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Grounding an INVERTER - Don't undersize your grounding wire! | Ask The Expert with NIGEL CALDER

25 January 2024 · 2 min · 11K views

What this video covers

Inverters feature a dedicated ground stud to protect against DC-to-case shorts, which can cause the chassis to become energized during a fault.1:13 This ground conductor must carry the full fault current, requiring a wire gauge equal to the DC negative conductor supplying the unit.0:45 While the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) allows this grounding wire to be one size smaller than the negative conductor for larger installations, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) mandates identical sizing.1:03 For small units like a 400-watt inverter, the ABYC exception does not apply, necessitating a conductor size matching the negative supply.1:43 Battery chargers often require similar heavy-gauge grounding to manage potential fault currents safely.1:56 Undersizing these conductors risks melting the wire during a short circuit.1:23 Proper grounding prevents dangerous electrical potential on the inverter case and ensures the system remains safe during a failure.

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