To ground or not to ground

[Tango]

I'd suggest reading up on "Hot Skin" condition. It is a very serious issue with RV wiring. More than a few people have died as a result.

[plfking]

Originally Posted by Eden

This. We didn't realize our solar wasn't grounding properly until we noticed we had a really fantastic burglar alarm. At least 3 visitors got zapped in the doorway before we realized what was going on, lol. The first 2 times we thought they were just having personal problems.

I have a couple of friends like that too.


Don

[Robin97396]

I'd like a burgler alarm like that to share with my friends.

The old timers used to talk about using a model-T coil wired to their car body to shock people that were always trying to sit on the hood.

[SandraBulocksRevenge]

Originally Posted by Eden

This. We didn't realize our solar wasn't grounding properly until we noticed we had a really fantastic burglar alarm. At least 3 visitors got zapped in the doorway before we realized what was going on, lol. The first 2 times we thought they were just having personal problems.

Trying to wrap my head around this. It seems to me that alot of the content in this thread is regarding the grounding of 120VAC systems. For 12vDC wired solar (200w) what is the justification for grounding and where should it be done? I was reading up over on another forum from the solar king and he said it is not necessary as long as you have both polarities fused. I currently have only gotten the gear to fuse the + side, is it necessary to fuse both?

My main questions being:
Is it necessary to ground small 12vDC solar systems
Where in the system should ground be connected (to the CC?)
Should i fuse both + and -

jack

[roach711]

"Ground" has a different meaning in AC and DC circuits. In a DC circuit the ground is the return wire, like the neutral in an AC circuit. In an AC circuit the ground is a safety feature and normally carries no current at all. A vehicle body is fine sharing AC and DC grounds.

In a DC circuit you have the option of using the body/frame as the return line or to run dedicated grounds for each circuit.

Typically the positive wire is fused.