Any idea`s?

Ross1 · Dec 21, 2011

Turned up on an install today, roofers were just starting so I finished the electrical install before the panels were fitted.

worked out + & - so when they were done they could plug in and turn on.

Got a call then couple of hours later saying system started up and running fine but then they used power in the garage where I installed the equipment only to find out that the board in the house was tripping.

Info is a bit vague but roofer says he turned the system off so the customer would not have problems tonight.

I gotta go back tmrw but its an 1 and half hour drive. I took the supply from the load side of the RCD in the garage CU.

See attached photo and any Idea`s would be appreciated?

Earthstore · Dec 21, 2011

Ross1 said:
Turned up on an install today, roofers were just starting so I finished the electrical install before the panels were fitted.

worked out + & - so when they were done they could plug in and turn on.

Sorry to state the obvious, But leaving roofers to complete an electrical installation is not only foolish but may well be illegal.
Where is your lockable AC switch? where is your DC isolator?
This is nothing personal, but I would be a very unhappy customer.

Ross1 · Dec 21, 2011

Earthstore said:
Sorry to state the obvious, But leaving roofers to complete an electrical installation is not only foolish but may well be illegal.
Where is your lockable AC switch? where is your DC isolator?
This is nothing personal, but I would be a very unhappy customer.

No offence taken, simple install, roofer familiar with system. Equipment all supplied by company I`m subbing for. Just looking for ideas why its tripping?

BruceB · Dec 21, 2011

What is tripping mcb or rcd?
What is the tripping current of whatever is tripping?
What sort of inverter is it? transformer/transformerless?

Ross1 · Dec 21, 2011

BruceB said:
What is tripping mcb or rcd?
What is the tripping current of whatever is tripping?
What sort of inverter is it? transformer/transformerless?

1. From the second hand info Ive got its the RCD in house, but it could just be the RCD in Garage.

2. Not sure.

3. Sunny Boy with transformer.

moggy1968 · Dec 21, 2011

your pv shouldn't be on a shared RCD. There is lots of info on here as to why that is. It looks as though one of those Wylex units is being used as a DC isolator. Are you sure it is rated for DC? Also using flick switch double pole isolators does not satisfy the requirement for a lockable isolator, it needs to be a rotary isolator ockable in the off position.

How did you confirm correct polarity before switching on if you left the final connection of the panels and switching on to the roofers? There is a tick box on the commissioning form (or should be) to confirm you did this. Presumably you went back to complete the comissioning process and record your test results?

Did you read the manufacturers recommendations on RCD protection? Depending on exactly what model you used some advise 100ma or even 300ma RCDs

To be honest saying the kit is what you were supplied with isn't really satisfactory.
You are responsible for what you install.

gordysolar · Dec 21, 2011

Are u mcs? If u are u shouldnt let anyone turn on system and should be tested on energising

gordysolar · Dec 21, 2011

No isolators ac or dc ?

moggy1968 · Dec 21, 2011

looking at the wiring and labels close up I think those 2 wylex units are being used as DC and AC isolators. It looks like the DC is going into the lower one (although there is also AC but I think that may just be a loop through) and AC inbo the upper but neither satisfies the regulatory requirements. It isn't entirely clear from the photo though

powervan · Dec 22, 2011

wylex unit on left has dc isolator (grey round switch) main switch is AC isolator! the 2 x16amp mcbs are pointles ! should of removed the one from the right and blanked! 2 rcds working against each other you need to remove one or increase tp 100ma!! to be honest its bit of a shambles (organisation wise).

moggy1968 · Dec 22, 2011

I'm pretty sure AC and DC shouldn't be switched in the same enclosure like that, but I confess I'm not familliar with these isolators. The AC one is defo wrong though.