Import and Export meter overloading - is it possible?

I had a large electricity supplier install solar PV and battery system and the import meter melted followed by the export meter.

They are stating that it is my issue and not there's as I have overloaded my consumer unit.

The import meter was rated to 100A

The export meter was rated to 100A

My incomer is protected by an 80A fuse

My export meter is on a supply protected by a 50A MCB

They are saying it is not their issue and I will have to go through the Ombudsman if I don't agree with their report.

How do I deal with a large company that refuses to take responsibility for faulty workmanship.

   

Parents
  • I notice the data sheet describes "Nominal Input Current 0.5-10(100)A" - what are the brackets for? is the 100A conditional in some way? Is just 10A a limit in some way? (I've just got in mind the old black cut-outs that was labelled 100A but that was only a "peak" (short term) value and they were only good to about 60A continuous.

      - Andy.

Reply
  • I notice the data sheet describes "Nominal Input Current 0.5-10(100)A" - what are the brackets for? is the 100A conditional in some way? Is just 10A a limit in some way? (I've just got in mind the old black cut-outs that was labelled 100A but that was only a "peak" (short term) value and they were only good to about 60A continuous.

      - Andy.

Children
  • is the 100A conditional in some way?

    Or does it need a current transformer?

    Scratch that, it's suitable for 100 A direct fed according to the manufacturer: https://www.eastroneurope.com/products/view/sdm230dr

    Is just 10A a limit in some way?

    Possibly? But if so, why the 50 A breaker?

  • Feeds the garage supply where the solar invertor and batteries are installed - the PV DC cabling goes into there also

  • no these units are direct wired, and are calibrated at ten amps, but rated for use over the range 0.5-100A.

    They do look pretty thin for use at 100A continuous though,

    But even if it was a case that the designers had  selected the wrong part - its the suppliers choice of part....

    Mike

  • But even if it was a case that the designers had  selected the wrong part - its the suppliers choice of part....

    I'd tend to agree, the organization who did the job were responsible for 'design and build' ... including checking maximum demand and possibility of 'overload' ... according to BS 7671.

    If there is an Electrical Installation Certificate, that has nothing about limiting demand etc. as a departure, the signatures on that are all that ought to be required for starting a "small claim" ... perhaps with only a letter from an expert after examining the certificate and the damage itself, which could cost less than a full investigation?