This is currently awaiting clarification, but could end up being an even bigger issue than the "back-fed RCD & its effect on disconnection times"
So, it seems as though at least one of the smoke alarm manufacturers (starts with an A - 4 letters) has said that any warranty on their products is void if installed in a premises with PV in - may cause failure of said units!!!!! Cause is given as the "non-sine" wave when the PV is on damaging the electronics!
Initial thought: That`s grim! So if there is a fire, and the alarms don`t operate - who is going to be liable? Probably the guy who installed either the PV or the alarms, whichever came last.
But.......there has been talk that nearby properties, on the same phase, are also having poor quality waves. Aside from the fact that I wonder if you need to use more "dirty" electric to get the same result as "clean" 50hz sine - what if your neighbour`s PV stuffs up your smoke alarms, or vice versa?
What can you do? Write to everyone you`ve installed a system with, and advise them that the PV may not be compatible with any mains powered smoke alarms in the premises? Does that get you out of the (possible) future crapstorm that is awaiting an unsuspecting sparkykins down the road??
Is it in their instructions? I`ve got some in the van - so I`ll have a look at `em tomorrow!
WTF is going to be next? we get sued for shortening the life of all appliances in a property? If this "dirty" leccie is soooooooo bad, surely the inverter manufacturers have to shoulder a percentage of the blame.
So, it seems as though at least one of the smoke alarm manufacturers (starts with an A - 4 letters) has said that any warranty on their products is void if installed in a premises with PV in - may cause failure of said units!!!!! Cause is given as the "non-sine" wave when the PV is on damaging the electronics!
Initial thought: That`s grim! So if there is a fire, and the alarms don`t operate - who is going to be liable? Probably the guy who installed either the PV or the alarms, whichever came last.
But.......there has been talk that nearby properties, on the same phase, are also having poor quality waves. Aside from the fact that I wonder if you need to use more "dirty" electric to get the same result as "clean" 50hz sine - what if your neighbour`s PV stuffs up your smoke alarms, or vice versa?
What can you do? Write to everyone you`ve installed a system with, and advise them that the PV may not be compatible with any mains powered smoke alarms in the premises? Does that get you out of the (possible) future crapstorm that is awaiting an unsuspecting sparkykins down the road??
Is it in their instructions? I`ve got some in the van - so I`ll have a look at `em tomorrow!
WTF is going to be next? we get sued for shortening the life of all appliances in a property? If this "dirty" leccie is soooooooo bad, surely the inverter manufacturers have to shoulder a percentage of the blame.