We are selling our boat and the pre-listing survey noted the Quattro case is not grounded. I’m trying to get the manufacturer to pay for the fix. The manufacturer claims it is bound only by ISO 13297:2020. I purchased a copy and found this provision relating to inverter/chargers:
11.5 A separate DC equipotential conductor shall be connected from the metallic case or chassis of the inverter or inverter/charger to the main grounding/earthing point or its bus, and be of an amperage rating equal to the DC positive conductor. This conductor shall not be connected to the DC negative at the inverter or inverter/charger.
If the craft is fitted with an insulated DC system, or if the inverter AC/DC power terminal enclosure is of double-insulated construction, this requirement may not apply.
Does the bold italicized language apply to a Quattro? I note “may not” is used rather than “shall not,” giving the manufacturer wiggle room. I don’t want to argue over the meaning of “may.” I’d rather know whether double-insulation exists.
I don’t think so. This section clearly applies to the “case or chassis.” The battery connection to the Quattro uses both positive and negative cables and does not use or rely on a negative ground system (even though the battery negative terminal is probably grounded). This ISO section is not referring to providing power to the Quattro. It refers to equipotential grounding that connects all cases and chassis so all equipment on the boat has the same electrical potential. This is may not be necessary if the “enclosure is of double-insulated construction.” I want to know if that describes the Quattro enclosure.
My apologies i skipped a word in my last answer totally changed the meaning. Have left it otherwise the following answer will not make sense. From the above link.
Isolation of all Victron inverters and inverter/chargers:
Between the AC circuitry and chassis: basic isolation. The chassis therefore must be grounded. ·
I am not an expert in boat standards (land locked country).
I think this is different to the ABYC standard that uses the same size conductor as the battery pos.
But the cable from the chasis should equal the AC conductor size at least from what I understand. And could be corrected there are a few marine guys here
And of course i don’t know what standard applies to where ever you are. And i guess what your boat hull is made of?
Thank you for this information. Apparently, the boat manufacturer did not ground the chassis. The surveyor noted chassis ground was missing. The boat was in charter for 3 years, and it was possible charter maintenance disconnected and failed to reconnect the chassis ground. However, my electrician cannot find a loose cable that might be a candidate. This raised my question of whether a chassis ground is even needed per ISO. You have confirmed it is needed as the Quattro is not double-insulated. The boat came off the line in 2021 and was close to the first delivery after the pandemic shutdown. It is likely this and other boats may have been rushed out the door to minimize the backlog. Thanks again.