Earthing Yacht

[Graeme Harrold]

Just been to see a yacht on hard standing that was having trouble with the RCD popping when something was plugged in. Sorted that no problem, but noticed there was no earth bonding to the hull. I know the picture in the BRB shows an earth through the hull on the shore power connection is this actually required. I have raised it with the customer as a potential ommission that will need rectification. The boat in question is only 28' long with a fibre glass hull. water pipes etc are metal to through hull glands.

Yes marina power and storage yard supplies have 30mA RCD as does his CU on board, just need some clarification from someone who might know otherwise.

Thanks

 

[Had8Lives]

Just a thought, but fibreglass doesn't conduct electricity, therefore it can't be a conductive part and wouldn't need bonding.

 

[Graeme Harrold]

Just a thought, but fibreglass doesn't conduct electricity, therefore it can't be a conductive part and wouldn't need bonding.

Quite true, but all of the metal work goes out through brass hull glands, the engine and LV system is all connected to an external sacrificial anode. If you look at p195 Fig 709.1 of the BRB, and having just looked at it agin I have answered my own question.............YES it does need earthing.