Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Help with a few questions please

I just took possession of my 240v pump.
The doco stresses the need for a good earth.
I was planning to use deep cycle batteries & an inverter to power the pump - and my question is - where does the pump get its earth from with an inverter?

second question - can you buy earth leakage devices - maybe on power blocks - without having to get an electrician in?

lastly - does anyone know a cheap source of troughs (maybe cattle troughs) - aroung 30cm high?

Cheers
Jamie

Jaymie, I'm not a sparky, so this is the obligatory disclaimer incase you fry yourself.

RCD's (earth leakage devices) can be bought incorporated into power boards and extension leads.

the inverter earth thing is a touchy subject. there are differnt "Types" pf inverters..........as well as different view points on earthing.

best bet is to do your own research and also ask some one at a dedicated alternative power shop, not the kid working at super cheap. I'll enter into discussions though, but DO NOT take my opinions as gospel.

Technically if your supply neutral is not tied to earth at the generation point then there will never be a return path through ground for you to be electrocuted. Our grid power IS, hence the cabability of being electrocuted by touching the active.

On the surface it would seem that the neutral output of the inverter is not tied to ground anywhere. But the switchmode supply inside may not be isolated between 12V and 240V sides. Now if the mounting screws for the inverter are connected to some type of chassis which is also in contact with the ground (or IS the ground, i the case of a boat for example) then you may have a potential problem.

Most inverter manuals cover such things, but it would be wise to inform yourself on such matters
Sorry there wasn't a simple answer for you.

Technically though, an rcd on the output of the inverter should do the trick, as it monitors the balance of the power "out" the active and "in" the neutral. If there ever was a secondary return path though you, even if it was to the casing, which may or may not be tied to neutral, the RCD should pick up this inbalance and cut power.

Steve

just to confuse you Steve, wrong "Jaymie", that one is from Jamie! (who coincidentally joined on my birthday, which confuses me)

sorry jaymie

I knew it wasn't you, it took much control to make sure i spelled you name correctly when you joined, so much so that i do it by accident with jamie now. LOL

I you it was you becasue you could just sit your inverter on one of the big dry rocks that inhabit your place.

Thanks Steve. What you say makes sense even if you ain't a sparky
ie RTFM. Jaymie, Happy birthday for 8th October.
Cheers
Jamie

RTFM?

Read The F'in Manual

Its commonly used in computer/technical support circles

LOL, good one

I know it as"
when all else fails, RTFM!!!

Jamie
there is a guy at the woodridge markets who sells those blue 220lt barrels for $20.00 each. Bunnings sell a 120lt poly planter 300mm high and about the same wide for $52.00
pete

Jamie, did you get your cattle troughs sorted out - I may have answered before the site went down and it seems to have got lost

edit:
in fact I'm sure I did - I picked up some last week will post a pic tomorrow