Solar Photo Voltaic

Switchgear Solutions

Issue 2
 Solar Voltaics in Domestic Installations
Cables with a power supply at each end need special considerations.
Using Double pole RCBOs on a dedicated circuit could be the simplest answer.

1 Circuit protection for both power supplies may be required (subject to inverter operating characteristics)

P V supplies with an RCD providing additional protection for the final circuit must be DP and disconnect
2 Line and Neutral conductors (e.g. Double pole RCBO). Use of DP RCBOs may negate the need to take
account of inverter shut down times
PV supplies require DC and AC Isolators so that the inverter can be isolated from both supplies for
3 maintenance

4 PV supplies should be connected to a dedicated circuit at the consumer unit (not share a final sub circuit)

5 P V Meters must comply with MID2004/22/EC B &D or B & F

A new range of Wylex products is available to help installers meet the above

Combination DC/AC Dual Supply PV PV Ready PV Ready Consumer Unit

PV Isolator / Main Supply Consumer Unit (with DP RCBO & meter)
Switch (with meter)

411.3.2.2
A The maximum disconnection time shown in Table 41.1 applies to circuits not exceeding 32A. 0.4 s TN System & 0.2 s TT Systems.
551.4.1
B Fault protection shall be provided for of each source of supply or combination of sources of supply.
(Also, refer to chapter 55, regulation group 551- Low Voltage Generating Sets)
551.5.1
C Over current protection should be located as near as practical to the generator terminals (where required).
712.537.2.1.1
D To allow maintenance of the PV Inverter, means of isolating the PV inverter from the DC side and the AC side shall be provided.
(Also, refer to chapter 53, regulation group 537- Isolation and Switching)
712.434.1
E The PV supply cable (AC side) shall be protected against fault current by an overcurrent protective device installed at the connection to the AC mains.
Also, refer to Part 7, all regulations in Section 712 - Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Supply Systems)
712.411.3.2.1.1
F The PV Supply cable (on the AC side) shall be connected to the supply side of the protective device for automatic disconnection of circuits supplying
current -using equipment.
314.1
G Every installation shall be divided into circuits as necessary to : (ii) facilitate safe inspection testing & maintenance (vi) prevent the indirect energising
of a circuit intended to be isolated.
314.4
In an installation comprising more than one final circuit, each final circuit shall be connected to a separate way in a distribution board.
The wiring of each final circuit shall be electrically separate from that of every other final circuit, so as to prevent the indirect energising of a final circuit
intended to be isolated.
522.6.101 522.6.102 & 522.6.103
I Installers must consider the need for Additional Protection by 30mA RCD in accordance with regulations (Previously 522.6.6 & 522.6.8) that relate to
concealed cables in walls & partitions.
Wylex have created a number of new PV dedicated products to help installers to economically and efficiently
install Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems up to 4kW, including:

AC & DC Enclosed Isolators
Combination DC/AC PV Isolator in a single enclosure

Dual Supply PV & Grid Mains Supply Switch
PV Consumer Units (all 17th edition models available)

The equipment is designed to allow the installer to make parallel power connections simply and easily.

Typical Installation Diagrams

Adding PV to an Complete New
Existing Installation Installation

A
1 A
B 1
2 B
C 2
3 C
D 3
D
I
I
E E
4 F 4
F
5 G Existing 5
Consumer G
* Unit *

Recommended methods for meeting requirements 1- 5 & A to I

* Class B RCDs may be required with certain types of inverter.

Class B RCDs & Surge Protection Devices also available

This guide to Wylex circuit protection & switchgear products is not a substitute for the IET 17 th Edition wiring
regulations (BS 7671:2001 Requirements for Electrical Installations amendment 1) which should always be used
for design and installation work. Always check with manufacturers of all components of the PV System
(including Solar- Panel & Inverter manufacturers) before selecting and installing circuit protection devices.
Other relevant documents include:
DTI publication Photovoltaics in Buildings, Guide to the installation of P V systems 2 nd Edition publication number URN 06/1972,
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme installation standard MIS 3002 Solar P V,
Electrical Safety Council best practice guide 3 Connecting a Microgeneration system to a domestic or similar electrical installation,
Approved building regulation Document P
 COMBINATION DC & AC PV ISOLATOR
DESCRIPTION LIST No.
Two isolators in a single enclosure that allows the installer to save
time by comparison to other methods that utilise two separate
enclosures. Class II construction.

Available with or without local circuit protection devices (MCB, RCD or RCBO)

Compact combined DC & AC Isolator in one enclosure

Speeds up installation

Securable in the Off position

Robust metal enclosure with Knockout cable entries

Dual Isolator NSPE-5359/5

Dual Isolator with SP 16A MCB NHDS106B16
When circuit protection devices are provided at the inverter output, the installer
must ensure that the characteristics of the protective device are suitable for the
fault levels at that point in the circuit and will meet required disconnection times
P V supplies (DC & AC) must be arranged so that the converter can be
isolated from both supplies for maintenance

NSPE-5359/5

DUAL SUPPLY PV/MAINS SUPPLY SWITCH

DESCRIPTION LIST No.
Two isolators in a single enclosure that allows the installer to save
time by comparison to other methods that utilise two separate
enclosures.

Allows for the addition of PV supplies using the normal input terminations at each
consumer unit

4 Pole Switch gives single point for total Isolation of both supplies

Compact Combined Dual Supply Isolator

Securable in the OFF position

Sealable covers for security

Security Screw can be wire sealed

REC Isolator
100A, 230V AC DP 2 Module Isolator, lockable 40A, 230V AC DP
2 Module Isolator, lockable Enclosure with split cover and meter
seal and seal-able security screw. NHDSREC4

NHDSREC4

PV CONSUMER UNIT
DESCRIPTION LIST No.
Insulated metered consumer unit supplied with either Main Switch
and 16A SP MCB or 16A RCBO with optional MID meter.

63A 320V AC DP Isolator

16A B Curve SP MCB

40A direct read MID Meter.

Ready assembled consumer unit complete with MID Certified meter

Combined unit simplifies and speeds up installation

Complete with Isolator & MCB

Easy read permanently displayed kWh reading

Option available with RCBO or MCB

With DP 16A RCBO (with meter) NHRCBO16BMPV

With SP 16A MCB (with meter) NHB16MPV
With DP 16A RCBO (no meter) NSPE-5392/6
With SP 16A MCB (no meter) NHB16PV
P V supplies should be connected to a dedicated circuit at the consumer unit
(not share a final sub circuit)
NHB16MPV P V supplies should be connected to the supply side of the MCB at the
consumer unit (not reverse fed)
P V Meters must comply with MID2004/22/EC B& D or B& F

Note: Surge Protection devices and Type B RCDs are available on request
 DC ISOLATOR
DESCRIPTION LIST No.
DC Isolator in an all insulated enclosure with rotary handle and
padlock locking Off facility.

Multi Pole

25A, 32A, 40A

500V or 600V DC

Insulated Enclosure

Rotary Handle & padlock ‘Off ’ facility

DC - 21B utilization category

32A 500V 4 Pole NHDC325004P

40A 500V 4 Pole NHDC405004P
25A 600V 6 Pole NHDC256006P
40A 600V 6 Pole NHDC406006P

NHDC406006P NHDC405004P

AC ISOLATOR
DESCRIPTION LIST No.
AC Isolator in an all insulated IP65 enclosure with rotary door
interlock and padlock locking Off facility.

Multi Pole

16, 25 or 32A

230V AC

IP65 Enclosure

Rotary Handle & padlock ‘Off ’ facility

16A 230V AC 3 Pole NHTPSD16

25A 230V AC 3 Pole NHTPSD25
32A 230V AC 3 Pole NHTPSD32

NHTPSD32 NHTPSD25

MID METERS IN ENCLOSURE

DESCRIPTION LIST No.
MID B&D certified meters c/w an IP40 insulated enclosure.

Direct connected kWh meter

Mechanical barell number or Liquid Crystal Display

Pulsed output for BMS monitoring

DIN Rail mounting

1 Mod MID Meter (Analogue) NHSPMTRA

1 Mod MID Meter (Digital) NHSPMTRD

NHSPMTRA NHSPMTRD

Note: Surge Protection devices and Type B RCDs are available on request
 Main Switch Dual Supply PV Consumer unit with MID Certified Generation Meter
DESCRIPTION LIST No.
15 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A SP MCB NH15DSMPVF
10 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A SP MCB NH10DSMPVF
14 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A DP RCBO NH14DSRCBMPVF
9 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A DP RCBO NH9DSRCBMPVF
Main Switch Dual Supply PV Consumer unit
16 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A SP MCB NH16DSPVF
11 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A SP MCB NH11DSPVF
15 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A DP RCBO NH15DSRCBPVF
10 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A DP RCBO NH10DSRCBPVF
Double Pole MCB options available on request

NH14DSRCBMPVF

Split Load Dual Supply PV Consumer unit with MID Certified Generation Meter
DESCRIPTION LIST No.
13 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A SP MCB NH13DSMPVSL
8 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A SP MCB NH8DSMPVSL
12 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A DP RCBO NH12DSRCBMPVSL
7 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A DP RCBO NH7DSRCBMPVSL
Split Load Dual Supply P V Consumer unit
14 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A SP MCB NH14DSPVSL
9 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A SP MCB NH9DSPVSL
13 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A DP RCBO NH13DSRCBPVSL
8 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A DP RCBO NH8DSRCBPVSL
Double Pole MCB options available on request

NH12DSRCBMPVSL

High Integrity Dual Supply PV Consumer unit with MID Certified Generation Meter
DESCRIPTION LIST No.
11 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A SP MCB NH11DSMPVHI
10 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A DP RCBO NH10DSRCBMPVHI
High Integrity Dual Supply P V Consumer unit
12 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A SP MCB NH12DSPVHI
11 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A DP RCBO NH11DSRCBPVHI
Double Pole MCB options available on request

NH10DSRCBMPVHI

Dual RCD Dual Supply PV Consumer unit with MID Certified Generation Meter
DESCRIPTION LIST No.
11 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A SP MCB NH11DSMPVDR
6 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A SP MCB NH6DSMPVDR
10 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A DP RCBO NH10DSRCBMPVDR
5 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A DP RCBO NH5DSRCBMPVDR
Dual RCD Dual Supply PV Consumer unit
12 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A SP MCB NH12DSPVDR
7 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A SP MCB NH7DSPVDR
11 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A DP RCBO NH11DSRCBPVDR
6 way unit with dual supply isolators & 16A DP RCBO NH6DSRCBPVDR
Double Pole MCB options available on request

Note : Surge Protection devices and Type B RCDs are available

NH10DSRCBMPVDR on request
 MINIATURE CIRCUIT BREAKERS Single Pole -6kA
RATING B CURVE C CURVE
6A SP MCB 6kA NHXB06 NHXC06
10A SP MCB 6kA NHXB10 NHXC10
16A SP MCB 6kA NHXB16 NHXC16
20A SP MCB 6kA NHXB20 NHXC20
32A SP MCB 6kA NHXB32 NHXC32
40A SP MCB 6kA NHXB40 NHXC40
50A SP MCB 6kA NHXB50 NHXC50

RCBO Single Pole-6kA (Combined MCB/ RCD device)

RATING B CURVE C CURVE
6A SP RCBO 6kA NHXSBS1B06 NHXSBS1C06
10A SP RCBO 6kA NHXSBS1B10 NHXSBS1C10
16A SP RCBO 6kA NHXSBS1B16 NHXSBS1C16
20A SP RCBO 6kA NHXSBS1B20 NHXSBS1C20
32A SP RCBO 6kA NHXSBS1B32 NHXSBS1C32
40A SP RCBO 6kA NHXSBS1B40 NHXSBS1C40
50A SP RCBO 6kA NHXSBS1B50 NHXSBS1C50

RCBO Double Pole -10kA C Curve (Combined MCB / RCD device)

RATING WITH NEUTRAL LEAD DIRECT CONNECTION
6A DP RCBO 10kA WRCBL6C2 WRCBX6C2
10A DP RCBO 10kA WRCBL10C2 WRCBX10C2
16A DP RCBO 10kA WRCBL16C2 WRCBX16C2
20A DP RCBO 10kA WRCBL20C2 WRCBX20C2
32A DP RCBO 10kA WRCBL32C2 WRCBX32C2
40A DP RCBO 10kA WRCBL40C2 WRCBX40C2

WRCBL32C2

PV- DC Type B RCD in enclosure

RATING LIST No.
16A 30mA DP RCD NSPE-5579
40A 30mA DP RCD NSPE-5580
40A 300mA DP RCD NSPE-5581

NSPE - 5580

MCB Accessories
DESCRIPTION LIST No.
Padlock 3mm Hasp WPL
SP MCB Dummy Blank NHB1PP
SP Blanking plate-twist fit NH00PP
DIN Enclosure IP40 ESE2
Locking device for MCB MCBLDX
 ELECTRIUM SALES LIMITED A SIEMENS COMPANY
Commercial Centre, Lakeside Plaza, Walkmill Lane, Bridgtown, Cannock WS11 0XE.
eMail: [email protected] Web: www.electrium.co.uk
UK SALES
Telephone: 01543 455020 Facsimile: 01543 455021 eMail: [email protected]
TECHNICAL
Telephone: 01543 438320 Facsimile: 01543 438321 eMail: [email protected]
EXPORT SALES
Telephone: +44 1543 455049 Facsimile: +44 1543 455048 eMail: [email protected]
DUBAI OFFICE
Telephone: +971 4 3660687 Facsimile: +971 4 3660676
Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy in the compilation of the technical detail within this publication, specifications and performance data are constantly changing. Latest details can be obtained from Wylex.

Publication No. WY2062b

Printed in England.