Question re: Portable Gensets & ELD safety switches

Rod Out Back · 2005-11-13T06:43:33+00:00

Folks,A question I've come across recently:We have a portable genset (Honda 5kva) which we use around the property for working on fences etc, where we need 240V. We have one of those orange 4-outlet ELD safety switches, which I bought with the idea it would cut the power if someone was stupid enough to cut the power cord.However, it has been pointed out to me the ELD wont trip because the genset isnt earthed.Does this sound right?If this is correct, is there any way to get an ELD to work on a portable genset?Should I simply keep the ELD outlet for the shed?I already have ELD's fitted to all the buildings as it is, so it would really be only handy for the 4 outlets...Any info appreciated.Cheers,Rod.......Out Back

Nov 13, 2005 22 Replies

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Jasen Betts 20 years ago

yes.

earth the neutral. (not that that's a good idea)

probably. as you have it in the case of an electrical connection between any one of the output wires and the body of a user no current will flow asif you were usuing an isolating transformer, and AFAIK they are as good as ELDs except they don't trip in fault conditions.

Bye. Jasen

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Jasen Betts 20 years ago

yeah if the generator output is earthed a RCD is a good idea.

Bye. Jasen

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Jasen Betts 20 years ago

NZ too (historically), and I thin'k I've seen used ones in AUS. ELCBs are cheaper and way more portable than a 20KG transformer.

Bye. Jasen

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