"Dave" wrote in message
...
Should an earth spike be used when a generator is used to power class 1
equipment that normally needs an earth? (thinking of safety and ignoring
EMC). I should know the answer to this but can see two sides of the coin
and can't choose between the two.
On one side it would be good to tie the gen and neutral down to Earth,
but on the other side it would seem sensible to let the whole lot float.
.. and how would an RCD cope?
The particular case is using a gen to provide power for an outdoor PA
system (and maybe a band).

Dave


If it is a small 240 volts AC genset, then what do want an earth point on it
for. If you're plugging directly in to the generator, then it already has,
or better have, its own safety devices protecting it and the supply outlets.

A generator doesn't really need an earth point, and some generators don't
really like being pinned to the earth, so you'd need to make sure that the
metal work, if any, around the performance area was insulated from earth,
but not the generator. Blocks of wood under the legs of any metal staging
is usually enough to isolate the stage from earth.

If you're talking industrial generator here, then you'll need to follow the
instructions for the generator you've bought / hired. These sometimes need
to be spiked to earth for their own internal safety features to function
properly. Others need to be bonded to surrounding conductive materials for
the protective devices to work correctly.

It all depends on what and how the generator is going to used.