Solar system tripping out mains.

[lennyg]

I live near Prescot on Merseyside. I am sure that the people who fitted have done so with the best intentions, it's just there have been some fundamental things that I understood that don't seem to have been applied hence the posts on the forum.

 

[moggy1968]

with regards to posts 29 and 30:
I don't see how you can use DC cable on the AC side. whilst it may work it's not approved or certified for that as far as I am aware.
why would you want the RCBO to work in reverse?
You probably don't need one anyway, that hasn't been clarified yet.

 

[BruceB]

Solar cables will be fine in principle for ac. The dc spec is more demanding in terms of insulation voltage, double insulation, flexibility and resistance to uv degradation than standard ac cable. But it might serve to confuse a future maintainer.

 

[moggy1968]

they may be fine, but if they aren't tested, certified or approved for AC so you can't use them.

 

[Glen Powell]

Talking of cables our recent inspection said that we should use twin and earth however this would mean that it would be difficult to Identify i.e. different to a ring main. I know DIY electrics is to a degree not allowed but if Joe Blogs decided to add a plug socket or spur and just picked out the first 2.5mm twin and earth that he could find then this could be a problem.

Under identification I suppose you could use a thicker gage but then it could be seen as the shower cable or something (not that you would use 10mm on standard PV).

We used white flex as it was easy to identify as a different circuit, what are your thoughts on this.

 

[BruceB]

they may be fine, but if they aren't tested, certified or approved for AC so you can't use them.

I think you are being over-prescriptive moggy.
For example Batt solar cables have an ac voltage rating
FG21M21 PV20 (1500 V cc) Extended Lifetime Single

 

[moggy1968]

doesn't have to be T&E, you can use any suitable AC rated cable. he's talking nonsense!On his argument what would you use for a shower, after all, someone might tap into it to use for a cooker! we use flex and twin and earth depending on which would be most suitable. We use standard white flex, but in 4mm or arctic cable in blue. when we use T&E it is always 4mm or 6mm.
Arctic linking from inverter to isolator, then T&E in conduit (the conduit is straight, just perspective makes it look on the wonk!!)
Flex from inverter to isolator then T&E in conduit out

 

[moggy1968]

I think you are being over-prescriptive moggy.
For example Batt solar cables have an ac voltage rating
FG21M21 PV20 (1500 V cc) Extended Lifetime Single

as long as it's tested, rated and approved ok, I did say as far as I am aware!
If it can be used then it avoids the problem of inserting cable into the meter without leaving inner insulation showing I suppose! we usually use something like a gewis box or the isolator to tidy things up.