Any recommendations for some simple guidance on solar PV please?
I want to get a better idea of what may (or may not) be feasible at home before I obtain quotes. So not too simple, but I think that the Code of Practice might be too detailed and technical.
A simple question, but Uncle Google does not help.
I gather that there is normally an a.c. isolator means of isolation adjacent to the inverter. What sort of cable is normally used to connect that to a CU please? T&E?
I ask simply because I want to get my installation "solar-ready" as far as possible.
Mine has standard T&E. It's no different to any other circuit. For some reason the installer decided to add isolators next to the inverter and also in the meter cupboard near the consumer unit. I don't know why, as I could isolate it by flipping a breaker.
Could be T&E but depending on your installation the volt drop (rise) requirement is likely to be more onerous in order to avoid "nuisance tripping" of the G98 overvoltage protection.
But often its run in SWA to avoid needing an RCD due to the circuit route or hazards.
Isolation by the inverter is recommended for maintenance and testing of the equipment, including functional switching, but not necessarily mandated.
I could isolate it by flipping a breaker.
Simon, Jam, thank you.
I am hoping that my inverter (and battery) will be in the same store room as the top floor's DB. I had thought of using an MCB for isolation, but shouldn't both live conductors be isolated?
I believe it is standard practice to have a proper AC isolator close to the inverter, for maintenance. If nothing else, it's sometimes necessary to reset the inverter if it gets in a mess.
but shouldn't both live conductors be isolated?
From a BS 7671 point of view, isolating just the line is fine on TN systems - N only needs isolating as well on TT systems (and even then isolating at the CU might be possible - e.g. using a DP RCD or main switch - although often less convenient).
At lot of equipment instructions seems to ask for all-pole isolation - presumably because they don't know if the installation will be TN or TT.
- Andy.
but shouldn't both live conductors be isolated?
From a BS 7671 point of view, isolating just the line is fine on TN systems - N only needs isolating as well on TT systems (and even then isolating at the CU might be possible - e.g. using a DP RCD or main switch - although often less convenient).
At lot of equipment instructions seems to ask for all-pole isolation - presumably because they don't know if the installation will be TN or TT.
- Andy.
G98 / G99 and the IET CoP require a lockable main point of isolation disconnecting all poles inc. neutral, and that point of isolation to be somewhere accessible.
In principle that could be the customer's main switch (and that is in effect, what is sometimes done for large greenfield projects), but it's easier - and more in keeping with the requirement - to have one that doesn't also switch off other loads as collateral damage.
But it doesn't need to be adjacent to to the inverters, e.g. could be one big switch for all generators in the main plant room.
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