Earthing the mains electrics

[helen&tony]

Hi
As it's sensible to earth the Bongo when using mains electrics, is there a source of an approved socket for earthing, or is it merely a case of just adding a bit of heavy-duty cable to a spike, and connecting it to the chassis?
Cheers
Helen

[Muzorewa]

I think "adding a bit of heavy-duty cable to a spike, and connecting it to the chassis" is right, but you need to know that the spike is actually earthing things which will depend on the kind of ground you've whacked it into. No doubt there's a a meter to measure the required impedance for you.

[helen&tony]

Hi
Muz...
Yes, I reckon it would be O.K as stated, but the thought of a meter hadn't occured...I wonder if there is a "ground meter"...I was also going to include a metal plate to go under the wheel when on concrete....Reason being is: I am going to connect the Bongo to the CTEK charger, and run it through the Bongo's mains electrics, rather than running it off the extension lead through the driver's window, and I don't want the barn cats to get fried ....mind you...fried cat....there's a thought
Cheers
Helen

[Muzorewa]

That's the problem, just putting a metal plate under the wheel won't earth it. You need to know that it's earthed and even knocking a pukka earth spike into the ground doesn't necessarily do it.

No doubt an expert in electrickery will be along soon for a qualified answer....

[g8dhe]

Yup that is the problem! Putting an earth in at a single fixed point say at home is a different kettle of fish to doing it at a site which might say have underlying rock, can you imagine trying to sink a decent earth at the Glencoe campsite

[helen&tony]

Hi
Ah!, fried cat it is then ...seriously, though, is it worth going without an earth in such instances?....I ran our caravan without ever earthing it, although it does seem a sensible thing?
Cheers
Helen

[g8dhe]

Thete is some guidance here http://professional-electrician.com/tec ... an-pitches

[helen&tony]

Hi
Interesting reading....Over here there aren't any domestic earthing facilities, and they commonly connect the earth and neutral IN the house....BUT....often the sockets are wired randomly, especially with twin sockets, as one side of the socket is wired differently to the other side if you plug into the socket in a logical way...OR whichever way the plug will fit!....AND in some of the older village houses, it's often possible to find non-waterproof 3-phase electric switches by the kitchen sink where they activate the well-pump when using well-water!.....
Cheers
Helen