Generators/Caravans/Rcd`s

The caravan would need to be "earthed" for an RCD (safety switch) to work.
Circuit breakers are only to protect the cabling and equipment from over loading.
Cheers Geoff

My understanding is that in Australia our houses are wired Multiple Earth Neutral (MEN).
The neutral is earthed at the point of generation, our homes and AFAIK along the transmission system. In effect the earth and neutral have the same potential. If power has found a path to earth other than by the designed conductor the RCD senses this and interrupts the supply.
A caravan and generator are an isolated supply consumer system, no earth involved so that you would need come into contact with both active and neutral to receive a shock.

DISCLAIMER

Now don't just take my word for that but that is how it was explained to me and from my understanding an RCD is not effective in this scenario. Others may be able to put up a better explanation.

Cheers
Pop

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As GT has said, earlier discussions on this subject raised differing opinions, most of them by persons without appropriate electrical qualifications, so I am not reopening that 'can-of-worms'.

I will say only that using a portable RCD at the generator outlet can provide protection in some, but not all, circumstances. So it may afford a false sense of security.

On the subject of earthing the generator frame using the provided 'Earth' connection or any other connection to the metal body or frame, I would explain as follows:
The electrical windings and wiring of small portable generators have no connection to the frame, i.e. they are isolated or 'fully floating' and designated as an 'IT' system. Only the earth pin of the outlet socket is connected to the generator frame. Connecting the generator frame to an earth stake would serve no purpose so long as the windings isolation is preserved, i.e. there is no insulation failure of the windings or wiring within the generator. Accordingly, the electrical regulations neither require nor recommend an earth stake.

To reliably incorporate an RCD into the circuit it is necessary to connect one end of the generator windings to the body of the generator thus creating an earthed neutral or 'TT' system. It is not designated an MEN system as the neutral is not earthed at 'multiple' locations but is effectively the same. It is also necessary to add an effective earth stake connected to the generator frame and the neutral conductor. Note that this stake must be "effective" and accordingly at least 1.4m long..... a 300mm tent peg will not suffice.

The "bottom line" is to avoid electric shock when using a portable generator with appliances and caravans, use only double-insulated appliances and maintain the generator, connecting cables, and the appliances in good condition, keeping all dry at all times.

Thanks everyone for your input. Obviously one has to be very careful when using a generator with a caravan. Regards G.T.

There has been some confusing and conflicting info about earthing caravans and generators. The Australian standards say don't do it. End of story.

Quote "Given that the caravan`s Rcd will not work when powered by a generator, I have this question. `If I use an Ampfibian immediately after the generator, which has a built in Rcd will this work instead`? Obviously only on the 10amp plug on a dual 10/15 amp plugged generator."

If the RCD in the van will not do anything for protection when you are not hooked up to the mains then a second RCD will not add any protection. They both work the same way.

Quote "Another alternative is to use a Genquip G3300 generator which can be fitted with an optional Rcd ( $200.00) Would this do instead?"

That is the only way you will get protection from a RCD.

HI
A lot of conflicting advise here, on the subject of generators & RCds
SO here are the FACTS:
[1]your Van /camper RCD will not function with a generator plugged into the van power inlet
It cannot as the the standard small portable generators allowed to be sold in cannot ,off the shelf ,have the suitable internal connections

[2]For a portable generator to have RCD protection ,it must have a PERMANENTLY fitted& correctly connected RCD

[3] NO plug in RCD can work
that includes The Ampfibian , Arlec, Clipsal & similar RCD protected power boards[EPODS]
[4]The standard generator may be PERMANENTLY fixed & wired into the van with suitable changeover switching that allows the van RCD to be fully operation on both mains & generator
[5]The van /camper ,etc should not have any other form of earthing except the earthing within the extension lead /connecting lead
DO NOT USE AN EARTH STAKE, do not deliberately connect the frame of the van /camper, or generator to the general mass of earth or an other known earth[building, water pipe etc]
This applies in Aus, no matter what the makers manual may say!!!

A new device," RVD combo",can be used instead of the VAN RCD. It overs superior protection with any source plugged into the Van power inlet
It MUST BE BE fitted & wired by a licensed electrician

for more info contact
'Powerstream RV'

or "Traxide industries "

Peter

G.T.

Have used portable generators, and engine powered welders all my working life, and never had a "dangerous" incident. Also had 6 years in a 'van, providing our own power with no mishaps.

As long as any appliances used are kept dry(and dust-free) then all should be good. If you did decide to use an earth stake off your 'van then it should be hammered well into the ground, and be attached to the 'van with cable, not chain, as someone suggested. The sink outlet is an ideal spot as it provides good, damp earthing position, in what might otherwise be dry soil.

With extension leads, if you happen to join 2 leads, as well as waterproofing the joining plug/socket, elevate the assembly so it is not sitting on the ground, in any pools of water. Speaking from experience here :-)

Did fit an ELB(forerunner of RCD's, I think???) to our generator, and it worked on a number of occasions, not the least of which was when it shut the power off, as a gas leak on the fridge melted the J-box immediately above the leak. We reckon this saved us from losing the 'van.

Bob.