MCS Accreditation

[EasyMCSLtd]

Hi Everyone,

We have started this thread to give everyone an area to discuss MCS Certification and any issues or questions associated with it.

Easy MCS are the UK's leading MCS Specialists and we are happy to help and advise if anyone has any queries.

Many Thanks

 

[Worcester]

@EasyMCS, good to see you here

Some of the most common questions for new starters are how to fill in the G83 Stage 1 , Stage 2 and the G59/2 Applications forms,

Could you perhaps post a pdf of each here, with explanatory notes of what should go in each box.

Many thanks, and looking forward to your input.

 

[Graeme Harrold]

Also a nice simple step by step (general guide) list on the path to MCS accreditation. 2 out of 6 on my PV course knew what was required, the other 4 thought the course was it. It was quite disheartning to see their faces drop when they found out the PV course was the easy bit anod only the first step. Too may people are following course advertising without knowing what lies ahead.

 

[EasyMCSLtd]

@EasyMCS, good to see you here

Some of the most common questions for new starters are how to fill in the G83 Stage 1 , Stage 2 and the G59/2 Applications forms,

Could you perhaps post a pdf of each here, with explanatory notes of what should go in each box.

Many thanks, and looking forward to your input.

Hi Worcester

Unfortunetely we are not allowed to post copies of the G83 or G59 forms but i can certainly help with explaining the methods required to complete the document. can you please advise which sections you are finding difficult and i will do my best to help.

 

[EasyMCSLtd]

Also a nice simple step by step (general guide) list on the path to MCS accreditation. 2 out of 6 on my PV course knew what was required, the other 4 thought the course was it. It was quite disheartning to see their faces drop when they found out the PV course was the easy bit anod only the first step. Too may people are following course advertising without knowing what lies ahead.

Hi Graeme,

I am happy to offer an insight into the process required to gain MCS accreditation.

Stage 1 - Product Training.

During the MCS inspection the assessor will look to see that you have been on an approved training course which covers the necessary elements within the MCS documents e.g. MIS3002 MCS guide to solar PV. The most common courses are NIC EIC, Logic, Bpec & the new and improved city and guilds 2399. The training will cover the requirements for mounting the panels, ensuring the roof is correctly sealed, connecting the inverters and completing the installation including informing the DNO and completing the G83 or G59 forms.

Stage 2 - you must have a quality management system that conforms to the standards outlined in the MIS001 Guide to MCS, this includes internal documents, external documents, forms and procedures. in the form of a document issue list. The assessor will spend around 70% of the day on this and will look to see that you have not only used it for an example installation but also that you fully understand it and can maintain the QMS going forward. This is the element that we offer and please feel free to contact one of our team to discuss this section further.

Stage 3 - Example Installation, you must use your experience in your chosen area i.e. electrician or heating engineer and the knowledge gaining during your product training alongside your management system to produce an example installation. This can be on your own property or a client’s house and once you are accredited will be full eligible for the FITS or RHI although only one installation can be completed prior to assessment.

Stage 4 - Assessment - The day would consist of around 70% on your QMS and 30% on the technology / example installation. They will look to see you have followed the procedures in your QMS and completed the installation in line with your training and experience. The assessor will take for granted that if you are qualified to do the work i.e. Part P and 17th edition you have the experience so will be more interested in the paper work. In 12 months’ time you will have your annual audit which will be conducted by a more technical inspector who will pick an installation at random to assess but will still be keen to see that you are maintaining your QMS.

I hope this helps and please keep the questions coming!

 

[Worcester]

I can certainly help with explaining the methods required to complete the document.

Hows about a simple guide on how each question should be answered, Starting with the G83/1-1 Appendix 3 Form:

OK, So here goes:

SSEG Details:
Manufacturer and model type: What do I put here?
Serial number of SSEG: What do I put here?
Serial number / version numbers of software (where appropriate): What do I put here?
SSEG rating (A) and power factor (under normal running conditions): What does this mean and what do I put here?
Maximum peak short circuit current (A): What do I put here? How do I measure it? Where do I get the information to go in here from?
Type of prime mover and fuel source: What do I put here?
Location of SSEG within the installation: What do I put here?
Location of multi pole isolator: What do I put here?

Installer Details:
Accreditation/Qualification: What do I put here?

Information to be Enclosed:
Final copy of circuit diagram: What do I put here? / Where do I get this from?
SSEG Test Report (Appendix 4) or web address if appropriate (not necessary if already provided e.g. under a Stage 2 connection): What is this? What do I put here?
Computer print out (where possible) or other schedule of protection settings: Where do I get this from? What do I put here?
Electricity meter(s) make and model: Which Meter? What do I put here?

Declaration - to be completed by Installer:
What do I put here? or do I just tick them?

Thx

 

[EasyMCSLtd]

Hows about a simple guide on how each question should be answered, Starting with the G83/1-1 Appendix 3 Form:

OK, So here goes:

SSEG Details:
Manufacturer and model type: What do I put here?
Serial number of SSEG: What do I put here?
Serial number / version numbers of software (where appropriate): What do I put here?
SSEG rating (A) and power factor (under normal running conditions): What does this mean and what do I put here?
Maximum peak short circuit current (A): What do I put here? How do I measure it? Where do I get the information to go in here from?
Type of prime mover and fuel source: What do I put here?
Location of SSEG within the installation: What do I put here?
Location of multi pole isolator: What do I put here?

Installer Details:
Accreditation/Qualification: What do I put here?

Information to be Enclosed:
Final copy of circuit diagram: What do I put here? / Where do I get this from?
SSEG Test Report (Appendix 4) or web address if appropriate (not necessary if already provided e.g. under a Stage 2 connection): What is this? What do I put here?
Computer print out (where possible) or other schedule of protection settings: Where do I get this from? What do I put here?
Electricity meter(s) make and model: Which Meter? What do I put here?

Declaration - to be completed by Installer:
What do I put here? or do I just tick them?

Thx

Hi Worcester,

I have been running through the SSEG forms and have sent my findings over to one of our technical team to ensure I have answered your questions correctly, i should have something back to you by the weekend.

Keep the questions coming all and i hope you are finding this thread useful.

 

[matt25]

Hi, is there any chance you could share the answers with me please?

 

[EasyMCSLtd]

Hi All,

I hope the below helps, please let me know if you have any more questions.

SSEG Details:
Manufacturer and model type: Details of Inverter used on the installation

Serial number of SSEG: Serial number of inverter

Serial number / version numbers of software (where appropriate): in most cases you would put N/A unless you are using software to monitor the performance of the system

SSEG rating (A) and power factor (under normal running conditions): This is provided by the manufacturer and can be found in the operation and user manual e.g 1 26A power factor 1

Maximum peak short circuit current (A): In practice the correct application of the various short-circuit ratings needs to be fully understood by the circuit designer to avoid leaving a circuit or equipment with inadequate short-circuit protection.IEC60781 provides an application guide for calculation of short-circuit currents in lowvoltage radial systems.

Type of prime mover and fuel source: E.G Wind Power

Location of SSEG within the installation: Location Of Inverter

Location of multi pole isolator: Location of DC Isolation switch

Installer Details:
Accreditation/Qualification: Qualifications to complete the installation also MCS certificate number where applicable

Information to be Enclosed:
Final copy of circuit diagram: You would answer "Yes" and include a circuit diagram within you application you can get advice on this from Energy Saving Trust publication CE72

SSEG Test Report (Appendix 4) or web address if appropriate (not necessary if already provided e.g. under a Stage 2 connection): Answer "Yes" and included a copy of your test report within your application.

Computer print out (where possible) or other schedule of protection settings: Answer "Yes" and show protection equipment on system schematic.

Electricity meter(s) make and model: Details of the newly fitted generation meter on which the FIT will be calculated

Declaration - to be completed by Installer: you should answer all questions with a "yes" or "No" if no then this section should be investigated. all questions should be answered to the best of your knowledge.

 

[Graeme Harrold]

Quick question on the above. The DNO 'should' have the details of their own meter serial number, typ and manufacturer. Surely this is the details of the newly fitted generation meter on which the FIT will be calculated, otherwise there is no registration ingo on this new meter that is generating at a higher p/KWh than the DNO meter.

 

[EasyMCSLtd]

Quick question on the above. The DNO 'should' have the details of their own meter serial number, typ and manufacturer. Surely this is the details of the newly fitted generation meter on which the FIT will be calculated, otherwise there is no registration ingo on this new meter that is generating at a higher p/KWh than the DNO meter.

Hi Graeme, you are correct, I was working on a number of documents yesterday and this must of slipped through the net, i have made the alterations on the document to prevent further confusion.

Thank you for taking the time to read over it.

 

[gr7]

Location of multi pole isolator: Location of DC Isolation switch

Should this be the AC Isolator location?

 

[EasyMCSLtd]

Should this be the AC Isolator location?

I am under the impression that this is the DC isolator, but the DTI Guide does not give i definative answer. Any thoughts on this anyone?

 

[matt25]

Hi, what should my SSEG test report consist of?
many thanks,
Matt

 

[EasyMCSLtd]

Hi, what should my SSEG test report consist of?
many thanks,
Matt

Hi Matt25,

I have an example of a SSEG Test Report please advise if this helps. see link below.

http://www.fronius.com/cps/rde/xbcr...IG_Plus_70_2__TR10072__EN_156139_snapshot.pdf