by ac3000 » Wed Mar 14, 2018 7:10 pm
As a sparkie I cant stress the importance of having earthed equipment enough. I've heard some of the Chinese gear isnt earthed (and some gear on ebay does look suspect)- but this can be checked (or fixed). When building a boiler from a keg an earth should ALWAYS be added. You can weld a bolt on the keg for an earthing point.
The bottom pin (vertical) on the aussie 3 pin plug/ power point is the earth. If you have a continuity tester, or buzzer to test if 2 points are connected (ohms on a multimeter) you can use this to check. (DONT PLUG ANYTHING INTO A POWER POINT TO DO THESE TESTS)
From the vertical bottom pin on the male plug (that you stick in the power point) to any metal part on your controller, and especially the corresponding vertical bottom outlet on the controller you should get continuity (buzzer will buzz or ohm meter will show zero ohms). When your boiler is plugged into the controller (DONT PLUG CONTROLLER IN TO POWER POINT TO CHECK) you should get continuity/ buzz/ zero ohms from any metal on the boiler all the way back to the bottom vertical pin on the plug that you would stick in the power point.
If your meter/ buzzer etc doest react/ buzz etc your item may not be earthed- get it checked (or buy funeral insurance).
Earthing equipment shouldn't be a big deal for someone that knows what they are doing- I suggest bribes of alcohol will readily work. Earthing can be easily added and/ or checked, and will going a long way to saving your ass if something goes wrong.
ALSO- If your house/ shed doesnt have RCD/ safety switch protection do your self a favour and buy a power board that has it (not just overload protection) or get it installed.
Hope the above makes sense- if in doubt offer a sparkie free piss to check. I can try and do a diagram if this would help?
Stay safe
AC3000