T&T: Honda EU2000i to ground or not to ground

[Peter Bennett]

Monday, July 16, 2007, 11:18:31 AM, Bob wrote:

BC> My little boat has no room for a marine generator and adding more batteries,
BC> a larger alternator and inverter requires space I don't have as well as the
BC> cost.  So the simple solution is using the Honda.   Many are using them now
BC> to run the AC, refrig, heat etc. on boats and RVs and I will do the same.  I
BC> know the safety hazards with carbon monoxide and have ample marine detectors
BC> in the cabin and the generator will only be used on the swim platform and
BC> away from the dock....and I will be considerate of others at 
BC> anchorages...now....

BC> The unit has a ground terminal available on the case that is connected to
BC> the metal non current carrying parts and the ground terminal of each
BC> receptacle.  Should I, for any reason use this terminal to connect to the
BC> boats system?  What hazards exist and how might I avoid them?
BC> Thanks for the help.....
BC> Sparky

For use on-board, the generator's metal parts should be connected to
vessel ground through the shore power cord's safety ground wire, so
the ground screw can be ignored.

The separate ground screw should be used when the generator is used
ashore, where it should be (but probably rarely is) connected to a rod
driven into the ground.


-- 
Peter Bennett, VE7CEI    Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Ennos 31 "Honeycomb"
GPS and NMEA info: http://vancouver-webpages.com/peter 
Vancouver Power Squadron: http://vancouver.powersquadron.ca