Forum Discussion
hgarraway
Apr 19, 2005Explorer
This is a true grounding story but not exactly related to grounding a Chinese (or any origin) RV genset. It happened to my wife and me on April 10 while returning from a trip to Gulf Shores AL. Traveling on Highway 63 just north of Moss Point MS we crossed a railroad track with a bad bump. We decided to stop and check out our 33RLBS Cedar Creek we were towing to see if all was secure inside. I pulled over at the first available paved shoulder and Jo Ann (my wife) stepped out of the truck. When she reached to shut the door she was 'stung' by what seemed to be a static charge as happens on a cool dry day. She then went back to the trailer and grabbed the steps and was SHOCKED. She ran back to the cab and said turn off the truck something's wrong. I did, she started to get in, touched the door and was shocked again. I got out with tennis shoes on and felt nothing...until my bare legs touched the wet grass on the shoulder. It felt like fire ants or yellowjackets just starting to do their stuff.
So what was it?
I looked up and we were directly under a main power line coming from a Mississippi Power Company generating plant less than a mile away.
Now it's common knowledge in Mississippi that this is how UFO's refuel but it was quite an experience for us. The 500 kva line was charging our 'floating' rig and charging us up or discharging through us every time we touched the rig. When I was getting bit it was after I had touched the rig and backed into the grass. We jumped in my open door and drove away. When I cranked the truck the digital display displayed randomly for a moment then stabled down.
A call later to the plant confirmed what I thought had happened. The spokesman said that they always send new employees out to a truck parked under the main to get a tool and watched as they jumped.
Be careful where you park. Could be interesting with a pacemaker.
Hugh
p.s. love my ELM 3000 :) Thanks prof and other contributors
So what was it?
I looked up and we were directly under a main power line coming from a Mississippi Power Company generating plant less than a mile away.
Now it's common knowledge in Mississippi that this is how UFO's refuel but it was quite an experience for us. The 500 kva line was charging our 'floating' rig and charging us up or discharging through us every time we touched the rig. When I was getting bit it was after I had touched the rig and backed into the grass. We jumped in my open door and drove away. When I cranked the truck the digital display displayed randomly for a moment then stabled down.
A call later to the plant confirmed what I thought had happened. The spokesman said that they always send new employees out to a truck parked under the main to get a tool and watched as they jumped.
Be careful where you park. Could be interesting with a pacemaker.
Hugh
p.s. love my ELM 3000 :) Thanks prof and other contributors
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