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3 System Technical Information 3.2 Generator Usage ELECTRICS
The following section provides further technical Caution should be used before connecting a
information relating to the electrical system. generator to your motorhome.
You can also access the supporting technical
manual from www.sargentltd.co.uk ! WARNING: Never start or stop
3.1 Residual Current Device & Miniature
Circuit Breakers the generator while electrical loads are
connected and switched on. Start the
The Residual Current Device (RCD) is engine, let it stabilise and then connect
basically provided to protect the user from the electrical load. To stop the engine,
lethal electric shock. The RCD will turn off disconnect the electrical load and let
(trip) if the current flowing in the live engine stabilise before switching off
conductor does not fully return down the
neutral conductor, i.e. some current is Whilst some generators use electronic inverter
passing through a person down to earth or technology, others use a more basic principle
through a faulty appliance. to generate the 230V supply. Preference
To ensure the RCD is working correctly, should be to choose a generator which
the test button should be operated each produces a consistent sinusoidal wave form
time the vehicle is connected to the mains with accurate voltage control.
supply (see section 2.3)
The Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCB’s) The Reverse Polarity warning light on the
operate in a similar way to traditional fuses PSU may illuminate when using a Generator.
and are provided to protect the wiring This is a normal side effect when using some
installation from overload or short circuit. types of generator. Instead of connecting the
If an overload occurs the MCB will switch neutral conductor to earth, some generators
off the supply. If this occurs you should centre tap the earth connection making both
investigate the cause of the fault before neutral and live conductors 110V above earth.
switching the MCB back on. This 110V difference causes the neon polarity
indicator to illuminate.
In most cases it is safe to use a generator, but
please consult the generator handbook for
further information.
The following table shows the rating and circuit
allocation for the three MCB’s
MCB Rating Output Wire Colour Description
1 10 Amps White
2 16 Amps White (Yellow for heater) 230V Sockets
3 10 Amps Black (Blue for Whale Extra 230V Sockets / Alde or Truma
water heater) Heating System
Fridge / Charger / Auxiliary devices
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