Hi,
How can I connect a 220V GENERATOR with a FLOATING output (L1 with L2 = 220V) to obtain a PHASE-NEUTRAL output before entering the VE_TRANSFER?
Can I use VE_TRANSFER K2 CONTACTOR as a trigger that signals “GENERATOR=ON”, to drive an external actuator that connects the generator line (L1 or L2) that I connected as NEUTRAL to the VE_TRANSFER to the vessel’s GROUND?
The goal is to create a ground reference for the differentials to work.
Thank you
Enzo.
All depends on the windings of the generator.
On some it’s just a question of linking one pole and ground on others it’s not needed and on some it will make it go bang
ONLY do this if you know what you are doing with mains electricity. You could kill yourself if you get it wrong. I accept no responsibility for any consequences.
Get a 15 to 40 watt 230 volt bulb. Connect it between output ground and one of the AC outputs. Then connect it between output ground and the other AC output. It should not light up on either of them. If it does not light up then you have an isolated output. It should be fine to bond neutral and earth.
If it does light up fully on one of them but not the other then it already has neutral/earth bonding. Check it has the correct one bonded. Live should light it up, neutral should not.
If it lights up on both of them then you cannot bond neutral and earth but you don’t need to. The centre tapping will allow an RCD to operate properly and protect you in the same way it usually does.
Hi Julian,
Thanks for your prompt reply.
To be sure we’re aligned, I’d like to clarify that I’m not sure my SAIM Dynamica 90E 220V generator has the L1 — 115V — N — 115V — L2 configuration. Years ago, when another owner had it installed, L1 and L2 were used to provide 220V output (220V is the standard voltage in Italy).
I’ll test it with the bulb as soon as I can get on board.
If both L1 and L2 light up, the MULTI II downstream of the VE_TRANSFER, which is new and never turned on, can be powered even if the PHASE and NEUTRAL are not clearly defined. The MULTI II manual specifically states not to invert the phase and neutral.
So I’ve reached the CRUCIAL point that TRIGGERED my post… I’m sorry I didn’t address the primary problem from the beginning… my REAL FEAR is burning the MULTI II.
My concern is not the bonding itself, but whether the MultiPlus-II can safely accept a floating AC input where L and N are arbitrarily assigned but consistent throughout the system.
I’ll stand firm and hope for a response that will help me clarify my thoughts.
Thank you
Enzo.
Schema Elettrico SAIM_rotated.pdf (226.0 KB)
If the configuration really is L1 -N- L2 then it won’t be possible to bond it. The N should be the same as ground, this can be checked with a multimeter.
I was referring to L1 - L2 with no neutral.
You should be able to power 220v equipment from L1 -N- L2 without bonding.
Thanks Julian,
I just have to run the tests…