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Where can a PV array be connected?

Chris Pearson

I suspect that a PV array would normally be connected between the meter and the first DB, but can it be connected more peripherally please?

The most suitable area of roof is at the opposite end of the premises from the electrical origin. However, there is a small DB with spare ways adjacent to the loft space. It supplies one lighting and one socket circuit and is seldom significantly loaded. The distribution circuit from the main DB is 16 mm² singles (with the live conductors being sheathed). As far as I can see, it travels through under-floor voids and is boxed in with other services as it ascends in a bathroom so RCD protection is not required. If the inverter can be situated in the loft space then only a short length of AC cable would be required.

This is what I have in mind.

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    One I just happen to have in my van,

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    Any thoughts on the “Chinese puzzle” dual supply main switch that defeated the installers I said about above, that’s as it came out of the box,so how would you wire it so that the mains supply, the on-site generation and the main electrical installation are all isolated from each other?

  • 0 in reply to Sparkingchip

    1. All the poles must be separate internally.

    2. In the off position, all the terminals are isolated from each other.

    3. However, the pair of L and pair of N terminals on the load side must be connected together other wise only one source of supply would be connected.

    4. The blanking plates are superfluous.

  • 0 in reply to Sparkingchip

    my thought is that it is not the right version of the REC4  - but what is the aim here,  to isolate solar and keep the mains on, or to isolate both?


    - there are at least three flavours of 100A 4 pole isolator thingy, and to fox us all some 125A ones as well.

    one with 3 L contact and one late break early make N contact for 3 phase supplies

    one like this without the bits of bus-bar,   2L and 2 N, for isolating 24 hour and off peak supplies together

    one with the LH most  two the switches upside down for genset change over use.

    you could put both bits of bar at the outbound side and isolate both sources at once with one of these - was that  the intention ?

    M.

  • 0 in reply to mapj1
    mapj1 said:
    my thought is that it is not the right version of the REC4  - but what is the aim here,  to isolate solar and keep the mains on, or to isolate both?

    Good question, try answering it from the sticky labels on the enclosure.

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    The screen printed label under the switch toggles 

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    If the single pole circuit protection in consumer unit one opens then that’s potentially your circuit diagram complete with connected loads.

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