New AIO and Gateway commissioned a couple of days ago.
When going off grid (either by flipping off main grid switch, or putting the Gateway off grid from the Portal), the plug circuits on my consumer unit that are protected by RCBOs, trip immediately with the change over. Unable to turn them back on until the grid is restored.
Installer is coming back to fault find, but any ideas where to start looking will be appreciated!
Systems otherwise works fine.
I have a feeling this may be something to do with the unusual Neutral To Earth bonding the AIO employs when in off grid mode.
I would expect when bonded the potential between the two is 0V just like on the older inverters EPS ran.
For whatever reason I think (I don't have one) that the AIO puts 120V between N-E in off grid mode and you've either got an RCBO that doesn't like seeing this OR you have something on that circuit that doesn't like it.
No idea as to why it was done like this, unless maybe the gateway needs to see PD across N-E for some reason to function.
hoggy Thank you, that is really interesting! My installer will be talking to GE about this, and hopefully get it sorted. Will let him know your thoughts, it will be most helpful.
GaryS I guess in the meantime you could unplug everything on that ring and go off grid mode to see if it trips. If it stays in then you know its a device in your house (and plugging things back in 1 by 1 will tell you which, specifically, it is)
If it doesnt then its likely your RCBO.
hoggy there are two rings protected by RCBOs and they both trip out. So I doubt if it is an appliance. But I will do this anyway and see. Also since both trip, it is unlikely to be faulty RCBOs, unless both are dodgy.
Not sure if this is a similar issue, but today when I lost the grid, the AIO breaker in the gateway tripped (it has done this once before but installer said it was one of those things). Any ideas why the AIO breaker goes when the grid does - I've seen many discussions about earthing arrangements which I don't understand.
CW
I suffer from this too. And I seem to get a grid failure every time I go on holiday, which adds to the excitement.
GE agreed to replace my Gateway with a new, updated model. That was done this week. The problem is still there.
My installer checked the earthing of my house, and does not believe there is an issue.
GE are now sending out one of their Field Team to examine the system. Hopefully in the next few weeks.
PianSom Sorry to hear about your experience. Let's hope they get it sorted - if they do would you please post back so I can see if I get a similar solution.
I tried (with GE support desk) simulating a power-cut by flicking the grid breaker in the AIO - that worked fine! Does it do the same for you or whenever you lose grid power does the thing trip? The helpdesk person I spoke to suggested it could be earth leakage (so possibly some device that intermittently comes on - thinking fridge/freezer compressor etc) which trips the AIO
CW
The Grid switch test fails for me. Flips the Gateway and sometimes domestic breakers.
PianSom How frustrating - still on the plus side, if it consistantly presents then you have a fighting chance to get the issue fixed. Sadly my tripping seems to be intermittent as when I simulate a grid failure by turing off the breaker it works a charm 😞