Isolator when inverter is remote from consumer unit

[Andy78]

I have never done PV but a customer has had a system installed and has a few issues with it, most of which are being sorted out.

I have a question, should an isolator be positioned next to the CU when the inverter is in the loft ? I have never seen one without, and had advice from other installers that yes it should, but the system installer's scheme says this is not needed.

Can anyone help give me the facts on this one stating any regulations that may require it ?

 

[westward10]

Don't think there is any specific location requirements for the a.c. isolator provided it is identified. Reg 712.537.2.2.1 just states one is required between the pv installation and public supply.

 

[Ian1981]

A microgenerator is a source of supply to the electrical installation .A main linked switch or linked circuit-breaker for this source must therefore be provided in a readily accessible posi on as near as practicable to the origin of the installation ,such
as adjacent to the consumer unit, as a means of switching off the supply on load and as a means
of isolation (Regulations 132.15.201, 537.1.4
and 551.2.4 refer). The switch or circuit-breaker must disconnect the line and neutral conductors (Regulation 537.2.1.1 refers).
Means must also be provided to isolate the microgenerator from the public mains supply, as required by Regulation 551.7.6. This must
be located at an accessible position within the installation as required by clause 5.2 of ER G83.

This is taken from the electrical safety council best practice guide.
All the pv I have seen has an isolator and meter fitted adjacent the consumer most likely easier that way To install.

 

[westward10]

None of those state a specific location for the ac isolation of a pv installation.

 

[Andy78]

Cheers guys, I had heard it was a requirement of other regulations, not BS7671 .... but I have no knowledge in this area.

 

[Ian1981]

No but it refers that it should be near as practical to the origin of the installation.
It’s from the best practice guide only and as I don’t dabble in pv a single if yet I felt it’s worth sharing what it says about this perticular thing.
I would say common sense says put it in a clear accessible position next to the pv meter with suitable clear labelling.

 

[Ian1981]

Cheers guys, I had heard it was a requirement of other regulations, not BS7671 .... but I have no knowledge in this area.

Do the manufacturers state it’s position?

 

[Andy78]

Do the manufacturers state it’s position?

Would have no idea to be honest

 

[Ian1981]

Would have no idea to be honest

I’ve installed a 4mm twin&earth supply on new builds before just ran the cable from the DB position into the loft with 3 meters next to the hatch.
Other people installed the isolation , invertor and meter and certification.
All I needed to do was install the cable and provide a B type 20amp MCB in the DB.
When I asked about if I needed a type A or B rcd the installer said that there was suitable electrical separation between the AC side and DC side of the invertor so DC sensitive rcd wasn’t required.
Having checked the regulations he was correct tho if he consulted the manufacturer or not I don’t know.

 

[westward10]

No but it refers that it should be near as practical to the origin of the installation.
It’s from the best practice guide only and as I don’t dabble in pv a single if yet I felt it’s worth sharing what it says about this perticular thing.
I would say common sense says put it in a clear accessible position next to the pv meter with suitable clear labelling.

I cannot see where it states an isolator should be near as practical to the origin of the installation with regards to pv isolation. I think a lot of people place it both ends.

 

[rolyberkin]

Mine has a double pole rcbo in the CU and also a rotary AC isolator next to the inverter, not sure if this helps?