M
For the first time since we had our system installed we have a power outage. We turned on the EPS (manually) which worked perfectly, but what happens when the mains comes back on line? How will we know?
Power outage and home battery
S
Found the same problem. Installer said to check the little meter on the eps consumer unit. Lit up means it’s back but as it’s in a cupboard it’s not particularly helpful. If it’s dark the street lights come back on!
The other issue is that when switched back over it trips out in the eps box. Just reset and all is well but they are supposed to be looking into it as there is nothing wrong to cause it.
V
The EPS isn't connected to all your circuits so put a lamp on a circuit which isn't on the EPS and turn it on. When it lights your mains power is back.
M
SimonClarke
Thanks Simon. It seems like what happened last night was that when the mains power came back on our doorbell rang!! That was enough of a clue to tell us all was back in order
M
S
S
V
SimonClarke How do you manage to run everything on 5kW? I think you'll find all the circuits aren't connected - especially since you have a seperate consumer unit for EPS....
S
Vestas everything is connected. When running on battery only ie dark it only has 2.6kw so we don’t put the kettle on! If solar is running I think then it’s 5kw max. Obviously there are limitations to what can be on but we would have to be fairly dumb to switch high consumption items on when on eps. Didn’t help that we ended up with a gen1 when we thought we were getting a gen2 but that’s another story. No problem running the internet,tv, lights and heating etc. We’ve had 4 cuts since April (ridiculous) all fairly short couple of hours max and apart from the tripping on switch back it has worked perfectly.
V
SimonClarke That's an accident waiting to happen then & I wouldn't be at all surprised if that's why it trips.
Your electrician REALLY shouldn't have wired it that way, it breaks a shedload of regs and is very unsafe.
Were it me I'd get him back to do the job properly!
E
S
Edward yes that’s how it’s done as per Givenergy instructions. If we turn on too much it will trip out ( not the eps consumer unit). It’s just a manual whole house eps.
Not sure why Vestas thinks it’s a problem or an accident waiting to happen. We’ve used it four times with no issues apart from the consumer box tripping which they are looking into now.
E
SimonClarke Which swtich is tripping out of interest?
S
E
The EPS breaker should be a 2 pole RCBO according the to Giv documentation - the RCBO may not be needed is EVERY circuit in your main consumer unit is protected by RCBO's.
S
K
SimonClarke but both poles?
S
E
SimonClarke A lot of RCBO’s only disconnect the live.
Some disconnect the live and neutral but only detect an earth leakage on the live - often referred to as 1 pole + neutral.
A true two pole RCBO / RCD should detect a fault on either pole and disconnect both poles.
GivEnergy specify a two pole RCBO is required.
It’s often confusing as many retailers seem to call 1 pole + neutral two pole RCBO’s.
This is my understanding - I’m not an electrician so best to check with your installers.