Splitting the domestic DB

[Isetech]

The challenge is real.

We would normally install the socket outlets by colour.

A standard white socket outlet connected to earth leakage and used for normal applications.

A red dedicated socket outlet would generally not be connected to the ELU and used for computers, screens, alarm systems and deep freeze and that kind of stuff.

Then the inverter cam along and we started using the blue dedicate socket outlets for essential services and in many cases would be connected to the ELU for normal usage.

For commercial and industrial applications, this works pretty well.

However for domestic application this splitting the DB is proving to be more of a headache than it is worth.

People dont want to spend the money installing blue plugs, not just the cost but the looks.

In most cases the installer will just split the DB and tell people which plugs are connected to the inverter essential circuits. 2 days later the home executive arrives and things just go pear shaped.

This is something which requires urgent attention.

[GCE]

The regulations require you to estimate the load and gives a guideline

Unfortunately the cowboys in the inverter market don't know that the regulations exist and stick the complete residence onto a 5 Kw inverter.
To make matters worse some Electrical contractors have the attitude that if you cannot beat them then join them and are doing the same thing

I had a call last week were a domestic dwelling was being fed in total by a 5Kw inverter and Battery - The sale was going to happen and a COC is now needed - My advise to the contractors , and there were 3 different ones that phoned on the same install, walk away unless the owner agrees to the cost of splitting the D/board so that the new owner does not hold you liable under 5.3.1 and annex C

This is something which requires urgent attention.

What requires urgent attention is household owners accepting the cheapest price and then complaining when things go pear shape - Once that attitude is gone then we can move on with life.
That same house owner does not look for the cheapest pricing when looking for a dentist , doctor or hospital - Why then with trade people

I have no sympathy with people when the boundary wall they had built by the cheapest builder who also designed it falls over and insurance will not pay , likewise with complete households on 5Kw inverters or the calls that keep coming in because the inverter trips out and the installer no longer answers a phone

I reckon another 2 years and plenty of upset household owners finding out that 5 and 10 year warranties mean nothing because the system was overloaded constantly from day 1 and then we may have a change in attitude
Until then , I will price to do the work correctly and if they want to compare me to certain so called installers in the area that offer to undercut any written quote then I will not supply a quote.



[B]5.3.1 Estimated load[/B]
The load of an installation shall be estimated to determine the type and
capacity of the required electricity supply.
NOTE 1 Annex C gives an example of estimating the load for residential installations
but the method is not to be regarded as an exact method.
NOTE 2 The supplier may have special requirements for large installations and for
installations that need special consideration.

Part of Annex C
C.2 Connected load
C.2.1 The connected load can be determined by adding together the load, in kilowatts,
of all
a) power-consuming equipment that is connected in the installation, and
b) equipment that could be connected to the installation by using the means provided.
C.2.2 The value of the connected load can be estimated by using the following values:
a) for each lamp, the rated lamp load, at least 60 W;
b) for socket-outlets:
1) 3 kW for the first 50 m2 under cover;
2) alternatively 5 kW for the first 100 m² (under cover) and 1 kW for each additional
100 m² or part of 100 m²;
c) for water heaters and all other equipment, the total rated load.

[Isetech]

Splitting a DB brings a few challenges, not going to go into them today, but one would be the neutrals.

My concern is identifying which circuit is connected to which part of the DB. We can create drawings, label the DB and do a walk through with the customer.

2 days later I cant even remember which socket outlet are on essential and non essential.

I have been putting some thought into it, you could use a marker and put a cross, or a sticker. I am going to get some 6mm blue TZ tape and label the sockets connected to the essential part of the DB. I hate fitting labels I can never get them 100% straight so I waste half the roll making more and more. I have found a solution, but I need a mate to 3 D print the unit which will ensure they are perfectly straight every single time.