Quick question

[soulman]

I'm installing a new circuit next week in a property that has solar panels. I will need to take a Ze, Can i just isolate at the main switch in the consumer or do i need to isolate the p.v?

Cheers

 

[telectrix]

not too sure, but , IMO, isolate at the CU main switch, dis. the MEC and then get your Ze from the incomer and the MEC.

 

[davethsparky]

I believe there should be labels on the switchgear informing you of what to isolate and where to do it

 

[alanl]

There is a routine to isolating the PV array safely.
The customer should have the papers detailing it.
Just turning off the PV main switch may well damage the inverter / convertor board, so do it as it says in the manual for that particular PV installation.
If there is no diagram showing the isolation procedure, do not turn it off, get the customer to get a copy. In fairness, I have come across 4 PV installations in the past year, and they all have the relevant paperwork available.

 

[soulman]

Cheers alanl, I would have thought to take a Ze, i wouldn't need to isolate the PV. I thought isolation would be for consumer upgrades, etc.

 

[davethsparky]

You can't disconnect the earthing conductor whilst the installation is live

 

[shanky887614]

With solar, turn off ac first.

This will shutdown the inverter. Then for goodmeasure isolate the dc supply.


Most read incoming ac and wont power up if no ac.

 

[soulman]

Davethsparky, if the main switch in the consumer is open. then the installation is dead.

 

[Earthstore]

Switch off PV at A/C first (there should be a switch located at an accessible location) then turn off D/C, there should be an isolation switch for this too.

To turn back on D/C first then A/C.. This keeps the current going through the D/C switch to a minimum, it is also good practice to use fast switching on D/C to reduce arcing of contacts, but if any doubt turn off when it is dark, as no D/C will be being produced...

I hope this helps all sparkies..

 

[davethsparky]

Davethsparky, if the main switch in the consumer is open. then the installation is dead.

Are you sure? All of the PV installs I have seen feed the CCU via a normal MCB not the main switch, guidance not 7 suggests the same

 

[Earthstore]

Davethsparky, if the main switch in the consumer is open. then the installation is dead.

As above, but not if the PV is connected into the tails...

 

[soulman]

cheers, I'll turn off as suggested. Thanks for the quick replies, much appreciated.