Backup

backup provision givenergy,
The installer said putting a backup socket incase of powercut is rife with problems, is this true?

megabite it depends, it can only support a small circuit like lighting or small powered devices up to the maximum output of the inverter/battery. Search the forum for EPS, there's plenty on here about the best way to set it up

megabite Main thing that's needed is to:

1. add RCD protection between inverter & backup socket
2. check earthing as it will require TT earth if not already installed.

But to my mind it seems a pity not have the use of backup as the system can provide it - many installers don't offer it as it adds an element of work that has many variables depending on personal preferences, existing wiring, inverter capacity, battery capacity etc

In our case with 3 x 8.2kwh batteries and Gen1 inverter that can pull max 2.6kwh we have potential to cover our baseload (around 1kw) for many hours - depending how full batteries are at time of outage. So we have a manual changeover switch as well as several backup/emergency sockets on a mini ring.

Manal changeover ensures we switch off any high draw devices inc cooker, ashp, washing machine, tumble dryer etc.

our backup sockets are installed with red covers (like a hospital!!) to help make obvious they're not for highdraw devices but can also have usage for Router, wifi, chargers etc for short outages and also can be used for fridge freezer etc when on holiday (or when unable to make manual changeover). Backup sockets are "always on" and fed from grid - if available.

Newer installations in future are likely to go with the "All in One" + Gateway which looks an attractive option. Depending on price.
I doubt it will be cost effective for us to upgrade to AIO but I may consider an inverter upgrade at some point if the hybrid has a future version that can charge/discharge at higher rates as well as provide backup power at higher rates. 5kw minimum would be my target.

Cdent thank you will do.

megabite My installer made it all very easy, and it was pretty cheap to do. This meant a recessed double EPS socket connected to the inverter, socket located next to the fridge/freezer, external trunking for cables and a buried earth rod with cap and connectors. They like the job as the inverter measures the earth so they don't even need to check it with a meter once the copper rod is buried.
When the house electrics went down for a meter change, I hooked up refrigeration, fiber modem, network routers, Home Assistant and a few other bits and pieces to the EPS socket. I carried on working with the internet and the food stayed at the right temperature.
I believe you can run the EPS permanently connected and in the event of an outage it will switch over, after some seconds of interruption to the socket supply.
I've got extension cables in the house to use the EPS for entertainment, gas boiler and hob, etc. All within the capacity of the EPS so life can continue when the inevitable power cuts come (next winter is my expectation on this).

x5toledo what was " pretty cheap"? I didn't get a proper quote, but when I asked my installer they estimated 800+, and I lost interest!

justpassing I think it was £250, which seemed fair given the trunking, isolator, socket, earth rod and the likelihood that getting the rod into the earth would not be easy. Limestone rock is about three feet below ground and the soil is riddled with stone, I expected a few copper rods to be consumed in the process.

x5toledo seems Very fair. I was quoted 3 to 4 times that, so I don't have EPS 😞