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RCD's and portable generators

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Simon:
This relates to the UK, EU and USA, I know standards may differ. Does a portable generator require an RCD?

themadhippy:
any help
https://electrical.theiet.org/wiring-matters/years/2020/82-september-2020/mythbusters-6/

Simon:
Thank you very useful, as i do have a copy of BS7671:2018, chapter 55 is all about temporary installations. Does a single generator with one connected load count as an installation?

Jeroen3:
This is a complicated subject and the usage area defines what rules apply.

Typically in the netherlands:
Mostly, yes mandatory, even if not functional as noted in the rules. "if the generator is used a IT (no earth pin) then they will not act"
Exceptions for using generators as IT-system are the amount and class of devices attached and the length of cable. One class I or some class II, within 30m and less then 3kVA.
Above 18kg isolation monitoring is even mandatory when used on building sites.

In any case all metal structures or objects need to be bonded when the generator is to power them to not have potentials between them.

Simon:
We supply an off the shelf inverter generator, this thing is a plastic case. I'm not even sure it has an earth bonding point on it and unless that is has and is staked into the ground an RCD will not really work anyway.

The regulations quoted in the article are from "requirements for electrical installations" or BS7671:2018, this specifically states at the start that it does not apply to machinery and a generator that is put on the ground, run for 4 hours at most and then taken away again does not sound like an installation. If the generator were in place for a longer period of time with various extensions supplying different things then it would start to class as a temporary instalation.

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