How to position CT clamps correctly so solar does not interfere with EV charger.

[davesparks]

Have you tried sliding the upper CT up the cable so it is closer to the meter and not sitting on top of the other one? You could put a cable tie round the cable to stop it sliding back down.

It's always worth trying the simple things first.

 

[rwdl1984]

Have you tried sliding the upper CT up the cable so it is closer to the meter and not sitting on top of the other one? You could put a cable tie round the cable to stop it sliding back down.

It's always worth trying the simple things first.

Yes, I tried that and it made no difference, I think that was stated in my original post.

 

[davesparks]

Yes, I tried that and it made no difference, I think that was stated in my original post.

You probably did and I just didn't read it properly.

You could also try putting one on the neutral, just flip it around so the arrow is in the other direction.

 

[Deleted account]

You probably did and I just didn't read it properly.

You could also try putting one on the neutral, just flip it around so the arrow is in the other direction.

Why didn’t I think of that. of course either I was having a senior moment or your a genius. First time I’ve put a creative and not meant it to be condescending.

TBH I think that one was down to my lack of thinking.

 

[Deleted account]

Hang on a moment. My brain is starting to hurt. Would that work?
if the line is in reverse does that nessisarily mean the neutral would be going the other way.

need to think about this one.

 

[davesparks]

Hang on a moment. My brain is starting to hurt. Would that work?
if the line is in reverse does that nessisarily mean the neutral would be going the other way.

need to think about this one.

Yes the current in the neutral will be flowing in the opposite direction to the live.

 

[Deleted account]

Yes the current in the neutral will be flowing in the opposite direction to the live.

Don’t know where my brain is today.
Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Basic physics

Yes electrons going out via the line tail need replacing Via the neutral.

cheers

 

[rwdl1984]

Thanks everyone for your help so far. Here's what I tried tonight:

I moved the solar CT clamp up to the green circle as suggested. This resulted in a house load reading of 0 kW (even though several things were running in the house), presumably because in that position the clamp is reading the power generated by the solar (it was night time, so nothing). This was the original issue we had with the CT clamp, it was reading the solar generation as house load and causing issues with fast battery discharge.

I then moved the solar CT clamp to the neutral cable after turning it around. I also kept it as far away from the EV clamp as possible. This resulted in a correct house load reading (same as before). However, when I switched the EV charger on, it ramped up to 7 kW and then cut out. I noticed that it did charge for about 20 seconds longer than with the solar clamp next to the EV clamp on live, but eventually cut out.

Is there the option to move the EV clamp somewhere else instead, and if so, to which position? It seems to me that the EV clamp has a less crucial role to play in all this (the EV charger just needs to switch on and stay on), whereas the solar CT clamp is crucial for the functionality of the entire renewable system.

I really appreciate this help guys! If you have any other ideas, I'd love to hear them!

 

[timhoward]

It seems to me that the EV clamp has a less crucial role to play in all this (the EV charger just needs to switch on and stay on),

The role is to ensure your total demand from the grid doesn’t exceed your supply’s capacity. It can be very important.
Have you tried turning the solar off and removing the solar CT clamp and then using the EVCP to prove there isn’t a fault with the EVCP?
A lot of CPs are 7kw so is it now reaching maximum power and then cutting out?
As far as I can see the EV clamp has to be there to measure grid import.

 

[BenCos18]

The role is to ensure your total demand from the grid doesn’t exceed your supply’s capacity. It can be very important.
Have you tried turning the solar off and removing the solar CT clamp and then using the EVCP to prove there isn’t a fault with the EVCP?
A lot of CPs are 7kw so is it now reaching maximum power and then cutting out?
As far as I can see the EV clamp has to be there to measure grid import.

yep the ct clamp does have to be there for it
It has to be at the point after the meter so it can measure the grid import to limit the supply to the charger if needed