Reverse Polarity

Hi, this happens on all vans that were made after 2008. The Generators have to be earthed (eg connected some decent cable to something like a tent peg.) Kept happening to one of my dealers on his Kontiki and they said this is a common fault that is fixed by earthing the Gennies.
Hope this helps
Simon

Hi Vidal

Its nothing to do with earthing its due to split voltage instead of having a neutral earth, everything is OK and theres nothing to worry about it happens with mine.

Simon

Can you advise which College or University you attended and courses passed to gain your position on advising others on electrical services, you have raised my concerns previous with your comments.

Best Regards
Adrian

Hi Vidal, as broom has already commented on, it is perfectly safe to use, the light is illuminated because of the way some generators are constructed, with, as Broom as said "split voltages" (110-0-110v) which give rise to the light being illuminated.

If you have any further queries regarding this matter, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best regards

Ian Sargent

Hi Adrian, all I ever do is try and pass on advice or things I have learned. Surely this is what MHF is for?? In regards to my Qualifications that actually has nothing to do with you.
At Planet Generators we have people here that are able to work on a Board Level with all types of Generators. We also use a technician that has been in the industry for 25 years.
In regards to the earthing issue. My Northen dealer (Motorama) had the same problem with his Kon-tiki to which he rang Kon-tiki and they advised him. A Generator should always be Earthed (ok some people dont)
Simon

PlanetGen said:

A Generator should always be Earthed

Click to expand...

via a tent Peg?

I don't want to be rude

RogerAndHeather said:

PlanetGen said:

A Generator should always be Earthed

Click to expand...

via a tent Peg?
I don't want to be rude

Click to expand...

I think he means a big METAL tent peg!

Peter

Hi Peter, common sense needed there! Obviously I mean As long as it is earthed on a steel or even a copper spike driven into the ground would act as a suitable earth pin.

As a general rule for small leisure generators, it is normally advisable to use a earth spike 10 inches in length per 1000watts, through a 4mm earth strap.

As for qualifications, we have retained the services of a Power generation specialist who is certified to service gensets as large as 1.2Mw and holds a current 16th edition certificate.
Simon

DO NOT EARTH YOUR GENERATOR IF YOU DONT KNOW WHAT YOUR DOING!!!

http://www.justgenerators.co.uk/pages/FAQ.htm

PlanetGen said:

...and holds a current 16th edition certificate.
Simon

Click to expand...

There is nothing current about the Sixteenth Edition (apart from the obvious pun) !

- do keep up!

;o)

Hi Karlb

That is an exercise I could not, in good conscience advise, If, and I do emphasise, IF, the generator was to short circuit, one could end up with the chassis of their motorhome live with 240Vac as the motorhome is insulated from ground by the tyres (large amounts of rubber, which is an excellent insulator)

This voltage surge could do damage to the 12vdc circuits and batteries.

On any generator, there will be an earth lug, It is advisable to use this and earth the generator before starting it.

It is there for a reason, for your safety. I can only and would always advise that it is used.

Simon

PlanetGen said:

As a general rule for small leisure generators, it is normally advisable to use a earth spike 10 inches in length per 1000watts
Simon

Click to expand...

This means that I need to hammer nearly 3 feet of metal into the ground every time I stop and use the generator....... :evil: .....I take back what I said about the tent peg

I think this thread has gotten a bit out of control.

As a rule, it is best advised to use a ground spike, It's not always feasable to use a large earth spike for a small leisure generator. A three foot spike is normally suitable for a 115kva genset, this depends on ground conditions, and load.

I have given advice, it can be used or cast aside, advice is still for free, I would advise any customer to utilise the largest earth spike possible, as a persons personal safety and the safety of their family is paramount.

Hi Simon

We are up todate working to the 17th Edition of the regulations.

Best Regards
Broom

terra terror

Since the vehicle is insulated from Earth so well (as was mentioned earlier), surely it too would benefit from an earth electrode?

However, if the generator has an earth terminal; which is also 'Earthed' by an electrode, then they may as well be directly connected to each other...?

But, the generator (from that link mentioned earlier too), may be 'centre tapped to earth': producing -115v / 0v / +115v (for N/E/L) =230v L/N.

Now, this sounds like potential trouble to me in the context of inverters (and mains supplies) with Neutral & Earth bonded supplies...

-anybody?

We are up todate working to the 17th Edition of the regulations.

Would you, in good faith and business practice, advise customers not to use an earth spike?

You may question my advice, but at least I am prepared to give advice on things that I can help on.

Simon

Where's the eath wire going???

http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/products/generators/content.aspx?asset=gg_parallelcapability

David

Simon

In short you have previously advised and made some not quite correct statements, I have just brought this to the attention of our members who quite agree I am sure.

Ste

First hows the screens

I would use a spike to earth the frame of the generator and protect the Motorhome via RCD, it would be best if the RCD was at the generator, but generally this is not the case.

Best Regards
Broom

Hi Broom please advise so I know for next time?

Hi Simon

Better I keep an eye on you and remind you.

Signing off now best regards
Broom