Hi, as we hear of storm power outages up north - if the grid supply fails, will my system just run off my batteries? If so, what happens if I plug in my 3kW kettle or try to draw anything over the 2.6kW limit from the Inverter?
Thanks
My understanding is that these are "grid tied" inverters - i.e. they won't work in the event of a power outage.
Not sure about your secondary question, sorry.
pjb904 The AC3 inverter can have the EPS circuits connected to something in your house like a single power socket. But I believe this is not wired up by default and is something you have to ask the installer to do. Hybrid inverter is different.
THALL thanks, I'll check....(although not a huge issue, just curious!)
pjb904 It is a feature I would of liked myself, but my installer EON did not mention is as an option. IF a bigger AC unit comes out like 5kw and I upgrade I will look at having the EPS connected to run my ASHP which is a max draw of 3.6kw so I could still heat the house for a couple of hours so it is a handy feature to have.
THALL Is this something the Hybrid can do? I presume it must need a safety feature not to export.
JasonCartwright yes the hybrid has the same back up circuit function as the AC. They both have to prevent any generated or battery power from going to the grid so it's likely it's the same setup internally with the PV generation aspect managed separately.
There is an installation page on the GivEnergy website at https://kb.givenergy.cloud/article.php?id=12&oid=1
There are 4 options, but be aware earthing arrangements need to be in place of you do go for connecting to the EPS (Emergency Power Circuit)
I have a 5kW hybrid and that means a maximum 2.6kW of power can be supplied via EPS, if you go higher than this, I believe there is a trip in the inverter, but doing it too often risks permanent damage to the battery and will almost certainly invalidate the warranty.
I am considering going down the manual switchover route (method 3), which means that I would know when I am on the EPS and not use high power items like a kettle, oven, dishwasher etc.
The one thing I haven't worked out yet is how to know when the power comes back on as we don't have streetlights outside our house, or other houses that we can see without going outside to specifically look (maybe @Adam-Reynolds can help)
Martyn I'm not sure (other than looking at the lights on the inverter) it shows grid failure in the portal - never checked. You could look at the Grid Tab for voltage I guess? Depends if you still have enough Juice by then for the internet!
However sometimes simplicity is king, I was just going to take a small feed from the "New CU" that would be on the Grid side of the equation to a 1Gang Fused Spur with neon indicator, someplace easier to see than rummaging to the back of the garage.
The spur wouldn't feed or do anything, just be lit when the Grid is on.
Manual changeover is fine. But you will loose power a second time when you switch back because you can’t switch on load - unless you can sync with the grid. Get it wrong and you will need a lot of bottles of Lucas smoke.
I'm a bit confused. I have a hybrid inverter and a 8.2kWh battery. If I knew a storm was coming and decided to pre-charge the battery (if needed) in case of power cut, what would I need to do to switch to only battery power if a power cut occurred? I would only want to run my home office of computer and lighting, fridge, freezer (can use gas hob for making hot drinks).
chris_p You would need to the EPS circuits connected up to the circuit running those sockets, or lights. If you speak to a GE installer they can sort it out and quote for the work.
THALL Oh that's disappointing, I just assumed I could run off battery in the event of a power cut.
chris_p I thought that when I had mine installed. It was only after speaking to GE and I realised the EPS circuit was not connected. I spoke to EON my installer and they never connect them. I think the limit is 15A so 1800w? The EON guy said they would do it for £££ but they run it to a single socket.
THALL That is a shame, extra cost and the inconvenience of having to switch sockets, especially for things like the fridge, freezer, router etc.
chris_p my network is on ups support (actually two ups’s as I have a rack in the loft with my nas backup drives and one in the lounge to support the computer and router and switches.
The eps option would be handy to support my heating system controllers - but there is no real benefit as nothing else will be powered. The network means I can still work.
THALL The EON guy said they would do it for £££ but they run it to a single socket.
GE have a document that shows 4 options for how EPS is connected, two of which power the existing Consumer Unit AS LONG AS you switch off large loads before switchover.
If I do enable EPS in the future it will be by using a manual changeover switch, which avoids having to change sockets for key items. The document can be found here
Martyn Another installer would do this I have no doubt, but EON wont. For me I can not have another installer make changes without voiding my extended warranty. EON will not even approve another installer to add a second battery.
THALL EON will not even approve another installer to add a second battery
It seems unfair that EON won't do something that GivEnergy recommend. Have you tried contacting GivEnergy to see if they can "persuade" them? Are EON aware of the EPS installation document as it shows 5th January 2022 as the upload date on the GivEnergy website?
As an alternative, is the warranty with EON or is it a manufacturers warranty, and as long as you get a GivEnergy approved installer that the warranty would still be valid?
Martyn I have not tried that. Though after reviewing the winter data I have decided to not bother with a second batt. The savings would not be worth the cost.
As for warranty if an onsite visit is needed I have been told by EON and GE that EON need to be contacted first. Not sure if this is unique to EON as they are a major seller of GE goods or not.