Mobile earthing to van plus stand alone generator

Paul betton · Jun 1, 2017

Hi all. Newby here. What would be the best way to earth a mobile food van plus mobile generator to each other. Also if I install a commando outlet for the genny or a fixed supply, would the earthing principle be the same I.e van body earthing connected to or separate from installation?.

davesparks · Jun 1, 2017

does the generator output have a floating earth or a N-E link? What size is the generator?

Paul betton · Jun 2, 2017

Hi. The generator is a honda eu20i. 2000w with uk 230 outputs. It does have an grounding point and in the manual says to connect to rod if connections to it are grounded, but I'm using it to supply a van with tyres so the equipment in the van won't be grounded. On the generator wiring diagram it shows the generator engine chassis and outlets all earthed together so would I need to put an neutral earth link in the lead connecting it to the van or would the 230 outlets earthpoint connected to the cu met suffice. Also I'll install rcbo's of 30ma or less and cross bond everything in the van including the body. What do you think?.

davesparks · Jun 2, 2017

But is that chassis earth connection referenced to the output of the alternator in any way? If not then you do not have a neutral, only two lives.
Using bs7909 as a reference you would fall into the category of a simple installation, you could maybe use that as a guide for what you should do.

Why install rcbos? The generator will never deliver enough current to operate the overcurrent element, it'll stall the engine before it gets anywhere near operating that kind of ocpd.

Wilko · Jun 2, 2017

I'm thinking cpc linking generator to van, generator with "a rod" and it's chassis and neutral linked to it. The generator then looks like a DNO TNS supply (?).

davesparks · Jun 2, 2017

Wilko said:
I'm thinking cpc linking generator to van, generator with "a rod" and it's chassis and neutral linked to it. The generator then looks like a DNO TNS supply (?).

For a bigger generator I'd agree, but considering how small it is I'd be inclined towards keeping it as an isolated system, but as usual without actually seeing the job it's all guesswork and speculation