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Will the grid pass through the inverter if the inverter fails

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Ron
 Ron
(@ron)
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Will the grid pass through the inverter if the inverter fails



   
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EG4 Eric
(@eg4eric)
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Can you specify what do you mean by fails? 



   
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Ron
 Ron
(@ron)
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I need to know if I need to create a Inverter bypass from my AC panel to grid input in case the inverter fails in any way to supply power to the AC panel.  



   
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EG4 Eric
(@eg4eric)
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A transfer switch would be the best option. That would also be helpful if you need to work on the inverter and you need to turn it off, the Grid can bypass and power loads. 



   
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(@jlankford)
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Posted by: @ron

Will the grid pass through the inverter if the inverter fails

 

The 18Kpv does NOT pass through unless the inverter is running. The default state for the pass through relays is open, not closed. The inverter software must be booted up and running to decide to close the relays. So you need a manual transfer switch to bypass the inverter. Can't comment on other inverter models.

 



   
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Ron
 Ron
(@ron)
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@jlankford will the transfer switch need to also transfer the neutral and ground? Main panel is bonded before the inverter and dist panel after inverter they are separated



   
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(@jlankford)
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Posted by: @ron

@jlankford will the transfer switch need to also transfer the neutral and ground? Main panel is bonded before the inverter and dist panel after inverter they are separated

No. My system is a whole-house backup configuration. Main disconnect and transfer switch are before the 18Kpv. Main dist panel is after the 18K. G-N bond is at the main disconnect. Transfer switch is a two-conductor model - it switches L1 and L2 only. Ground and Neutral pass through the switch enclosure unswitched.

 

1000001437 edit2

 



   
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(@jlankford)
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Posted by: @ron

@jlankford will the transfer switch need to also transfer the neutral and ground? Main panel is bonded before the inverter and dist panel after inverter they are separated

 

... if you are shopping for a transfer switch, spend the extra money and buy the GE model. The cheaper Amazon models you will find are not UL listed and the enclosures are too small - they do not meet the NEC enclosure size requirements for wire-bending rules, among other non-compliance problems. If you are passing your whole house service through the switch using 2/0 or 4/0 cable, the small switch enclosures will be nearly impossible to work in. If you're only dealing with 50 amp cabling through the switch, you could get away with a cheap Amazon switch, but your inspector may not pass it without a UL rating.

 



   
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(@pawnee)
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@jlankford thanks



   
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