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Inverter keeps tripping RCD
Ectophile
Posts: 8,350 Forumite
My system was installed just over 2 years ago. Everything was fine until the big storm at the beginning of November 2013. The morning after the storm, I found that the RCD had tripped.
I phoned the installers, and they suggested resetting the inverter by turning off all the DC and AC isolators, resetting the RCD, and turning on the isolators again.
That worked until the next storm. I'm now getting fed up resetting the system every time there's anything resembling bad weather overnight. I think it's gradually getting worse.
The inverter's a dual-input Power One Aurora, being fed by 3.4kW of panels. The inverter is connected to its own mini consumer unit with a 20A MCB and 30mA RCD.
Reading the installation instructions, it recommends a 300mA RCD. Should I be getting the RCD replaced with something higher rated, or is it a sign of a wiring problem?
I phoned the installers, and they suggested resetting the inverter by turning off all the DC and AC isolators, resetting the RCD, and turning on the isolators again.
That worked until the next storm. I'm now getting fed up resetting the system every time there's anything resembling bad weather overnight. I think it's gradually getting worse.
The inverter's a dual-input Power One Aurora, being fed by 3.4kW of panels. The inverter is connected to its own mini consumer unit with a 20A MCB and 30mA RCD.
Reading the installation instructions, it recommends a 300mA RCD. Should I be getting the RCD replaced with something higher rated, or is it a sign of a wiring problem?
If it sticks, force it.
If it breaks, well it wasn't working right anyway.
If it breaks, well it wasn't working right anyway.
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Comments
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The inverter's a dual-input Power One Aurora, being fed by 3.4kW of panels. The inverter is connected to its own mini consumer unit with a 20A MCB and 30mA RCD.
Reading the installation instructions, it recommends a 300mA RCD. Should I be getting the RCD replaced with something higher rated, or is it a sign of a wiring problem?
Hiya. Just repeating parrot fashion what I've read a few times on the Navitron forum, as I'm no electrician ...... but
each time an issue like this is mentioned, it tends to end up leading to a 30mA RCD being 'reported' (as you've done), and the suggestion that at least 100mA is needed to avoid earthing issues during wet weather.
[Edit - if memory serves me correct, sometimes this involves a dual RCD consumer unit, and the need to move the PV from the 30mA side to the 100mA side, or something like that!]
Hope this helps, with a bit of luck an electrician can explain if it's correct/relevant.
Mart.Mart. Cardiff. 8.72 kWp PV systems (2.12 SSW 4.6 ESE & 2.0 WNW). 28kWh battery storage. Two A2A units for cleaner heating. Two BEV's for cleaner driving.
For general PV advice please see the PV FAQ thread on the Green & Ethical Board.0 -
As another non electrician, is there a limit to how many times the RCD can reset before it needs replacing? Is it possible that having a surge may damage it sufficiently that it then trips more easily?Remember the saying: if it looks too good to be true it almost certainly is.0
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I'd second your inverter being on a too low an ampage RCD ours is linked to a 100MA fuse (4KW system)0
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