To step out from everyday busyness and reconnect with nature, a campaign can be a superb way. Enjoying nature, sleeping under the stars, and cooking food on fire can help to make your life more orderly. However, during camping, you may need to access the electronic grid to charge and use the appliances.
In that case, a portable generator will let you access electrical power and let you enjoy modern amenities. While camping, you will need to ground your generator properly to prevent all types of damage. You can ground the generator by inserting the copper rod, stripping the copper wire, and attaching the wire to the rod and generator. In this article, we’ll discuss how to ground a generator when camping properly through a few simple steps.
Is It Necessary To Ground A Portable Generator?
If you are planning a camping trip, a portable generator is essential to ensure an electric connection. According to toughasstools.com, grounding or earthing is necessary to be as safe as possible. If you do not ground the generator properly, it can be the cause of serious injury.
Grounding means connecting an electrical circuit to reference ground, and it will ensure its safe use. Proper grounding will minimize or reduce the chance of electrocution and electrical system fault. Moreover, it will protect you and your family from being harmed by any unwanted encouragement. However, some portable generators have the fuel tank, frame, and engine attached to the edge. When means they do not need to be grounded.
What You’ll Need to Ground a Generator?
Portable generator may give you quick access to electricity, but it requires proper grounding. As a report by osha.gov, if you don’t use the correct tools for grouping a generator, it can cause injuries. Here are some tools that you will need to perform grounding.
Essential Tools:
- Wire Strippers
- Solid Copper Wire
- Four-foot Copper Grounding Rod
- Hammer/Mallet/Sledge Hammer
- Pliers
- Socket Wrench Set
Optional Tools:
- Water
- Screwdriver
- Shovel
How to Ground a Generator When Camping
Once you have prepared all the required tools for grounding a generator, now it’s time to know the step-by-step procedure. We are going to show you the proper process with four simple steps. Follow the below-mentioned instructions.
1. Hammer in the Copper Rod
First, you will need an eight-foot length copper grounding rod and a hammer. Then you will need to hammer it at least four feet deep into the ground. If you have trouble with a hammer the rod, try dipping it into a corner, as you did with a tent. Make sure not to go above or exceed 45º, otherwise, it will not go deep enough.
However, you can pour some water into the ground if it is too hard to sink the rod. The wet condition of the soil will help you to hammer the rod Into the ground with ease. Remember to hammer it at such a distance for both where your generator is located and the length of your copper wire.
2. Strip the Copper Wire
After successfully sank or hammer the rod on the ground, now prepare the cooper wire to strip it at both ends. To perform this task the use of a wire stripper will be a good option.
Trip both ends of the cooper weir with the stripper and never over-strip the wire. Over strip can be dangerous, and it can cause a spark. Strip enough, so you can attach each end to the generator and rod, and do not strap the whole wire.
3. Wrap the Wire to the Copper Rod and Generator
After strapping the copper wire, you will now see the metal wire. After that simply attach the stripped copper wire to the generator and rod. For that, pliers can be a handy tool to make a good grip on the rod. Use pliers and wrap both ends of the wire to complete the process. This is where the electric current will be diverted to flow safely through the copper ground rod.
4. Attach the Copper Wire to the Generator
Now simply use the copper grounding wire’s other end and attach it to the generator. To perform it, you have to remove the grounding bolt of the generator. Use a wrench to loosen the grounding bolt and wrap the stripped wire tightly around the bolt. After that, simply tighten up the nut or bolt with a wrench, and it will keep the attached cooper in place.
Advantage of Grounding a Generator
Grounding a generator when camping is not an option choice, and you have to do it for proper safety. It will prevent not only shock issues but also all types of electrocution. The lack of proper grounding can be a big threat to you and your family. Grounding prevents unexpected direct voltage, which wreaks havoc on electrical assembly.
When you do not ground the generator properly, electrical stimulation can travel through various connections and cause more damage than your generator. Moreover, proper grounding of Power Inverter for Camping is similarly important as grounding portable generator. Ensure proper grounding and perform various tasks simultaneously, including charging your electrical product and backup power supplies.
Conclusion
Learning how to ground a generator when camping is really important if you bring a generator with you. That is because it will reduce the chances of malfunction and keep you and your appliances safe. You will not need to be professional to set up or ground a portable generator.
By following the above-mentioned grounding process, anybody can easily ground their generator. The proper grounding will ensure safety while camping and keep you and your loved ones safe from any potential injury. Here I have tried to share every possible information about grounding a generator when camping and generator grounding requirements. If you like this article, don’t forget to share it with your family and friends.
