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240V in a moving behicle? Really a safety issue?

T

terryc

Jan 1, 1970
0
Background; A common question amongst various types of people is about
using mobile fridges/freezers and rechargers off 240V whilst driving
their car. The basis isthat most fridge/freezers run better on
240V(thermostats work) than they do on the 12V setting, plus a lot of
portable appliances still only ave mains rechargers.

Commenting on lists usually get someone squarking about danger to first
responders(emergency services people) if there is a crash.

Is this a realistic or theorectical(sp?) danger?

Would runnng it through an isolator/relay(drop out when engine stops)
reduce the risk?

Is a safety device also recommended?
Earthing the inverter to the car body help?

T.I.A.
 
A

atec77

Jan 1, 1970
0
I dont see how that is possible, the mains supply is isolated, and
even if the "neutral" was bonded to the car chassis, you can only get
a shock if you touch the active while in contact with the chassis.

Note also that in this case, any damage to the active that brought it
into contact with the chassis, would - just like in a domestic
situation - result in a short circuit that would blow a fuse, shut
down or destroy the inverter thus killing the mains supply. Of
course, if you were to contact the active while touching the chassis,
then you would cop a full 240v shock



The only way I can see around this situation is to have an ELCB, and
bond the neutral to the chassis BEFORE the ELCB.

You would of course need to ensure that you have an isolated output
inverter with insulation between the input and output of sufficient
dielectric strength to withstand mains voltages, including any spikes
that may occur when switching inductive loads such as motors on/off.

I'm not giving this as absolute advice, Do not go out and do this
without confirming that it is legal and safe way to do it, I don't
know what regulations (if any) there are on these situations but am
putting it up for discussion by someone who knows about this.
I should have thought if current is flowing then touching the neutral
will if you are grounded still earn you a belt

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