Static (ground) straps

[stang37]

Just curious can anyone offer an explanation as to why you don’t see a motorhome with a chassis static (ground) strap? Wouldn’t this help in a “Hot Skin” situation and dissipate unwanted static buildup on the electronic systems?

[BFlinn181]

You don't see grounding straps on any vehicles in the modern age. I remember them in the '50's, but not since then. In an RV, a 'hot skin' is usually caused by a bad 120v connection, not static build up. A ground strap in that instance would only hide the problem, perhaps cause a fire or shock hazard. I'd rather fix the problem, not put a conductive band-aid on the RV.

[wa8yxm]

Originally Posted by stang37

Just curious can anyone offer an explanation as to why you don’t see a motorhome with a chassis static (ground) strap? Wouldn’t this help in a “Hot Skin” situation and dissipate unwanted static buildup on the electronic systems?

There are at least two reasons they don't add them, Well 3 actually.

First: no vehicle was ever factory delivered that I know of with Ground Straps. There are reasons for this but they were all added "After market" by the deluded owners

Second. they don't work, Oh, when parked there is a chance they MIGHT discharge a static charge, but in motion they are more olikely to generate Radio Frequency interference than ground your chassis. And the static charge they take to ground.. in 50 years of driving I've never gotten shocked by a car or truck,, I have once by a trailer but that was a different issue (Polaiity on power plug) I fixed it (hey, I knew I went to college and took those courses for some reason )

Third, Every RV I've ever owned HAD a ground system in place when set up.. Yup it's the ROUND pin on your power plug That is SUPPOSED to be a ground.

The HOT SKIN condition you cite..... Failure of that line either at the RV end, in the cord, in the plug or at the park's end (Park is most likely culprit) But that's your Chassis ground right there. USE I, use a good grade of Surge Protecor (IE: Progressive Dynamics HW-50C or HW-30C (number refleects RV's power system) and if it says "OPEN GROUND" park elsewhere, or add-a-ground (I have that feature myself)


Finally... In my line of hobby we deal often with something called a Ground Loop.. here is how it works.

I have the main AC/Chassis ground (ye old round pin) and all the cords and such.. I have my "Add-a-ground" (A 3' rod with 10ga wire) I can stick in the ground.. Well this forms a loop, Literally an irregular circle of wire/earth where current can flow around and around... So when I fire up ye old radio, if I hit the magic frequency, (Resonance) bad things happen. Very bad things from my POV (I use the add-a-ground when boondocking) Some examples of bad wire lengths would be 62.5', 31.2' a bit over 15 and a bit over 10, and odd multiples of all the above. NOTE: partial list.

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You will find info on hot skin and grounding in this link, never had ground straps on any of my coach's.

[Woodchopper]

Originally Posted by stang37

Just curious can anyone offer an explanation as to why you don’t see a motorhome with a chassis static (ground) strap? Wouldn’t this help in a “Hot Skin” situation and dissipate unwanted static buildup on the electronic systems?

stang37
I have one on my Safari coach, (it was a 50 cent garage sale find).

While it might be dissipating unwanted static buildup??... (it is most certainly not a cure for a “Hot Skin" condition).
https://www.amazon.com/Gates-90330-S.../dp/B000CRBR8U

[stang37]

Thanks of the replies. I found an old ground strap in some of my junk and was interested as to why you do not see them on Motorhomes or even most trucks nowadays.