How To Ground A Generator While Camping? Here’s The Solution!
Modern-day camping is quite different from traditional camping. But, surely it is more easy and more fun. Remote outdoor camp locations are great for peace and serenity. The only drawback is to leave the available power sources behind.
In this era we are dependent on electrical devices and in the midst of nature how are you going to charge any devices or connect to electrical power?
The answer is a portable camping generator. A portable generator is an engine-powered device that generates electricity. This is the best quick and easy power source to rely on when you are out camping in the middle of nowhere.
If you are looking for one, here’s a camping generator that we recommend:
If you are planning to go on a camping trip you need a power source to keep your smartphones, drones, and cameras alive. Then investing in a good portable generator can be very beneficial.
To operate this machine all you need to do is switch the power on and plug in the cable in order to access power.
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Why grounding your generator is necessary while camping?
Grounding, also known as ‘earthing’ is a process where an electric device stays connected to the earth for safety. It reduces the odds of electrocution or any other mishap that can occur due to electrical fault.
If you are carrying one on your next camping trip, it is necessary to ground your portable generator to be on the safe side. If a generator is not properly earthed it might lead to serious injury.
And no one should face that when they are out to spend some quality time with family or friends.
Tools required for grounding a generator
The proper grounding of a generator requires the right tools. So ensure that you carry the following along with your generator:
Hammer
The first thing to put in your bag is a hammer. A hammer is essentially required for pounding a copper rod. Without a hammer, it is not possible to push a copper rod into solid earth.
Copper rod
A copper rod effectively transfers the current to the ground. The copper rod should be at least four feet in length. To ground your portable power source you have to stick the copper rod into the ground.
Copper wire
Copper wire is used as a conductive electrical wire. To make it work, all you have to do is connect it to the copper rod.
Wrench
Grounding requires loosening a nut or two. The wrench helps to connect the grounding wire to the portable generator. That is why it is important to carry one.
Pliers
To make sure the connection between the copper wire and the copper ground rod is competent you have to keep a pair of pliers handy.
Using pliers twist the copper around and wrap it around the grounding rod.
Wire strippers
Generally, all portable camp generators come with an insulated grounding wire. For properly functional earthing you have to strip off the insulation from both ends of the grounding wire.
The whole process makes it easier to connect the grounding rod and the copper wire which will be later attached to the generator.
How To Ground A Generator While Camping In 4 Simple Steps
STEP 1: Stick the Copper Rod into the earth
Using the hammer, try and bury the copper rod as deep as you can. The deeper your rod is in the ground, the more current transfers within the ground. In simpler words, your generator will be more grounded.
You can always pour some water if the surface ground seems too hard to penetrate. If the surface is rocky and water is not helping then instead of trying to stick it, hammer it straight to an angle.
STEP 2: Strip off the Copper wire
The next step is to strip off the copper wire. Now, removing all the insulation is not necessary. Removing insulation from both ends of the wire would do the job. While using the wire stripper remember you have to attach one end to the generator and another end to the copper rod.
STEP 3: Wrap wire on the copper rod
In this step, you have to wrap one end of the stripped copper wire carefully to the grounded rod. The idea is to send the electricity to the ground.
Using pliers you have to twist the wire and place it tightly on the rod so that the electrical contact remains intact all the time. This step is necessary to protect campers from any mishap, so be patient and do it properly.
STEP 4: Attach the wire to the generator
Now the final step! Connect the second end of the stripped wire to the generator. Try and locate the grounding bolt. You have to remove it. Use a wrench to loosen the bolt and get a good grip at the same time.
Once there is sufficient gap again twist the other end of the stripped wire to the bolt. Check if everything seems perfect, tighten the nut, and you are done.
Safety Considerations
We have also enlisted a set of precautions that will help you to stay safe:
- Enclosed places are not ideal for your generator.
- Carry and use the right tools all the time.
- Keep your generator outside your tent and away from vents, doors, and windows to avoid unfortunate accidents.
- Always fill your generator with the prescribed amount of fuel. Restrain yourself from overfilling.
- Do not drink or keep any water near the generator engine or fuel. Spillage of water on the engine or fuel can turn the camping experience unpleasant.
- Always use the right extension cord while you connect other electrical devices to your portable generator. It requires you to check the wire gauge and other key factors. Be sure you are using the right cords.
Final Thoughts
After going through this entire article, now you know how to ground a generator while camping. It is always advised that you practice grounding your generator at home a few times before.
Though it looks easy doing it for the first time, it is not wise to practice at the campground.
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