d3nominat0r

Interesting question, would this negatively impact metering/cost by only using one phase? Effectively the three phase installation will be totally unbalanced with two phases not in use. Does it matter?

There is no three-phase loads in the house I bought. It is biggish house at 500 m2 and as such a single-phase 63A was insufficient for the loads in the old days. Each phase was treated as a separate 63A supply to spread and balance the loads. But as things stand now, I actually have limited use for the three-phase supply and can easily get away with a single 63A supply. However, the municipality do not want to convert back to single-phase supply. I therefore still need to try and balance the three-phases as much as possible, but it turns out very difficult to do with low loads. It also seem cheaper to have 3 x Victron Multiplus II units than a three-phase Victron, but I cannot see the use.

@plonkster thanks, this make perfect sense. Really appreciate the feedback. As for the comms cable, I have read that you can use CAT5e network cable with RJ45 connectors to achieve this?

Hi all, excuse my ignorance, do these indicator lights only pass through Live or do they get connected with Live and Neutral? Thanks

Sorry, also if my essential loads are connected to AC out on the Victron Multiplus is this meter still required?

@plonkster, thanks. Just to check my understanding, the CG is used to block any feedback back to the grid? Have one of those prepaid meters that dislike feedback. Due the distance from my Main-DB to Sub-DB (30m), I assume it would be installed at the Sub-DB as it needs to be connected to the Venus Colour GX?

Thanks got it. Since my Sub-DB and Inverter is 30m away from my DB board, I will be running two 3-core cable between my Main-DB (scullery) and Sub-DB (garage). Is there any specific components that should go into the Main-DB? Based on what I have seen, everything should be able to go into the Sub-DB. The 3-core cable is going into the Sub-DB/Inverter and then the inverter output is going back to the Main-DB via another 3-core cable. I'll put another Earth Leakage on the Sub-DB before going into the Inverter for protection. Does this make sense? I also see some people have islanding devices? Why are they needed?

Appreciated the feedback, just a general question regarding the Victron MultiPlus vs. the new GoodWe Hybrid Inverters. Not that it impacts my DB Board Design, but just a clarification for my benefit. The Victron Units Run either in Grid Passthrough, PV or Battery mode, but cannot supplement the PV with Grid Power if needed (Yes/No) The GoodWe Hybrid Units can be setup to supplement the PV with Grid Power if needed (Yes/No) Is Hybrid Inverters approved to be used by council?

I've made a minor update, forgot to include the Inverter Wiring flows.

So here is my thinking for a proposed DB Board layout (in the scullery), Sub DB Board for Inverter will be in the Garage with all the PV kit and batteries. Hope this make sense for everyone, in summary this is my thinking. Phase 1: Dedicated to the essential loads, can be switched out with a generator supply if needed for Inverter if batteries are running low Phase 2: Dedicated to Sub-DB for Spa (Pumps x 2, Blower, Spa Heater) and Aircons Phase 3: Dedicated to Stove and perhaps Pool + Geyser (Not sure if it's better to leave on Phase 1?, in hindsight perhaps better leaving on Phase 1 and figuring out how to switch in front or behind inverter). As for the comment around running load off batteries overnight, I'm considering getting a 5KVA Lithium Battery, however this is probably something to be setup on the Inverter and should not impact my DB Board design? @plonkster @The Terrible Triplett, would appreciate your views on this please.

@bluwater thanks, makes sense to me to isolate the neutrals when coming from different sources. I will need to share a neutral bus bar between the 3-phase supply to balance. In my new installation, I am struggling to figure out what the best approach is considering the following: 3-Phase Supply from Council Generator PV Installation with Battery Backup Essentially, I would like to achieve the following (cost benefit should be positive, else I'll strike out a few of the ideas as it's a mind dump): Run essential loads of the PV during the day (if PV drops too low, fall back to the grid) (I would like to run the pool pump and electric geyser at different intervals from the PV installation as well depending on cost, else I will revert those to non-essential loads) Run essential loads of the Battery during the night (if battery drops too low, fall back to the grid) Run non-essential loads of the Grid (currently only planning to have the Aircons and Stove on this) Load-shedding during the day should not impact the above other than non-essentials should not powered Load-shedding during the night should not impact the above other than non-essentials should not powered In case of load shedding, always have the option to substitute the Eskom supply with the Generator Be able to charge the Batteries from the Supply (Grid or Generator) if PV is too low. Balancing the 3-Phase Supply seems problematic as this solution seems 80% of the grid, is this an issue? Any thoughts on the above?

@bluwater thanks, in my new design I will be adding a seperate earth leakage to each phase. A quick question, it is not clear for me in SANS 10142 whether I should be running a 4P Isolator and 4P Breaker for the 3-Phase supply to cater for neutral as well. Does anyone know? Will it hurt to do this? Also, I assume if I do a 2P Change Over Switch I should also have an independent Neutral bar from the other phases? Or does that not matter?

I think it works well, I tried the same with draw.io however did a more literal design of my DB Board. I prefer your way of illustration, thus busy illustrating my new design more like you did.

😉, what software/online tool did you use for drawing up the schematic?

Will you be able to share your DC diagram as well? Lots for valuable learning for me from your schematics.

Hi all, Been asking a few general questions on another thread, as have decided to move forward on a full blown Hager reinstall with new 54 Way (3 rows x 18) Surface Mount DB Board. I have drawn up my current layout with horrific wiring which can be seen below. This is was a quick exercise with some assumptions as wires are running behind the backplate and I could not see all of them. I will follow up on another post in this thread with my thinking on my new proposed DB board layout with DIN SwitchOver etc. Please can you assist with commenting on the following: Current wiring, not sure how compliant it is, irrespective of getting a CoC when purchasing. Does something look out of order? Additionally my DB Board is central in the house, where my PV Panels will be garage side and probably will have it's own new Mini DB as well. The cable run is about 30m 😞. I assume it is best to put the Inverters, MPPT, Battery etc. garage side and have it's own new Mini DB as well. I would probably need a 6 core cable running from the garage to the inhouse DB board carrying the grid supply (single phase) to the Inverter and back for my essential loads. Am I on the right track? Would you do it differently? Thanks in advance.

These guys are from my local town, pricing is also really good. https://www.4solarsa.com/solar-geyser-pricelist

Came across these guys, not sure if anyone can comment. The pricing looks very good. http://www.enviruheat.co.za/solar-geyser-systems

Thanks, sorry for my ignorance, what accessories would this be?

I'm trying to find the Hager ones but no luck, can you perhaps share a link?

I'm a bit baffled, what are the differences between Hager CB NF116A vs MN116Z except the price? http://www.em.co.za/Home/Miniature-Circuit-Breakers-MCBs/NF116A.html http://www.em.co.za/MN116Z.html

Has anyone used https://online-electrical.co.za/ before? Their pricing on Hager really looks good, I also see them listed on CBI's site as a Distributor.

Thanks, Hager is where my mind is. Will look nice and neat.

I'm considering getting one of these from Hager. http://www.em.co.za/Home/Distribution-Boards/VS318TJ.html. I guess it should do the job 3x18 (54 slots).

Thanks for the advice, will do.