So our trusty Fivestar (Axpert) inverter died this weekend with an Error 9. Installer says this is usually as after load shedding an additional load above 240v popped it. They're busy repairing, but wanted to see if there's any other options to regulate this? He mentioned Surge arrestor. We have one on the DB in house but not from outside to invertor. Any suggestions or recommendations?

Install this it will save your Axpert & any off grid inverter. One must remember that the Deye & Sunsynk are grid interactive and they have a 60s delay when the grid returns that will wait for grid stabilisation. The Off grid inverters don't have this function. I have fitted this device to all the Off grid inverter setups & it will save your machines main board because it waits 30s before the AC input is restored. 

This device costs in the region of R400 odd bucks. If it saves a main board worth R1000s of bucks then I think it's worth it. 

Segen Solar also having massive issues because they are having to replace main boards for fun & all that is required is this delay timer & over/ under Voltage regulator. They are mandating that warranties might be affected without such a similar device being installed. The main events are when Grid returns after loadshedding. Pay attention if you have these Axpert of off grid inverters. It might save you a main board replacement. I have heaps of these in the field & this week alone had 3 breakdowns with either fuses blown & 3 OG10 main board replacements under warranty. These main boards cost R7.5k each. 

The Off grid inverters are vulnerable. 

Edited September 5, 20232 yr by Steve87

2 hours ago, Steve87 said:

Install this it will save your Axpert & any off grid inverter. One must remember that the Deye & Sunsynk are grid interactive and they have a 60s delay when the grid returns that will wait for grid stabilisation. The Off grid inverters don't have this function. I have fitted this device to all the Off grid inverter setups & it will save your machines main board because it waits 30s before the AC input is restored. 

This device costs in the region of R400 odd bucks. If it saves a main board worth R1000s of bucks then I think it's worth it. 

They are R370 at Bright Lighting Electrical.

https://britelighting.co.za/products/chint-ov-uv-protection-relay-80a-1p-n

Yes @Steve87i saw today out in Nigel that the Fluke multitester picked up 247V when power returned after 4.5hour Ls stint. Had 2 x 4.5 hours consecutive today with 3.5 hours between stages. Look like we back at it with Ls burnt all the diesel on the OCGT'S at Ankerlig and Gourikwa.

Edited September 5, 20232 yr by TaliaB
Incorrect instrument

Hey @TaliaBthat's the issue, the inverters are getting absolutely cranked when the grid returns & with all these high frequency of events it makes these inverters take on much higher than normal voltage spikes & unfortunately IGBTs cannot sustain this & main boards are dieing like flies. 

The guys make it out to be planned maintenance. IMHO planned means you make provision for ppl in terms of warning before the event. More.closer to the truth would be more like, we can't run the entire country on a Gene. 

The logistical problem with doing that is keeping up with the Hungry turbine. 

Piped diesel is the only way to make sure you don't run dry. Even the largest aviation production Turbine engine chews up close to 8kL per hour. That OCGT is much larger so we looking at staggering amounts to keep up with a hungry power plant.

What we are seeing is closer to the reality that we are left with. On the plus side at least it's warmer now...

@Ahmedv I feel your pain with Municipal / Eskom power spikes and high Voltage problems.

I have the above protection just after the Municipal meter, and before even the inverter. With this model, you can even set your own upper and lower protection Voltages,  Current, and timer. In our local area we often have voltages above 260V, and sometimes over 270V.

This particular device in the picture is dead, and sacrificed itself, but saved all the downstream equipment, so I happily payed the few hundred rand's for a replacement.

I agree with @Steve87 and @TaliaB that this is an essential item of protection to have, even without an inverter, as the timer will delay switch on, and you will be less likely to have spikes damaging your equipment.

5 hours ago, Steve87 said:

Install this it will save your Axpert & any off grid inverter. One must remember that the Deye & Sunsynk are grid interactive and they have a 60s delay when the grid returns that will wait for grid stabilisation. The Off grid inverters don't have this function. I have fitted this device to all the Off grid inverter setups & it will save your machines main board because it waits 30s before the AC input is restored. 

This device costs in the region of R400 odd bucks. If it saves a main board worth R1000s of bucks then I think it's worth it. 

So if I look at it, it seems it will kick in if the voltage is 270v or higher or 170v or lower?

Does it do the time delay regardless or only if it needs to kick the protection in?

 

Do you know if there is a Samite version?

3 minutes ago, PsyCLown said:

Does it do the time delay regardless or only if it needs to kick the protection in?

On the SVP-917, if there is an interruption in power, or protection is triggered, the on timer will count before reconnecting power.

I'm sure even the Chint one will react the same way.

6 hours ago, PsyCLown said:

 

 

Do you know if there is a Samite version?

I doubt it as Samite is a local clip tray. 

You just use a Samite to Din adaptor. They cost below R20. 

They cost all of 12 bucks

2 hours ago, Scorp007 said:

I doubt it as Samite is a local clip tray. 

You just use a Samite to Din adaptor. They cost below R20. 

Interesting, I never knew it was local. Why did we create samite instead of just using DIN rails?

 

@TimCam Thanks, that SVP seems nice and I see Tomzn make a similar device too (Tovpd1) - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001709830838.html?pdp_npi=2%40dis!ZAR!ZAR205.31!ZAR164.25!!!!!%402103273e16939853823723517e1177!12000017245123811!btf&_t=pvid:2fa5dab0-180f-44e8-b065-4db9973627cd&spm=a2g0o.ppclist.product.mainProduct

 

I think it would be worth my while getting one for just incase.