welder generator in a metal container?

[wasted years]

I've got some large steel bins on wheels that would be a good way of moving the generator about the farm and workshop.
Is it a good idea to do this from an electrical safety point of view?
The generator is in a metal frame obviously but I just thought could the metal bin become live realistically?

 

[Pheasant Surprise]

By rights really every generator (whether its fixed or portable) should be earthed, for two reasons. Firstly in case the frame/casing of the generator becomes live, to provide a safe path to earth.

Secondly so that the generator "earth" terminal doesn't dangerously float above the earth potential of any nearby structures that equipment powered by the generator is being used. This could present a problem where tools or devices powered by the generator are not double insulated.

 

[wasted years]

By rights really every generator (whether its fixed or portable) should be earthed, for two reasons. Firstly in case the frame/casing of the generator becomes live, to provide a safe path to earth.

Secondly so that the generator "earth" terminal doesn't dangerously float above the earth potential of any nearby structures that equipment powered by the generator is being used. This could present a problem where tools or devices powered by the generator are not double insulated.

So a 'part' solution may be to run an earth wire from the frame to an earth rod and pop it into the ground at each job?

 

[Pheasant Surprise]

So a 'part' solution may be to run an earth wire from the frame to an earth rod and pop it into the ground at each job?

They should all be earth staked really. But no one typically bothers with smaller open frame sets.

 

[TheTallGuy]

They should all be earth staked really. But no one typically bothers with smaller open frame sets.

Not quite - there are exemptions based on the usage & size of genny, but most manufacturers do recommend staking them anyway.

... The generator is in a metal frame obviously but I just thought could the metal bin become live realistically?

The generator frame is usually bonded to either the neutral or the centre tap from the alternator to provide an earth return - you can check it with a meter or preferably a loop tester. Personally I would make sure your bin is bonded to the genny & then carry a spike with a short lead just to ensure that the bin doesn't "float".

 

[wasted years]

Not quite - there are exemptions based on the usage & size of genny, but most manufacturers do recommend staking them anyway.


The generator frame is usually bonded to either the neutral or the centre tap from the alternator to provide an earth return - you can check it with a meter or preferably a loop tester. Personally I would make sure your bin is bonded to the genny & then carry a spike with a short lead just to ensure that the bin doesn't "float".

When you say bond the genny to the container does that mean bolt one to the other?

 

[TheTallGuy]

When you say bond the genny to the container does that mean bolt one to the other?

Strictly speaking it should be cable bonded as you shouldn't rely on what is considered to be mechanicaly bearing joint.

 

[TripleSix]

Put it in a box.

It'll be fine.