How do I earth a 700w Gentrax Generator

Submitted: Thursday, Jun 25, 2015 at 15:59

ThreadID: 119296 Views:4369 Replies:2 FollowUps:6

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Generator Power

The generator, which was discovered by Michael Faraday, is an ingenious device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

jokirt

Translation only needed Please.
I have a Tiny Gentrax generator that I will use as a back up charger when it rains and/or the portable solar panels are unable to charge my deep cycle battery. The earth lead is NOT provided but is recommended so I need help in interpreting what is required please.

The manual states the lead must be of sufficient current capacity....
Diametre: 0.12mm (0.005in)/ampere, Ex:10 Ampere-1.2mm (0.055in). I have some solar cable, but not sure if this is the same dimensions as described in the manual. The diagram shows a peg in the ground, but does not say what kind of peg. If someone could translate this into everyday terms it would be very helpful.

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Reply By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Thursday, Jun 25, 2015 at 16:18

Thursday, Jun 25, 2015 at 16:18

All(??) mobile generators are designed and constructed to be of 'isolated' form where neither conductor is related to earth. Accordingly there is no requirement to connect the frame of the generator to earth. In fact, the Australian standard states that "There is no need, nor is it recommended that the generator be connected to earth."

Some gennie manufacturers make reference to earthing their machines although they do not state a reason nor is it necessary as explained above. In any case, earthing by means of a simple driven stake into dry soil is unlikely to provide any adequate protection.

Cheers
Allan

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Reply By: Ross M - Thursday, Jun 25, 2015 at 19:50

Thursday, Jun 25, 2015 at 19:50

In addition to Allan's wise words, the use of the generator to charge batteries via any inbuilt 12v charge system will be practically useless.
Far better to use the 240v AC it provides to run a battery charger, either a simple type or a multi stage.
That way the energy the generator produces will be most effectively used to put charge in your batteries in the shortest generator run time.

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Follow Up By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Thursday, Jun 25, 2015 at 20:45

Thursday, Jun 25, 2015 at 20:45

Yes Ross, your'e dead right. Using the 12 volt gennie output may well damage a battery unless carefully monitored. I really don't know why the manufacturers include this option.

Cheers
Allan

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Follow Up By: Member - ACD 1 - Thursday, Jun 25, 2015 at 22:01

Thursday, Jun 25, 2015 at 22:01

Ross / Allan

Does this advice include the Honda type inverter gennies - I'm thinking the EU 20i?

Just bought one and was wondering how useful/less it will be

Cheers

Anthony

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Follow Up By: Bigfish - Friday, Jun 26, 2015 at 07:00

Friday, Jun 26, 2015 at 07:00

I have a Honda eu20i and even then if I was going to charge a battery it would be via a 240 volt charger. I THINK the genie puts out about 6-8 volts. Better off with a 20amp /240 volt charger. Assuming you are charging large agm/lead acid battery.

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Follow Up By: jokirt - Friday, Jun 26, 2015 at 07:23

Friday, Jun 26, 2015 at 07:23

Thanks all, Yes I have a 100ah and a 105ah battery as well as a couple of tiny 20ah batteries. I have a small 240v charger that I use at home to top up my batteries before going bush, so using it instead of the 12v is no problem. Before posting I read many threads here and on another forum where there was no consensus regarding the use of an earth so I thought I'd like to have one handy just in case.

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Follow Up By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Friday, Jun 26, 2015 at 08:36

Friday, Jun 26, 2015 at 08:36

Anthony, yes, comments apply to all including the EU29i.

Bigfish, maybe you mean 6-8 amps rather than 6-8 volts?

Jokirt, I think you will find consencus between qualified electricians.

Cheers
Allan

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Follow Up By: Ross M - Friday, Jun 26, 2015 at 09:19

Friday, Jun 26, 2015 at 09:19

jokirt
The use of a small 240v battery charger may be no better than the uncontrolled 6-8 amp output of a generators 12v system.

The use of a suitable charger, ie, 15amp, and multi stage one if possible will use the generator most effectively.
Some people use the Honda Eu2 inbuilt charger but it too isn't regulated.
Charge rate ie, amp input, will decrease as the battery gets charged higher and higher. For large AH batteries a small 240v charger or using the inbuilt genny 12v system is poor.

Both require high revs of the generator to work at all.
The 240v charger will use the ECO setting and run fast enough to supply the required amount of energy AND charge the batteries quicker.
Saves on excessive wear and tear and fuel too.

I have found some people running EU2i generators flat out while using a 240v charger. "Cos it said to do that when battery charging". WRONG.
The understanding of the concepts involved and operating at the time was somehow lost via the handbook wording.

FollowupID: 842517