Should the connection be on a non-RCD part of the board or made through an independent distribution board, asks our reader.
This Q & A is one of the thousands posted in our Technical Expertise area and answered by our Voltimum Experts.
Question:
When solar PV has been connected to an existing distribution board should the connection be on a non-RCD part of the board or made through an independent distribution board?
From previous experience when testing an RCD with solar PV connected it affected the tripping time of the RCD.
I do not fit solar PV personally but I am concerned about some installations I have seen.
Answer:
Gary Parker - Senior Technical Support Engineer, ECA
It can be on either, but you would have to ensure that it is the right type of RCD. Many PV systems require an A or B type RCD.
If the cable <50 mm in a wall, then additional protection will be required, this could be from an RCD or from one of the other options, such as metal conduit.