Essential and non essential separation in the DB

[Isetech]

This is another topic which should be discussed in more detail.

What is the minimum requirement.

For example:

Split a single phase DB by installing a DB blank, label the left of the blank non essential and the breakers to the right essential (inverter/solar)

Fit a 3 tier DB use the bottom row for non essential and the middle for essential.

Should the wires in the DB be separated or can you run all the wires together regardless of the source or backup.

I am sure by now everyone understands the light or sound requirements.

[Dylboy]

I just split the board as best I can to have it grouped, for example left side essential and right not or top essential and bottom not.

It all depends on the DB im working with. I don't see a need to have a whole seperate DB for essential and non. I label it and i state above each circuit that is on backup.

However with Neautral bars always being such a staff up and having to add more then a seperate DB may work, but on another thread somewhere I started about having just a box or DB for neutrals bars that can be done so we know which Neautral bar does what.


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[Derlyn]

One thing to keep in mind is that the DB main isolator must isolate the WHOLE DB and not just a portion of it. It doesn't help hitting the main isolator and half the DB is still live, being fed by the inverter.

[Andrew_van_Zyl]

Polymath Solar do an online webinar that might be useful - I'm signing up for the next one.
I've come across so many dodgy DB's where the main isolator doesn't turn off everything.
https://polymathsolar.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/polymathsol...34703595967615

[Isetech]

One thing to keep in mind is that the DB main isolator must isolate the WHOLE DB and not just a portion of it. It doesn't help hitting the main isolator and half the DB is still live, being fed by the inverter.

That's where it gets interesting, a split DB requires 2 isolators and the to what point are barriers required?

[Isetech]

Polymath Solar do an online webinar that might be useful - I'm signing up for the next one.
I've come across so many dodgy DB's where the main isolator doesn't turn off everything.
https://polymathsolar.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/polymathsol...34703595967615

You would think an IE and MIE would know all this stuff ?

[Isetech]

What blows my mind is how people post pictures of installations which are as non complaint.

The chance that you have a piece of sprag inside the 40x40 trunking to separate the AC/DC is highly unlikely, but hey, at the end of the day, who is going to stop you.

Not the insurance company, they are obliged to pay out for the damages, provided you did the responsible thing and got a COC. They will have to fight to get their money back form the fool who issued the COC

[LightsOn]

I am liking @Isetech's concept of a 2 or 3 tier DB, this is what I would have in mind

Top row - Labelled "Grid/Eskom and non-essential"
MAIN - STOVE - EL - Essentials breaker - (non-essential) Plugs1 breaker, (non-essential) Plugs2 breaker, (non-essential) Plugs3 breaker

Middle/bottom row - Labelled "Essential - UPS - Alternate supply - Grid/Eskom"
SUB MAIN - CHANGEOVER - LIGHTS breaker - (gas)GEYSER breaker - Plugs breaker

Where
MAIN get's it's feed from Eskom
SUB MAIN gets it's feed from the UPS
CHANGEOVER get's it's top feed from SUB MAIN, bottom feed from EL neutral and Essentials breaker.


I like the idea of labeling the Eskom supply as Grid/Eskom or Grid/Utility/Eskom because a foreigner may need to operate the DB and not know what Eskom is.