Generator Recall

Quote
bobt123

replied:

[1]That is common to all generators , the windings are insulated from the "earth or metal frame"
[2] There is some thought from the mining industry that it is safer with no RCD or safety switch fitted.
[3]To fit a safety switch you will need an electrician to :"bond one leg to earth " to get the safety switch to work.
[4] My own generator does not have a safety switch fitte, if you modify the wiring you or the electrician then become responsible for the item.
[5] The generator as purchased will require 2 faults to occur for you to get an electric shock

Sparky


HI
[1]
Yes, that is the way most small fully isolated portable generators are supplied BUT NOT WITH A RCD fitted. by the Maker /Supplier

This one is intended for Heavy duty work such as construction sites where a FULLY operational RCD is compulsory
But indicated the maker /supplier did not have a clue on how to fit one.
[2]I think you will find many are now looking at RVDs
[3]YES & the RCD SHALL BE permanently fitted to the GENERATOR once that bond has been made.
[4] I assume you are referring to warranty issues

[5] one fault to create the neutral & the person as the 2nd fault.

PeterQ

HI
Just to add to the above

When using small portable generators OR inverters[not fitted with a FULLY functional RCD or RVD ]the safety recommendation IS:
DO NOT CONNECT MORE THAN ONE Clas 1 device /tool /appliance
Class1 ALWAYS shall have 3pin plugs

Multiple Class 2 [have 2pinplugs] can be used with a high level of safety from shocks to earth

PeterQ

Thanks for the Info Peter, I also spoke with the lads at 8zED and they also told me ( in regards to their range of inverters) Which are electrically isolated but when using appliances they advised this rule

When using an inverter and the device has a 3 Pin plug then only one should be used.
If the appliance has two pins then more than one can be used at a safe level.

Aparently only RCD's are used when an Inverter is installed in a fixed installation such as off-grid \ sheds , shacks .
They specify the RCBO

But when in a vehicle then this does not apply ??

Just waiting for Bantam to wade in.....................

Hi Janos
Yes only using one Class 1 device [have 3pin plugs ] is the safety recommendation for ANY fully isolated power source Generator .inverter or double insulated transformers
That recommendation has been around from the days of "Safety Packs'[ isolation transformers ] some 40 years ago!

I saw two serious accidents in a short period[using double adaptors] before I could get that message through & understood by supervising foremen..

RCD or RVDs shall be used whene a inverter or generator is permanently installed in any situation including RVs

Most inverters & generators have there own overload protection
but it just as easy to fit a RVD/ BO or even better a RVD/BO

RVDs do not require neutral /EN link or MEN to operate, so the first line of protection [isolation is maintained]


PeterQ