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| Thread ID: 72884 | 2006-09-29 10:08:00 | Inverters | Andrew B (867) | PC World Chat |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 488052 | 2006-09-29 10:08:00 | I have got Dick Smith 300 watt inverter M5211 and would like to know why it says on their website that it is 'Not suitable to power fixed buildings'. Is it safe to plug the mains lead of a caravan into it? It would be powered by a 12 volt battery in the caravan. Thanks | Andrew B (867) | ||
| 488053 | 2006-09-29 13:18:00 | Be VERY careful - the reason they advise that is due to the earthing scheme. Often you can end up with stuff that's live at 240v when it shouldn't be live at all (an example would be the caravan body vs the ground outside). So be very, very careful, and be sure to use a proper earth stake - that's why there's an attachment point for it. It's designed to be safe, but only for a given value of 'safe'. | Erayd (23) | ||
| 488054 | 2006-09-30 03:55:00 | Be VERY careful - the reason they advise that is due to the earthing scheme . Often you can end up with stuff that's live at 240v when it shouldn't be live at all (an example would be the caravan body vs the ground outside) . So be very, very careful, and be sure to use a proper earth stake - that's why there's an attachment point for it . It's designed to be safe, but only for a given value of 'safe' . The inverter will have no relationship to "earth" as in the national grid, so earth stakes are not relevant . The issue is whether or not the inverter can create a voltage between its external casing and the exposed metal structure of the caravan, or between a powered appliance and the ground . Presuming that the battery for the caravan is not grounded to the frame (a bit pointless really), it should provide an isolated supply that is unlikely to create a hazard . I would read the documentation that came with the inverter and you should find any safety aspects well explained, especially if it came from DSE . The caravan will have ground wiring due to the option to use a mains supply so there is very little risk, and I would assume that the power socket on the inverter is grounded to the outer casing for safety as well . Anyway, at 300 watts it is going to draw about 25 amps from the battery so it won't be running for long . Even at 100W you will be drawing around 8 amps so it won't be much use for anything other than a small TV, charging a cellphone battery or running a laptop for several hours . I have a DSE inverter here somewhere so if I can find it, I'll check it out and post again . Cheers Billy 8-{) Edit: Yep, checked it, the earth pin is connected to the case so it will be tied to the caravan frame and should be ok . |
Billy T (70) | ||
| 488055 | 2006-09-30 11:02:00 | Thanks for your replies. Yes I realise that the battery won't last long if the inverter is supplying 300 watts. But it is only for the small tv, laptop or phone charging as you suggested. The lights are all 12 volt flouro's. And the battery will be recharged from the vehicle when travelling each day. And that is another thing to sort out; how to make the vehicle alternator charge the discharged battery in the caravan when the one in the vehicle isn't discharged as much. Cheers |
Andrew B (867) | ||
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