4000TL Problems

[Ramjam]

If the inverter cuts out at 253V it is set up incorrectly. That is the limit for Cyprus, Denmark, Ireland, Spain, Netherlands and perhaps some others. The UK G83 upper limit is 264V. An inverter should work perfectly well with the DNO giving you 253V provided you have designed the PV ac side of the installation with the advised 1% voltage drop.

The 4000TL has both G83 and G59 certification. The G83 tests do not include a maximum power/current output.

Constantly learning, thank you

 

[PeteFT]

My 4000TL cuts out at 252V because it is set for G59 because this is what my DNO requires. My current often exceeds 17A let alone 16A, so if i can change the inverter to G83, will it cut out if the current exceeds 16A, the limit for G83?

 

[BruceB]

No, changing to G83 changes the protection settings for example: over-voltage, under-voltage, over-frequency and under-frequency, but does not directly limit the current. There is a separate setting on the 4000TL which can limit the ouput power, which therefore indirectly limits the output current.

In my experience and from what has been reported on here, most DNOs allow a 4000TL to be connected with G83 settings, but using the G59 over-frequency setting of 51.5Hz. Are you sure they require all the settings to be at the G59 level?

Regards
Bruce

 

[PeteFT]

In my experience and from what has been reported on here, most DNOs allow a 4000TL to be connected with G83 settings, but using the G59 over-frequency setting of 51.5Hz. Are you sure they require all the settings to be at the G59 level?

Regards
Bruce

I do not know if they require all the settings to be at the G59 level. All i know from SMA is your "inverter had been sent with G59/2 Settings". My installer no longer returns my calls and emails and i have not received any DNO documentation, so i do not even what what has been registered!!

 

[BruceB]

That sounds a nightmare, but is really another discussion. I hope you at least have a MCS certificate and invoice so you can claim FITs.

You need a friendly installer to change the settings. If it has been operation more than 10 hours (believe) it will need a code form SMA to change and unless you are in the business they will probably not give you one.

Regards
Bruce

 

[PeteFT]

Bruce
Yes it is bit of a nightmare and i have just found out that my DNO has not received an application. I do have an MCS certificate and am registered Ok with EON, but it irritates me losing out on FIT because of the settings.

 

[SolarCity]

Nightmare that they're not returning your calls. If the problem persists then I'd recommend speaking to REAL or MCS.

Whereabouts are you based?

 

[powervan]

I cant see that the 4000TL is worth all the hassle ie setting it!earthing array!! go for GOOD OLD SUNNYBOY 3800 yes its heavy! yes its old technology!yes it may not be (but not far behind) the performance of the TL but u get NO HASSLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SIMPLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[PeteFT]

I cant see that the 4000TL is worth all the hassle ie setting it!earthing array!! go for GOOD OLD SUNNYBOY 3800 yes its heavy! yes its old technology!yes it may not be (but not far behind) the performance of the TL but u get NO HASSLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SIMPLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My issue is with the installer not the inverter, and since reporting them to REAL they have contacted me, and are changing the settings to G83. My panels and rails are not earthed, should they be?

 

[SolarCity]

Yes, the rails should be bonded to the MET - or to a seperate earth rod if the system is a TNCS set up (PME)

 

[PeteFT]

Yes, the rails should be bonded to the MET - or to a seperate earth rod if the system is a TNCS set up (PME)

Sorry, but this means nothing to me. What is the MET and how do i know if the system is a TNCS set up, and which regulations can i point my installer at?

 

[SolarCity]

MET is the main earthing terminal. The installer should be able to tell you if you're on a PME system. If you look at the your meter, it may even have a little label on it saying something like "This system is connected to a PME system blah blah blah etc".

 

[PeteFT]

MET is the main earthing terminal. The installer should be able to tell you if you're on a PME system. If you look at the your meter, it may even have a little label on it saying something like "This system is connected to a PME system blah blah blah etc".

No labels on meter, so i asume i am not on a PME sysyem. The installer's electrician (not MCS registered) is coming on Friday to change my inverter settings so i will ask him.

 

[powervan]

oooooops put my foot in it yes they should be!!! but ive seen 3 with TL that are not so when they come back get them to earth it! in there defence it was not a WELL known thing! SENIOR members will say ITS IN THE DTI GUIDE but untill i came on here i coudnt get a straight answer! (so be nice to them

 

[SolarCity]

in there defence it was not a WELL known thing! SENIOR members will say ITS IN THE DTI GUIDE but untill i came on here i coudnt get a straight answer! (so be nice to them

I have to disagree. I'd have thought that bonding the array when using a TL inverter was pretty standard stuff.

I think we need to get away from the idea that customers roofs are a training ground for inexperienced and unskilled tradesmen.

 

[PeteFT]

oooooops put my foot in it yes they should be!!! but ive seen 3 with TL that are not so when they come back get them to earth it! in there defence it was not a WELL known thing! SENIOR members will say ITS IN THE DTI GUIDE but untill i came on here i coudnt get a straight answer! (so be nice to them

What DTI guide, do you have a link or precise title?

 

[BruceB]

You need to be familiar with this guide if you are doing pv:
https://www.electriciansforums.net/...llation_of_pv_systems_2nd_edition-pdf.120231/

 

[powervan]

senior member i agree im just saying if there coming back to correct it (be gentle)