Hi,
I have a problem since I fitted an inverter in my workshop to run a metalwork lathe.
It is a filtered inverter which supplies three phase power to the motor. Since it was fitted, the inverter intermittently trips the main earth leakage trip in the house.
Sometimes it will trip as soon as it is turned on, but a couple of days a go it tripped after being left on (but not being used) for about 2 hours. Resetting the trip whilst the inverter was still in the on position, caused the trip to go after a few seconds. only turning the inverter off would cure the tripping. Another time, it tripped when I started the lathe. I am convinced the inverter must b e the problem, but do not know how to test it (it was brand new, but from ebay so not guaranteed).
I had a 2hp inverter originally (this was new from IMO) which simply would not work at all, tripping at switch on every time. The makers said the only was to solve it was to remove the internal filter, as the leakage was over the (I think), 30mA of the trip.
I was told then the the size now fitted 1hp would not give any problems.
What I wanted to know is if I can fit a separate earth leakage trip just feeding the inverter, that perhaps would have a lower trip rating as the main one, or perhaps the same rating but it might trip quicker, if fitted close to the input to the inverter, so if it does trip, it won't cut power to the rest of the house.
Also does the type of current trip (i.e. b class .etc) make any diffrence, since it is only in line with the mains and obviously not connected to the earth, only to the live input to the inverter.
Please note you are not replying to an electrician but I am competent to wire electrics, and never had a problem before this one.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I have a problem since I fitted an inverter in my workshop to run a metalwork lathe.
It is a filtered inverter which supplies three phase power to the motor. Since it was fitted, the inverter intermittently trips the main earth leakage trip in the house.
Sometimes it will trip as soon as it is turned on, but a couple of days a go it tripped after being left on (but not being used) for about 2 hours. Resetting the trip whilst the inverter was still in the on position, caused the trip to go after a few seconds. only turning the inverter off would cure the tripping. Another time, it tripped when I started the lathe. I am convinced the inverter must b e the problem, but do not know how to test it (it was brand new, but from ebay so not guaranteed).
I had a 2hp inverter originally (this was new from IMO) which simply would not work at all, tripping at switch on every time. The makers said the only was to solve it was to remove the internal filter, as the leakage was over the (I think), 30mA of the trip.
I was told then the the size now fitted 1hp would not give any problems.
What I wanted to know is if I can fit a separate earth leakage trip just feeding the inverter, that perhaps would have a lower trip rating as the main one, or perhaps the same rating but it might trip quicker, if fitted close to the input to the inverter, so if it does trip, it won't cut power to the rest of the house.
Also does the type of current trip (i.e. b class .etc) make any diffrence, since it is only in line with the mains and obviously not connected to the earth, only to the live input to the inverter.
Please note you are not replying to an electrician but I am competent to wire electrics, and never had a problem before this one.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.