one legged genny

[Pete Masterson]

I'm not sure exactly how the genset is wired. But 110 volt wiring has
a 'neutral' that returns to the generator and a 'ground' that goes to
a ground source. In home wiring systems, the neutral and ground are
tied together, but they are not supposed to be tied together in an RV
(to avoid energizing the frame and body of the coach in the case of a
short or other defect).

While 12v ground problems are legendary (and I've experienced one
myself), 110v grounding problems are much less common. A poor
connection with 12v and the circuit will go dead. A poor connection
with 110v often continues to work, but generates a lot of heat at the
point of the fault -- which might eventually cause a breaker to trip.
12v doesn't have the 'oomph' to cross a poor connection, usually 110v
does if the connection wires are in close proximity -- e.g. a
connection where the connector has simply worked loose yet the wire
remains touching.

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
El Sobrante CA
aeonix1@...



On Aug 20, 2007, at 4:30 PM, brad barton wrote:

>
> Are there separate grounds for the different legs? I keep hearing
> a lot of the phantom 12V problems come from bad grounds fixed on or
> near the bottom of the coach near moisture, mud and road spray?
> Just an idea. So far I've had no problem w/ that part of my
> coach. Best of luck.Brad Barton 00LXiDFW bbartonwx@...
>
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