haze5736
Member
Posts: 35 
Likes: 2
1970 Fan Lee Liner 16'
Currently Offline
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Post by haze5736 on Apr 6, 2020 7:59:58 GMT -8
I've been reading through the 110v threads trying to understand why it is recommended/required to ground the 110v system to the trailer chassis.
If the ground from the shore power is connected to the 110v ground bus bar then why the need to ground the bus bar to the chassis? None of the outlets or appliances are grounded to the chassis.
Thanks.
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Post by vikx on Apr 6, 2020 11:23:38 GMT -8
First, the ground prevents "hot skin" which could zap you a good one...
Second, it is CODE according RV industry regulations.
Each circuit is grounded via the bus bar by a bare copper wire, so all outlets are grounded to the frame. Hopefully, the shore power outlet is properly grounded.
I'm curious why you would ask this, as almost all trailers already have a ground to the frame. If missing, it is very easy to add a ground. Run the ground from the breaker box ground bar down and bolt or lug it to the trailer frame. In the old days, folks used to drive an extra ground rod when trailers didn't have any grounds.
I like to have two grounds, one for 110, the other for the 12 volt system.
NOTE: The grounds and neutrals (white wires) are ALWAYS separate in an RV.
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haze5736
Member
Posts: 35
Likes: 2
1970 Fan Lee Liner 16'
Currently Offline
|
Post by haze5736 on Apr 6, 2020 14:38:45 GMT -8
I ask because I'm starting with nothing. All the electric, ac and dc, was removed.
How does the hot skin condition happen?
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Post by vikx on Apr 6, 2020 19:59:44 GMT -8
I ask because I'm starting with nothing. All the electric, ac and dc, was removed. How does the hot skin condition happen? There are several scenarios that cause hot skin. One is a stray powered wire touching the skin somewhere. Without a ground, the skin can give you a full load shock if you are standing in wet grass and touch the metal. I've been lit up more than once. Another is a melted or loose pronged cord that is arcing. If the campsite outlet is not wired properly, that can do it as well. Easier to ground to the frame than take a chance. Wow, that's too bad. Electrical removed on a 70 camper? Probably a very un-necessary action... We have sticky tutorials in this section (and the tutorial section) that can help you. vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/4012/electrical-dos-dontsvintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/10598/breaker-box-wiring-rvs This thread discusses how to wire the breaker box. The first attempt was "wrong" as the member was following a residential electrician's advice rather than wire an RV breaker box. Keep in mine that your AC and DC electrical should be separate systems. Please PM me for more info and my email address. |
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