Solar Panel Install - Testing

[waitees]

Hi all

I have been approached by a friend of a friend to get involved with certifcating solar panel installs. The company have just got there mcs etc and are all up and running but have asked me to get a little involved and to issue a certifcate.

I have checked with the NICEIC and they confirmed the paperwork etc and thats all sorted but my question is to do with the wiring ac side of things.

They have run 4mm 3 core swa cable as it goes outside and they have not earthed the swa cable which goes into the last ac switch and then from there into normal 4mm twin and earth cable into the meter and then from the meter into a 16a mcb again in 4mm t&e connected to a one way board with 25mm meter tails out of the main switch into a henley block.

This is all new to me however if this takes off and is constant work, i will do the pv course just so i know the ins and outs.

Could someone point me in the right direction what size cable etc i should be checking from the last ac switch to the meter and from the meter to the board set up as this dont look right ?

Cheers

Paul

 

[Markc]

First of all the 4mm SWA outside should have the armoured earthed. But you know that. The size of this cable should be calculated at no more than a 1% voltdrop. The AC cable coming in from the PV array through a AC isolator again is all OK. From that into a generation meter (Load side being the property NOT the array) into a 16A MCB (I would also see a need for 30mA protection as by the read if it the inverter is outside? Discussions on the exact position of the gen meter i.e. before or after the final AC isolator rage on but as far as I see it, it makes little difference. The cable size should be the same though out for VD so dependant on length then 4mm all the way is OK.

 

[waitees]

hello Marc

Thanks for the reply, the inverter is inside the loft space and looks all correct with another ac switch. The inverter is a Sunnyboy this has not been put on a rcd but has paperwork with it and said that it has a glav earth inside with no need, should i recomend a rcd as well or there really is no need.

cheers Paul

 

[Markc]

hello Marc

Thanks for the reply, the inverter is inside the loft space and looks all correct with another ac switch. The inverter is a Sunnyboy this has not been put on a rcd but has paperwork with it and said that it has a glav earth inside with no need, should i recomend a rcd as well or there really is no need.

cheers Paul

There is no need unless the inverter is in a special location. I assumed it was outside from the original post (don't really know why now I have read it again?)

 

[waitees]

Cheers for the help Marc

 

[lother]

Hi guys iv been approached to do solar pv but i have no previous experience. iv got my 17th edition 2391 etc. how would i go about connecting them up and also what testing procedure would i need to do?


Thanks

 

[TedM]

Read the DTI PV Guide. Its a sticky - http://www.electriciansforums.net/photovoltaic-solar-panels-green-energy-forum/23511-pv-guide.html

 

[lother]

Thanks where about in carmarthenshire u from im from same area

 

[GaryM]

I'd recommend you sit the C&G2399 course if you want to go down the PV route.

 

[lother]

so would i need to do a full inspection and testing on the other circuits already installed or only the cable i install from the inverter. would i need to do ze, pfc, etc.

 

[lother]

I'd recommend you sit the C&G2399 course if you want to go down the PV route.

ye have been looking into it just wanted to know brfore doing course

 

[yellowvanman]

so would i need to do a full inspection and testing on the other circuits already installed or only the cable i install from the inverter. would i need to do ze, pfc, etc.

Treat it like any other new circuit - you only test what you have done and making sure earthing and bonding is up to scratch. Then test and fill in an EIC.

 

[jazzygazza]

the solar pv course goes through the installation, which is useful for what you need to know on subject , however doesnt go through the testing side of it though, just as long as you know how to fill out EIC form then just fill out as normal with minor changes to normal inspection

 

[GaryM]

The C&G2399 I attended included testing of the AC and DC sides.

 

[lother]

The C&G2399 I attended included testing of the AC and DC sides.

what test do u do on them. would it be a minor works certificate or an electrical installation