Our installer has said they prefer not to install the gateway outside and if it needs to go outside, then it needs a fully enclosed waterproof cupboard. I've seen lots of pictures of installs with it just outside next to the battery. What' the official guidance here? Trying to incorporate the additional 300mm clearance on all sides means it takes up loads of space and is difficult to place. I don't have anywhere inside it can go that's well ventilated.
Bear in mind that the battery doesn't like cold temperatures outside ...
https://community.givenergy.cloud/d/3734-outdoor-installation-minimum-temperature-battery-spec/12
Data sheet here:
https://givenergy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Datasheet-Giv-Gateway-May-2023.pdf
Installer guide I found is here:
https://midsummerwholesale.co.uk/pdfs/all-in-one-installation-manual--june-2023-.pdf
IP rating on the version I have seen is IP65, however it states the AIO must be under a canopy it doesn’t say anything about the gateway.
I would check with GivEnergy support and get a written response.
Note it appears to require 200mm not 300mm all around the gateway from the installation guide on midsummer, but the installer will have access to the latest information.
Both my gateway and AIO are outside, mounted on a brick wall of our house. That was mostly due to space and proximity to the meter cupboard, but has worked out well for temperature management too vs say the garage.
The gateway door lock is pointless (just push down on top right of door and it pops open, sometimes of its own accord in the wind) and it also needs a canopy as rainwater just sits on top otherwise and drips down the front when you open it…
Yes, it is IP rated for outside. See givenergy gallery Installation guide gives more info. You do need it to be very close to your consumer unit/electric input cable because the tails should be a max of 3m long - if you have solid stone walls then it will probably have to be through the wall as close as possible to the consumer unit. I believe there are some BS standard regulations on the section in the wall - it must not be exposed to rain, moisture or condensation so be careful if you have wall insulation.
Unless it is in a shaded area it needs a canopy. GivEnergy couldn't suggest any canopy - also the canopy needs to be for shade not just rain/snow - see page 11 in AllinOne and Gateway installation guide. We used a 400mm rain canopy for an electrical enclosure fixed to a wood batten above. Opaque EV charger canopies might work too.
You may need it connected by LAN to router if your outside wifi signal is poor. I think there is a dip switch to set for this.
All in One is also rated for outside.
Worth bearing in mind that all the GE stuff is supposed to be OK outside - only it isn't. There are lots of reports of water ingress and rusting on all their products - all of which GE have denied warranty claims on.
Also if something is rated "IP65" then it certainly doesn't need a "canopy" only ALL the GE stuff does (according to installer manuals). If its IP65 rated then its dust-tight and will resist water jets from ANY direction. Rain, wind and snow should be no problem - but they are on GE kit....
Caveat emptor.
AnonymousHooman You do need it to be very close to your consumer unit/electric input cable because the tails should be a max of 3m long
Are you sure about this. I understand the regs re tails, but I don't think that means you have to have the gateway that close. Mine is in the garage about 30 meters or so away from the main head/meter. I did however have a very thick ASW 4-way cable installed to take the power from the meter to the gateway and then return back to main CU. I know this is more expensive but just want to point out for others reading this thread that the gateway does not nessecarily need to be close to the meter.
You can have tails >3 metres you just need to install an additional protective device at the closest point to the supply.
[unknown] You may need it connected by LAN to router if your outside wifi signal is poor. I think there is a dip switch to set for this.
Yes there is however GE made a mistake when they manufactured the Gateway PCB, The LAN socket on the PCB is connected to fresh air. That is why there is a black flying female lead in the Gateway wiring enclosure, set the dip switches and use that instead.
A canopy requirement is in the GivEnergy installation guide (All in One plus Gateway install guide). The canopy GivEnergy states it for SHADE not rain, but ideally a canopy will do both unless you make the mistake of using a clear porch canopy. Only recently had our gateway installed outside so can't comment on rust but we struggled to find appropriately sized canopies - got a metal rain canopy / rain hood designed for outside electrical enclosures fitted to a batten above the gateway in the end. A canopy for a tethered EV charger is another option. I think the canopy is optional depending on if it is a shaded area already. The gateway needs ventilation so shouldn't be in an enclosed electrical cabinet (those are a ridiculous price anyway). We might put a vertical rain shield parallel to it to avoid driving rain which usually blows towards the front of the gateway. I am not sure of the warranty or typical lifespan of gateway. Givenergy has images of gateways installed outdoors but very few have canopies.
CW our meter is inside but our gateway is outside, not in a garage. The tails are going through an external (stone) wall, which might be the reason for the difference. There are also BS standards regarding going through wall insulation to prevent moisture being trapped inside the wall, and a height requirement to avoid damp.
AnonymousHooman Do you have further info on this and has it not been fixed yet?
The black flying female Ethernet cable in the Gateway is the FIX plug into that with your LAN cable and set your dip switches for LAN Ethernet. It just works. I asked their head engineer about it and he said they couldn't easily repair the PCB so they got the flying leads fitted on assembly of the Gateway as the fix for the problem.
AnonymousHooman mine is now working, installer error with LAN cable (conduit, who needs it???!)