pv solar panel wireing sunmaster xs

john info · Nov 29, 2011

hi all new to the site and just after a little info if any one could help would appreciate it. live in council house and just had them round wireing for pv panels they fitted inverter in loft and dc isolator switch but then put ac isolator swicht on full show on a wall next to a consumer box looks an eyesore wanted it in cuboard very close to consumer box or even better in the loft next to dc switch and inverter thay say they are following rules and regs any truth to this or are they having me over any info most appreciated. panels are only for electricity by the way

londonlec · Nov 30, 2011

Free electricity, yet moaning about a switch on the wall?

Richard · Nov 30, 2011

There should already be one next to the inveter in the loft, AND next to the Distribution board. It's there so that anyone working on the electrics can isolate the feed and work in saftey. Could you not box (not tightly!!!) these to hide them away?

Rich

john info · Nov 30, 2011

yeah am greatfull for free electricity but would u be happy with a big isolator switch stuck in your siitting room wall cause thats what its like . this is my point there is a dc isolator switch in the loft next to the inverter but they put the ac isolator next to my consumer box which is next to my front door cause they say rules and regs its got to be on show cant see why it cant be in the loft next to dc isolator so cant box it in if its got to be on show looked into on you tube and every one i have seen ac dc isolators have been in the loft realy does look a mess

john info · Nov 30, 2011

ive never read any where yet that says the ac isolator has to be next to the consumer box ?

john info · Dec 2, 2011

i kknow im new to all this but does any one know any thing bout this or is this just a ****tt site''''''/

South Spark · Dec 4, 2011

We always put an AC isolator next to the consumer unit - it has to be big and obvious as there are now two supplies to the consumer unit - anyone who wishes to work on it has to isolate in two directions. There should also be stickers on the unit informing anyone of this.

vernam616 · Dec 4, 2011

Where abouts in the UK are you from John?

sambotc · Dec 4, 2011

Hi,

Hope this clears it up for you, they are just following regulation.

2.3.2 a.c. switch-disconnector
A manual a.c. switch-disconnector must be provided located in an
accessible position within the Customer’s installation as in G83/1 (e.g.
adjacent to the consumer unit or main distribution board), which is:
in accordance with BS 60947-3
must switch all live and neutral conductors.
must be securable in the OFF position only. It must be simple to secure
using a standard padlock - devices that require a separate removable

adaptor or special key to enable them to be secured are not acceptable.
must clearly show the ON and OFF positions and be labelled as
‘PV system – main a.c. isolator’.
Note: At the point of installation of any a.c. switch-disconnector, the public supply
should be considered the source and the PV installation the load.
If the a.c. switch-disconnector and the inverter(s) are not in the same room
a local isolator should be installed adjacent to the inverter(s). This is to
facilitate maintenance of the a.c. cable run and inverter(s).