How Are AC And DC Grounds Wired With The Progressive Dynamics PD4045KA Power Center

Question:

Hello - using this unit to convert a cargo trailer for 120v AC and 12v DC loads and wondering about the proper way to ground all this. Shore power inputs will be 1 standard house 15 amp or 30 amp, 2 generator [Honda 2200 inverter], 3 EV truck. I have done a lot of reading on RV grounding and its not clear: My questions: 1 - should I ground PD unit separate from battery and loads to chassis? [read to ground 120v and 12v systems separate to chassis] 2 can I run all negative load lines to a ground bus bar with battery to chassis? 3 can I run all these ground lines to same point on chassis or separate them? if so, how far? In other words, do I need to keep 120V AC [the PD negative wire] grounded separate from the 12v grounds [Battery and loads] 4 or am I overthinking this and the 120V side of the PD unit is grounded from shore power [not sure about generator/EV Truck] and all I need to do is combine all negative leads to a ground bar and run to chassis. Any suggestions on a good place to start online for more detail on this topic? I want to get this right.

asked by: Rick G

Expert Reply:

The AC and DC sides of the Progressive Dynamics 4000 Series Mini RV Converter w/ Charge Wizard and AC/DC Distribution Panel # PD4045KA would be grounded separately. If plugged into shore power you'll have ground at the pedestal. Generators will typically require an earth ground, whether that's a wire ran to a stake in the ground or a grounding plug like # HU33FR. All AC components ran to the power center will ground to bus bar in the power center and out to the shore or generator out.

All of your DC components can be ground to the chassis using a bus bar (purchased separately from the power center), which would be completely separate from the AC components.

If you have any more questions please let me know and I'd be happy to assist further.

expert reply by: Kevin C