Backyard Aquaponics
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Hi guys,

I have a question for you guys in regards to Neutral - Earth Link in the inverter that I have installed.

The current inverters does not have a N-E link, in return it disables RCD's

My question is should I link the N-E and drive a earth post into the ground, so when and if active does leak to earth the RCD recognizes the unbalance between Active and Neutral and trips?


regards

Matt

I think you should get a sparkie

Where is the RCD? Downstream of the inverter? If so then yes I'd install an earth-neutral link and earth post.

Note that if the system is not earthed you won't get a boot if you touch the active wire, but you will get electrocuted if you touch active and neutral at the same time. You'll also get a boot if one tiny part of your system has even a small leak to earth potential.

It's easy to forget how dangerous 240 volts is when it's being powered by a battery.

I assume we are talking a battery fed small inverter and the answer varies greatly depending on exact setup.

If you only have a double insulated pump into it, ie one without a earth pin, the RCD is not required.

You can't just join N-E if there is any mains power in the "shed?" that is a direct breach of the standards as it creates a possible parallel path back to the mains neutral. One MEN per installation.
That said there are ways around that by making it into a separated supply.

If you have anything that is not double insulated then yes RCD and assuming an unpowered shed MEN/RCD.

I will point out that a RCD used on most inverter outputs is not a standard unit. It must be also suited for pulsed dc "Type A" due to the rectification circuit.