 17:30
If you want to wire the genset up permanently - install a 2 pole changeover switch to avoid live pins on the inlet plug.
FollowupID:
782471
Follow Up By: oldtrack123 - Thursday, Feb 28, 2013 at 20:21
Thursday, Feb 28, 2013 at 20:21
Hi
If it is a "standard" portable generator[ with no inbuilt RCD]
& is wired up permanently,It SHALL comply with the STANDARDS AS/NZS3001 AND AS/NZS3000
A 2pole Change over switch cannot do THAT!!!
In any case it is a job for a licensed electrician !!
PeterQ
FollowupID:
782704
Follow Up By: Dennis Ellery - Thursday, Feb 28, 2013 at 22:20
Thursday, Feb 28, 2013 at 22:20
Hi Oldtrack – I should have known you would nail me on regulations.
I agree it should be done by a licensed electrician.
As for the caravan's RCD - it is not functional when plugged in via an extension cord to the genset anyway – so the danger hasn’t been increased by the installation of the changeover switch.
FollowupID:
782712
Follow Up By: oldtrack123 - Friday, Mar 01, 2013 at 10:58
Friday, Mar 01, 2013 at 10:58
Hi Dennis
I agree the danger has not ben encreased,.
but carried out to the RULES the danger is decreased!!
PeterQ
FollowupID:
782729