Yup, it'll be the gas in the generator itself that will be the problem.
I just found this in the USCG Boating Safety Circular #64 March 1990:
"No portable generators meet the Coast Guard Electrical and Fuel System Standards. The fuel tank is usually on top of the generator directly above electrical components that are not ignition-protected, a potentially serious fire hazard on a boat. The exhaust system on a portable generator is usually constructed of nonmarine alloys that will rust through after brief exposure to a salt water environment. The carburetors on most portable generators are not intended for marine use."
So it certainly isn't kosher for a permanent installation, but that's not what we are asking. Is it OK to have on deck? I dunno.
I have a conventional AC system on board, so I plug my generator into the shore-power inlet.
-Tom
--- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, "Eric" <ewdysar@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Tom,
>
> You mentioned that the portable generators are not ignition protected, but there's not much in the way of volatiles onboard my boat any longer. There's the canisters of the alcohol stove with a jug of spare stove fuel and a small lamp with liquid paraffin. Of course, there's the gas tank on the generator itself, but do we think that ignition protection is still a reasonable requirement?
>
> Like you, I only run the generator on deck and for me, the charger plugs directly into the generator.
>
> Fair winds,
> Eric
> Marina del Rey, CA
>
> --- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, "Tom" <boat_works@> wrote:
> >
> > Kevin wrote:
> > "On another note. How do we justify running a 120vac generator in our boats when we have not considered installing our conversions not to the above 50vdc standards set by industry organizations. I have done it but really, are we trying to install our upgrades to standards or not?"
> >
> > Hi Kevin,
> > The "50V standards" you are referring to apply to DC voltages.
> > 120/240VAC system voltage standards are the same for EP boats as any other, until you get up to the 300+VAC propulsion systems.
> >
> > But maybe your question is "Are portable gas generators legal to use onboard recreational vessels, and if so, what are the installation requirements?".
> >
> > I don't know. There is plenty of info about permanently installed generators, but I haven't found anything about portable units. I asked this question of the USCG representative that visits our shop, but haven't received a reply.
> >
> > I do know that the output of the EU2001i has the neutral isolated from ground, which doesn't comply with ABYC E-11 (but that is easily corrected). The flickering of the "rev polarity" light at your "AC Mains" breaker will be your first clue...
> >
> > Probably the biggest concern is that the EU2000i is not certified as ignition protected, which is not something that can be easily corrected. I expect the Coasties will have a problem with that, but as I said, they haven't told me yet.
> >
> > I run one on deck, for now.
> >
> > -Tom
> >
>
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