Does a battery charging generator need to be earthed?

[rogerdw]

Hi, we have an off grid system where I'd like to be able to charge my battery (48V 980aH forklift) with a charger run from a 3phase 13.2kVa diesel generator.

We have 19kW of panels that generally do the job and keep it all charged ... but with extended grey weather we could do with a bit of an extra top up occasionally.

My question is regarding earthing ... do we need to earth it anywhere ... or simply just plug in the charger to the battery and stoke up the generator?

The generator will never be connected to the AC side of things. Thanks.

 

[LydMekk]

What type and model charger? Picture? Link?

 

[timselectric]

This would depend on if the generators AC output is bonded.
And if the generator is in a permanent location.
If yes to both, then a ground rod adds safety.
If no, then it doesn't.

 

[rogerdw]

It's a home built unit. 4 cyl Mazda diesel with a 13.2 kVa Dunlite generator.

 

[rogerdw]

This would depend on if the generators AC output is bonded.
And if the generator is in a permanent location.

Thanks Tim. The neutral is connected directly to the body of the generator. I assume that's what you mean by "bonded"?

The connection between the neutral and ground is accessible in the top junction box and could be disconnected ... but that's how it has been previously wired.

And it will be in a permament location once complete. The properties meter box with earth peg is at the other end of the shed where the generator will be located ... 20 metres away. Would I run an earth wire back to there ... or install a new peg?

 

[timselectric]

I would run to the original grounding system.
There should be only one grounding system for everything.

 

[rogerdw]

Thanks again Tim, that makes sense.