Do I need a RCD on an inverter? (1 Viewer)

[Stealaway]

Would one of these be any good?

Masterplug 13A Fused Plug-Through Active RCD Adaptor - Screwfix

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[Raul]

It depends on inverter,

I can help with the Phoenix models if Ozric responds. There is a way of grounding the neutral on all phoenix, but different on ve models. Then rcd will work. As it is out the box, rcd it will not work

 

[Pausim]

Would one of these be any good?

Masterplug 13A Fused Plug-Through Active RCD Adaptor - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Added protection against electric shock. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

That one is probably a single pole RCD. I thought 2 pole was essential with an inverter.

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[Stealaway]

That one is probably a single pole RCD. I thought 2 pole was essential with an inverter.

This one ?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=303658315459

 

[Raul]

That one is probably a single pole RCD. I thought 2 pole was essential with an inverter.

Once the neutral is grounded , then becomes true neutral. The double pole is needed where the polarity can be reversed like the continental plug it can be plugged either way.

 

[DBK]

This is probably no help at all but I'll give it a go as it might explain why the use of RCDs and inverters is a bit tricky.

Have a look at this diagram.

It's massively simplified but what it is showing is on the left is a circuit of transistors which are generating a low voltage AC current which is being fed into a transformer. The secondary winding on the right has more turns and this increases the voltage to around 240 volts.

The problem with using an RCD is there is no earth connection involved with the circuit in the diagram and typically an RCD senses a leakage of current (through your body!) to earth.

You can get around this by connecting one side of the output to earth, which sounds odd but this is what happens with your mains at home - neutral and earth are connected together.

Where it gets more complicated is some inverters have a centre tapping from the secondary winding and this is used as the earth. If you have one of these connecting one side to earth will short circuit that side of the winding - which isn't wise.

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[Pausim]

Some inverters output out of phase 115V down both wires which ups to 230V when the two out of phase supplies meet in the device but are less dangerous individually. You therefore need 2 pole switches and devices for this type.

 

[Pausim]

This one ?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=303658315459

Probably not, I couldn’t find any UK plug in ones that were 2 pole.

 

[Ozric]

It’s brand new, so current model.

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[Ozric]

It depends on inverter,

I can help with the Phoenix models if Ozric responds. There is a way of grounding the neutral on all phoenix, but different on ve models. Then rcd will work. As it is out the box, rcd it will not work

Just checked and has ve direct.

 

[EuroTrotters]

As per original post, I haven't actually bought one yet, still scoping out my options

Thanks for all your help everyone, interesting subject!

Victron are best

 

[Raul]

Just checked and has ve direct.

Ok, for ve direct models is easy. Take cover of and move yellow wire( PE) from right to the spade connector near the yellow component, over the transformer See apendix A page 12 in the manual for the pictures and detailed explanation. Once you do that, you have neutral bonded to chassis/earth PE, and RCD will operate as intended.

https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Manual-Phoenix-Inverter-VE.Direct-250VA-1200VA-EN-NL-FR-DE-ES-IT.pdf

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[Ozric]

Brilliant
Had just found this earlier and am just back after having purchased a plug in rcd. East way to make safe.
Many thanks