Been having this issue with my solar system where the earth leakage on the output of the inverter is randomly tripping when the mains power comes back on after load shedding. Doesnt happen all the time, but getting more frequent.

Any idea as to what might cause this and how to fix it?

My setup:

KODAK 5KW KING INVERTER RACK MOUNT OG-PLUS5.48-RM
KETO 120AMP BATTERY DISCONNECT
2 X PYLONTECH 4.8KW 48V BATTERIES
3 X SETS OF 2 X 540W CANADIAN SOLAR PANELS
 

The installer has put 2 earth leakages, one on input and one on output.

RCD on outplut = GEWISS GW D4042

RCD on input = CBI

I also occasionally get this crackling sound coming from the inverter. Almost sounds like a relay clicking on and off very quickly. The only way to get rid of it is to turn the batteries off and restart the inverter. Its then fine for a couple of weeks and then randomly happens again.
 

Remove the feed to the inverter from the E/L. This causes random trips as the 2 E/L see each other.

2 hours ago, Jacques Ester said:

Remove the feed to the inverter from the E/L. This causes random trips as the 2 E/L see each other.

Is this within the SANS code  for wiring. We see how many times this is recommended but with geysers now also on E/L I just wonder about inverters. 

Edited January 23, 20233 yr by Scorp007

31 minutes ago, Scorp007 said:

Is this within the SANS code d for wiring. We see how many times this is recommended but with geysers now also on E/L I just wonder about inverters. 

Inverter goes before RCD, if you put it after an RCD, it will cause issues like this. It can also still kill you even if the RCD is tripped, as it is a source, so there is no point in putting an RCD before it. Geysers have to be after an RCD, because plumbers generally make poor electricians.

Edited January 23, 20233 yr by P1000

1 hour ago, P1000 said:

Inverter goes before RCD, if you put it after an RCD, it will cause issues like this. It can also still kill you even if the RCD is tripped, as it is a source, so there is no point in putting an RCD before it. Geysers have to be after an RCD, because plumbers generally make poor electricians.

How does one satisfy the circuit in SANS below? 

That image is from Annex P:

The actual regulations are written in the wordy sections...

Earth leakages doesn't "see each other", but they do see EMC spikes in switching events - and not all ELs are created equal. I'll bet if you replace the GEWIS with a CBI one (like you've got on your input), your problem will be solved. Friend had the same issue - worked for him. Very easy fix.

Faulty circuits down stream can cause problems with an earth leakage. A poor earth connection at your neighbour could affect your earth leakage. Connecting earth to neutral and neutral supply to neutral output at your inverter may solve some trips but it is frowned upon and won't work with a supply side earth leakage.