Best Pracce Guide 3 (Issue 2)

Connecting a
microgeneration
system to a
domestic or
similar electrical
installation
(in parallel with the
mains supply)
This is one of a series of Best Practice Guides produced by
Electrical Safety First1 in association with leading industry
bodies for the benefit of electrical contractors and installers,
and their customers.

Electrical Safety First is indebted to the following organisations

for their contribution and/or support to the development of this
Guide:

BEAMA Installation
www.beamainstallation.org.uk
In electronic format, this Guide is intended to be made available free of
British Gas charge to all interested parties. Further copies may be downloaded from
www.britishgas.co.uk the websites of some of the contributing organisations.
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www.cityandguilds.com The version of this Guide on the Electrical Safety First website
(www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk) will always be the latest. Feedback on
ELECSA any of the Best Practice Guides is always welcome – email
www.elecsa.co.uk [email protected]
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approvals and research bodies, consumer interest organisations, the
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www.energynetworks.org regulatory bodies, trade and industry associations and federations, trade
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www.gemserv.co.uk
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Electrical Installation Contracting) is a charitable non-profit making
www.hse.gov.uk
organisation set up in 1956 to protect users of electricity against the
Institution of Engineering & Technology hazards of unsafe and unsound electrical installations.
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www.labc.uk.com
Published by:
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Electrical Safety First
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www.micropower.co.uk Metal Box Factory
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NAPIT
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www.niceic.com
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Renewable Energy Association Website: www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk
www.r-e-a.net
Electrical Safety First and other contributors believe that the guidance
SELECT (Electrical Contractors’ and information contained in this Best Practice Guide is correct, but all
Association of Scotland) parties must rely on their own skill and judgement when making use of
www.select.org.uk it. Neither Electrical Safety First nor any contributor assumes any liability
to anyone for any loss or damage caused by any error or omission in this
Sundog Energy Guide, whether such error or omission is the result of negligence or any
www.sundog-energy.co.uk other cause. Where reference is made to legislation, it is not to be
considered as legal advice. Any and all such liability is disclaimed.

© Electrical Safety Council. March 2014

 Connecting a
microgeneration system
to a domestic or similar
electrical installation
(in parallel with the mains supply)

The aims of this Guide are:

• to provide an overview of microgeneration intended to produce
electrical energy, otherwise known as small-scale embedded
generation (SSEG),
• to provide information on the legal and contractual issues relating
specifically to the installation of microgenerators with electrical rating
up to 16 A per phase (including the relationship of the consumer with
the electricity supplier and the distribution network operator (DNO)),
and
• to give guidance on the particular electrical issues, including
electrical safety issues, that arise when installing or connecting a
microgenerator.

The Guide takes into account the publication of The Guide does not provide installation guidance
Amendment 1 to BS 7671: 2008. where it is intended to install more than one
microgenerator. In such cases it is necessary to
The Guide does not provide installation guidance
consider the possibility of interaction between the
specific to any particular types of microgeneration.
protection and control equipment of the
BS 7671: 2008 Section 712 contains particular
microgenerators, and the specific advice of the
requirements for photovoltaic installations, as does
manufacturers or suppliers of each of the
DTI Publication URN 06/1972*, Photovoltaics in
microgenerators should be obtained and followed.
Buildings, Guide to the installation of PV systems
(2nd Edition), dated 2006. For any microgenerator Where multiple microgeneration installations are to
installation, the instructions of the manufacturer or be installed in a close geographical region (such as in
supplier should be followed. a housing development), it is also necessary to
obtain the permission of the DNO in advance.

* URN 06/1972 is expected to be superseded in Autumn 2011 by a revised version, called Guide to the Installation of Photovoltaic
Systems, containing material changes. Further information may be obtained from www.microgenerationcertification.org

©The Electrical Safety Council page 3

A ‘route map’ for getting a generation scheme Introduction
connected to the distribution network can be found
in the Energy Networks Association’s ‘A Guide For
Connecting Generation That Falls Under G83/1-1 The UK Government is committed to encourage the
Stage 2 To The Distribution Network’, which may be wider use of renewable energy generation, and to
downloaded from: technologies such as combined heat and power
2010.energynetworks.org/storage/DGCG%20G83 (CHP) that offer improved efficiency compared to
%20S2%20Nov%202010.pdf (It should be noted traditional bulk generation in large power stations.
that Engineering Recommendation G83/1-1, This commitment reflects undertakings made with
referred to in the above ENA Guide, applies also to the UK’s partners in the European Union and
single microgeneration installations.) internationally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
The Guide does not cover Feed-in Tariffs in detail. On and reliance on fossil fuels.
1 April 2010 the Government launched Feed-in Generation of electricity closer to the point of use
Tariffs (FITs), which are payments to avoids some of the losses that arise in the
microgenerators based on both what they generate, transmission and distribution of electricity to
and what they export to the grid if they choose to consumers. This currently amounts to up to 10% of
do so. More information on FITs is available from units dispatched. Even for the most modern
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk combined cycle gas generating stations with
To be FIT-eligible, electricity-led microgenerator production efficiencies of 50-60%, the efficiency
installations with a Declared Net Capacity of 50 kW from the point of generation up to the point of
or less must conform to the Microgeneration use in a consumer’s installation is generally well
Certification Scheme (MCS). Other schemes may in below 50%.
future be approved as being equivalent. Decentralised generation, if sufficiently widely
An MCS installation is one in respect of which both adopted, could also improve the reliability and
the equipment being used and the installation resilience of the electricity supply system, though this
company have been certificated by a UKAS- clearly depends on the types and relative amounts
accredited Certification Body. The product will have of generation that are installed. For example,
been tested against performance, quality and safety photovoltaic systems do not generate at night, and
standards before being certificated. wind power does not function at very low or very
high wind speeds.
For an installation company to become certificated,
a Certification Body will assess its technical
competence, as well as checking that it has
appropriate business processes (such as quality
standards, complaints handling procedures etc). The
installation company must also be party to an Office
of Fair Trading-approved Consumer Code of
Conduct.

More information on becoming an MCS installer,

and on what equipment is currently approved under
the scheme, is available from
www.microgenerationcertification.org
Photo courtesy of Sundog Energy Ltd

page 4 ©The Electrical Safety Council

 Types of generation

It is, of course, possible to install and operate a

generator and installation completely independently
of the normal mains supply and to run certain
appliances entirely on this separate system. This
Guide, however, considers only generators that are
intended to work in parallel with an existing mains
supply, as this represents the most practical
approach for most consumers.

The assumption is that consumers generally will wish

Photo courtesy of Sundog Energy Ltd to continue to use electricity as and when required
at the throw of a switch, without needing to be
Over the past few years, considerable attention has aware as to whether the generator is working or not.
been given to the development of microgenerators
Currently, the options can be divided into two broad
that are intended to be installed in domestic and
classes from the point of view of connection into an
similar premises. Such microgenerators are rated at
existing installation:
up to 16 A per phase. At a nominal voltage to Earth
(U0) of 230 V, this corresponds to 3.68 kW on a • Renewable sources of electricity, powered by
single phase-supply or 11.04 kW on a three-phase wind, light or hydro-power, or fuel cells. Many of
supply. these generate at d.c. and are connected to the
mains through a d.c. to a.c. inverter
A range of technologies has been emerging to take
account of the rather different technical and
operational challenges that the domestic
environment presents compared to more traditional
small generator designs.

Not least of these is the importance of providing

simple, safe and reliable products at a price that is in
proportion to the consumer’s reduction in electricity
purchase costs, so offering an attractive payback.

Photo courtesy of Evoko Energy Ltd

©The Electrical Safety Council page 5

 As previously mentioned, microgenerators are
generally characterised as having an output of no
more than 16 A per phase. In the case of micro-
cogeneration (CHP) systems, because the electricity
generation is ancillary to the heating of water and
so represents only a part of the output of the
system, the electrical output is typically in the range
of 4 to 6 A.

Photo courtesy of British Gas

• Gas, oil and biomass fired micro-cogeneration

(combined heat and power (CHP)) systems. The
primary function of these systems is to provide
for heating and hot water needs, in place of a
traditional boiler or water heater. However, they
include a small generator that provides
electricity, powered by some of the heat energy
produced for the water heating process. This
Guide does not give guidance on the heat
production aspects of microgenerators.
Renewable sources of heat using solar thermal
panels, ground or air source heat pumps or biomass
boilers that do not generate electricity are not
covered by this Guide.
Photo courtesy of Powergen

© Baxi Heating UK Ltd 2008

page 6 ©The Electrical Safety Council

Legal and related issues through the appropriate ‘Competent Person
Scheme’ or by applying to a building control
body, such as the Local Authority Building
When at work, even in domestic premises, an
Control. Further information can be obtained
electrical installer is subject to relevant Health and
from the Planning Portal
Safety legislation, including the Electricity at Work
(www.planningportal.gov.uk).
Regulations.
• Before fixing microgeneration equipment to
Installers of microgenerators will need to be aware a building, consideration should be given by
of the requirements of the relevant Building the installer to the structural condition of the
Regulations. In domestic premises in England and building. This may involve a structural survey.
Wales, the installation of a microgenerator is • In Scotland, a Building Warrant may be
notifiable under Part P. In Scotland, a Building required.
Warrant may be required (further information is
available at www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built- • Hydro turbines may require planning
Environment/Building/Building-standards). consent and will also require a water
abstraction licence.
Some forms of microgenerator may be subject to
planning law and to the non-electrical aspects of the
Building Regulations, in particular structural
considerations.

Although an electrical installer might not be involved

in such issues on behalf of his client, they may
impact on an unwary electrical installer in carrying
out his work.

Therefore, before commencing work, it is

advisable to consider the issues covered below.

(A) The installation of renewable energy sources

often requires Planning permission. Therefore
Photo courtesy of Energy Saving Trust
whether the proposed work is subject to these
requirements or is considered ‘permitted (B) The Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity
development’ should be determined before the Regulations 2002 contain, in regulation 22,
work commences. This is undertaken by requirements for the installation and operation
contacting the local Planning Authority, who, of generators in parallel with the distributor’s
should Planning permission be required, will network. These generally prohibit the
indicate what information they require to be connection of a generator without prior consent
provided with the Planning application. of the distributor (typically the relevant regional
In England and Wales, the relevant Building distribution network operator (DNO)), and
Regulations will normally apply to work in the contain requirements concerning design and
domestic situation. Depending on the nature of operation that are likely to prevent parallel
this work, these regulations may cover electrical operation of generators in domestic premises.
installations, various structural implications
(such as the ability of the existing building to
carry the additional load or forces produced at
the fixing points) and damp penetration issues,
as appropriate. Compliance is achieved either

©The Electrical Safety Council page 7

 However, an exemption is given in regulation Where generation exceeding 16 A output in
22(2) for the installation of generation rated up total is to be provided in a single installation, or
to a total of 16 A per phase, provided: where multiple microgeneration installations are
• it has protection that will disconnect from to be installed in a close geographical region
the mains supply automatically in the event (such as in a housing development), it is
of the loss of the mains supply necessary to obtain the permission of the DNO
in advance.
• the installation complies with the edition of
BS 7671 (Requirements for Electrical
Installations) current at the time of
installation, and
• the installer notifies the DNO before or at
the time of commissioning the
microgenerator.
Details of the general requirements for
connecting an SSEG and the characteristics for
the protection scheme necessary to provide
automatic disconnection following loss of mains
or variation of voltage or frequency from the
declared values are contained in the Energy
Networks Association’s Engineering
Recommendation G83 (version G83/1-1†)
and in BS EN 50438.
The installer should refer to the manufacturer’s
documentation to confirm that the
microgenerator complies with the relevant
requirements of G83 or BS EN 50438.
Details of the requirements for notifying the
DNO before the time of commissioning the
microgenerator are contained in G83 and in
BS EN 50438.
In addition to notifying the DNO before or at
the time of commissioning a microgenerator,
the installer must provide the DNO with an
Installation Commissioning Confirmation Form,
a copy of the circuit diagram showing the circuit
wiring, and the manufacturer’s Verification Test
Report, all within 30 days of the microgenerator
being commissioned (clause 5.1.1 of G83/1-1†
and clause 7.3.1 of BS EN 50438: 2007 refer).

† G83/1-1 is expected to be superseded by a revised version (G83/2), containing material changes, during late 2011 or early 2012.

page 8 ©The Electrical Safety Council

Contract with the The existing meter at the premises (the import
meter) may not require replacement until smart
electricity supplier meters are rolled out. However, the electricity
supplier is likely to arrange for this meter to be
Generators rated at up to 50 MW are exempted replaced if it does not have a ‘backstop’ to prevent
from licensing under the Utilities Act, so the energy register from running backwards during
microgenerators covered by this Guide are exempt. export, which would lead to double counting of
exported energy.
Energy users will have a contract
with an electricity supplier for the In the unlikely circumstances that an agreement and
purchase of electricity. Invariably the associated metering equipment are not in place
the supply is provided through a for the export of electrical energy from the premises,
meter. The meter will be either a the reverse flow of energy can have an impact on
prepayment meter (the customer the supplier’s electricity meter at the premises in one
pays in advance with cash or of the following ways.
tokens) or a credit meter (the
meter is read and the customer is billed
• Where the meter is fitted with a backstop to
prevent the energy register from running
retrospectively). In either case, the contract is for the
backwards, the consumer will receive no
supply of electricity to the premises.
compensation for exported energy.
If at any time the consumer's microgenerator • Some meters with a backstop have a flag that is
generates more electrical power than is being used tripped by reverse power flow, which could result
in the premises, the surplus will go into the electricity in the consumer being accused of stealing
network. energy.
The exporting of energy from the premises in this • A prepayment meter may have an internal
way will only be covered by the consumer’s contract contactor that cuts off the mains supply if the
with the electricity supplier if a specific written energy flow is reversed.
agreement to that effect has been entered into by Some older meters do not have a backstop and the
the consumer with the supplier, as will be the case if register will run backwards while energy is being
the customer applies to that supplier for the exported, effectively ‘crediting’ the consumer with
payment of Feed-in Tariffs. energy at the rate at which they normally pay for
Where this is the case, the electricity supplier may the electricity. This could be treated by the electricity
arrange for an export meter to be installed at the supplier as a form of theft.
premises. However, where the installed capacity of
the generator is less than 30 kW, the supplier may
defer doing this until smart meters are rolled out.

In the absence of an export meter, the amount of

energy exported will be deemed to be a percentage
of the energy generated by the microgenerator. The
energy generated will be ascertained from the
generation meter, which forms part of the
microgeneration installation. The fixed display unit
of the generation meter must be installed in an
accessible location.

©The Electrical Safety Council page 9

Electrical installation However, there are other aspects that require care to
ensure that the existing level of electrical safety is
maintained for the users following the installation of
Safety issues a microgenerator.
Installing a microgenerator brings As mentioned previously, the exemption to the
particular additional electrical requirement for prior consent of the DNO, contained
safety concerns, which include in Regulation 22(2) of the Electricity Safety, Quality
the following. and Continuity Regulations 2002, requires
• Persons must be warned that the electrical compliance with BS 7671 (DTI Publication reference
installation includes a microgenerator so that - URN 02/1544, which gives guidance on the
precautions can be taken to avoid the risk of Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations
electric shock. Both the mains supply and the 2002, refers). Prior to commencing the installation of
microgenerator must be securely isolated before a microgenerator, the installer must confirm such
electrical work is performed on any part of the compliance, for example, by examining a recent
installation. Electrical Installation Condition Report (Periodic
Inspection Report) for the existing installation (if
• Adequate labelling must be provided to warn
available), or by carrying out a Periodic Inspection.
that the installation includes another source of
energy. Suitable labelling is suggested in G83 In order for a microgenerator to be placed on the
and, for photovoltaic systems, in DTI Publication market, the manufacturer or supplier of the
URN 06/1972*, Photovoltaics in Buildings, Guide microgenerator is required to declare compliance
to the installation of PV systems (2nd Edition), with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations
dated 2006. and the Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations.
• It must be remembered that wind turbines are The components of the microgenerator will be CE
likely to produce an output whenever they are marked to confirm this. Also, for an MCS compliant
turning and PV cells will produce an output installation, it is a requirement that the equipment
whenever they are exposed to light. Additional being used has been certificated by a UKAS-
precautions, such as restraining the turbine from accredited Certification Body where applicable (such
turning or adopting the means given in DTI as for the modules of a PV system). Inverters do not
Publication URN 06/1972* to improve safety on require such certification.
the d.c. side of a PV system, will be necessary
Compliance with these requirements should ensure
when working on those parts of the circuit close
that the microgenerator will be satisfactory in an
to the source of energy and upstream of the
installation in terms of the power factor, generation
means of isolation.
of harmonics, and voltage disturbances arising from
In some respects, microgenerators can be starting current and synchronisation.
considered to be similar to any current-using
equipment. For example: Any synchronising system should be automatic and
of a type that considers frequency, phase and
• live parts will invariably be insulated or have an voltage magnitude. The microgenerator should also
earthed or insulating enclosure have documentation confirming, amongst other
• the metallic enclosure of a Class I things, the acceptability of the means of protection
microgenerator will need to be connected to the against operation in the event of loss of the mains
circuit protective conductor. supply, as required by G83 or BS EN 50438.

* URN 06/1972 is expected to be superseded in Autumn 2011 by a revised version, called Guide to the Installation of Photovoltaic
Systems, containing material changes. Further information may be obtained from www.microgenerationcertification.org

page 10 ©The Electrical Safety Council

In designing a connection for a microgenerator, the
electrical installer has to consider all the issues that
would need to be covered for a conventional final
circuit, including:

• the maximum demand (and the generator

output)
• the type of earthing arrangement
• the nature of the supply
• external influences
Photo courtesy of J Bradley
• compatibility, maintainability and accessibility
• protection against electric shock From the specific perspective of a microgenerator,
except for a PV system (see below), there are two
• protection against thermal effects
connection options:
• protection against overcurrent
• connection into a separate dedicated circuit
• isolation and switching
• connection into an existing final circuit.
• equipment selection and installation issues.
For a solar photovoltaic (PV) power supply system
The electrical installer will recognise that some of (including a PV microgeneration installation), the
these issues can be changed by the connection of a second option – connection into an existing final
microgenerator to an existing installation. circuit – is not permitted by Regulation
It is unlikely with the size of microgenerators covered 712.411.3.2.1.1 of BS 7671 or by clause 4.2 of
by this Guide that the prospective fault current Microgeneration Installation Standard: MIS 3002,
would change sufficiently to exceed the fault rating and the generator must therefore be connected into
of existing protective devices, but this should be a separate dedicated circuit.
confirmed. Examples of the two options are shown
diagrammatically in Fig 1.

A)

Connection by a dedicated circuit

B)

Photo courtesy of GTEC Training Limited

Connection into an existing final circuit

Microgenerator Current-using loads

Fig 1 – Examples of the two connection options for a

microgenerator

©The Electrical Safety Council page 11

Given the perceived constraint of financial viability (ii) Means must be provided to automatically
on the development of the market for disconnect the microgenerator from the mains
microgenerators, the second of these options has supply in the event of loss of that supply or
been considered by some product developers to deviation of the voltage or frequency at the
offer a simple solution with minimal disruption to supply terminals from the declared values. If
the consumer’s property. the microgeneration installation includes a
static inverter, the means must be on the load
From the perspective of the electrical safety of the
side of the inverter. (Regulation 551.7.4 of
installation, however, this option can create design
BS 7671 refers.)
limitations for the installer of the microgenerator,
Note. The required protection settings are given in
and limitations for the user of the installation. G83 and in Annex A of BS EN 50438.

Connection into a dedicated circuit is preferred.

This option is technically simpler and creates least (iii) Means must also be provided to prevent the
impact on existing use and hence on the user of the connection of the microgenerator to the mains
installation. The cost implication may not be supply in the event of loss of that supply or
significant when compared to the cost of the deviation of the voltage or frequency at the
generator itself, and in some cases it may be less supply terminals from the declared values
expensive in view of the need to meet the technical (Regulation 551.7.5 of BS 7671 refers).
requirements detailed below for connecting into an Note. The requirements are given in G83 and in
BS EN 50438. Amongst other things, it is required that
existing final circuit.
feeding power to the distribution network will only
commence after the voltage and frequency on the
Whichever of the two options is chosen, it is
distribution network have been within the limits of the
imperative that the safety of the electrical interface protection settings for a minimum of 3 minutes
installation is not impaired by the installation of the for mechanical a.c. generation or 20 s for inverter based
microgenerator. systems.

The essential criteria that must be met are given

below for both options. In either case the (iv) Where a microgenerator having a d.c. source
following requirements must be met: does not incorporate the equivalent of a
transformer providing at least simple separation
(i) The winding of an a.c. microgenerator must not between the d.c. and a.c. sides, an RCD installed
be earthed (clause 6.4 of G83/1-1† and clause for fault protection by automatic disconnection
4.1.3 of BS EN 50438: 2007 refer). The reason of supply or for additional protection
for this precaution is to avoid damage to the (I∆n <_ 30 mA) must be of a type that will
generator during faults on the distribution operate as intended in the presence of d.c.
network and to ensure correct operation of components in the residual current. (This does
protective devices. not apply where it has been established – such
Note. A d.c. source or d.c. microgenerator could be earthed as from a specific written statement given by
provided the inverter separates the a.c. and d.c. sides by at
the inverter manufacturer – that the inverter
least the equivalent of a transformer providing simple
separation. Such earthing, which may be necessary for provides galvanic isolation between the d.c. and
functional purposes in some cases, requires special a.c. sides that prevents it from feeding d.c.
consideration and is beyond the scope of this Guide. current into the electrical installation.)
† G83/1-1 is expected to be superseded by a revised Note. A Type AC RCD will not fulfil the above requirement.
version (G83/2), containing material changes, during late Depending on the level and form of d.c. components, an
2011 or early 2012. RCD (where required) will need to be of Type A to
BS EN 61008 or BS EN 61009, Type B to IEC 62423, or
Type F to IEC 62423. However, in the case of a PV power
supply installation, Regulation 712.411.3.2.1.2 of BS 7671
stipulates that the RCD (where required) shall be of Type B.

page 12 ©The Electrical Safety Council

(v) Where a microgenerator is installed in a special RCD controlling a section of a consumer unit to
installation or location covered by a specific which the dedicated circuit is connected via an
section of Part 7 of BS 7671, the requirements outgoing way.
applicable to that special installation or location Note. The reason for the above requirement is that if the
must also be applied as relevant to the RCD does not disconnect the neutral, protection no longer
depends solely on the operation of the RCD, but also on
microgenerator. For example, this might place
the shut down characteristics of the microgenerator, due
limitations on the positioning of the to the existence of a current path similar to that shown in
microgenerator, involve additional protection Fig 2. (It might be thought that the RCD need not
with an RCD or supplementary bonding, or the disconnect the neutral if the dedicated circuit is connected
to the consumer unit via an RCD, such as is mentioned in
selection of a microgenerator with a specified
(ix). However, that is not the case, as that RCD would be
IP rating. unable to operate in response to current flowing to earth
on its mains supply side, because (as mentioned in (i)) the
winding of the microgenerator is not earthed.)
The specific additional requirements for
each of the two connection options are (ix) Where the circuit requires RCD protection, such
given below. as may be the case where the circuit cable is
Connection of a microgenerator to a dedicated concealed in a wall or partition (Regulations
circuit (Fig 1(a) refers) 522.6.102 and 522.6.103 refer), the RCD must
be located at the consumer unit end of the

• Ib >_ Ig, where Ib is the design current and Ig

(vi) The basic design parameters for the circuit are: cable (generally by using an RCBO as the
dedicated protective device for the circuit).
is the rated output current of the Note. There is no need to locate an RCD at the
microgenerator end of the circuit too, provided the winding
microgenerator (Regulation 523.1 of
of the microgenerator is not earthed (as should be the

• In >_ Ib, where In is the rated current of the

BS 7671 refers) case – see (i)), as that RCD would be unable to detect a
current flowing to earth supplied by the microgenerator.

overload protective device (Regulation

433.1.1(i) of BS 7671 refers) (x) The microgenerator must be provided with
means of isolation and of switching off for
• disconnection of the circuit in the event of mechanical maintenance. (Regulation Groups
an earth fault on the circuit within 5 s for TN 537.2 and 537.3, respectively, of BS 7671 refer.
For PV systems, see also Regulation Group
systems and 1 s for TT systems (Regulations
712.522.8.3.)
411.3.2.3 and 411.3.2.4 respectively of
Note. See also ‘Labelling and isolation’, later in this Guide.
BS 7671 refer).

Connection of a microgenerator to an existing

(vii) The circuit must connect to the supply side of
final circuit (Fig 1(b) refers). (Not permitted for a
the overcurrent protective device of each final
PV power supply system – see 712.411.3.2.1.1)
circuit of the installation (Regulation 551.7.2,
second line, refers). This can be achieved by (xi) The basic design parameters for the circuit are

a) Iz >_ In + Ig, where Iz is the current-carrying

connecting the circuit to a dedicated outgoing as follows.
overcurrent protective device in the consumer

circuit, In is the rated current of the overload

unit. capacity of the conductors of the final

(viii)Where a microgenerator is connected on the protective device and Ig is the rated output
same side of an RCD as final circuits protected current of the microgenerator (Regulation
by that RCD, the RCD must disconnect the line 551.7.2(i) of BS 7671 refers). This may
and neutral conductors (Regulation 551.4.2 require the protective device to be replaced
refers). For example, this applies to an with one having a lower rated current.

©The Electrical Safety Council page 13

 b) The microgenerator must not be connected Fig 2 – Example illustrating the reason for the
to the final circuit by means of a plug and requirement in (xi)e)
socket (Regulation 551.7.2(ii) refers).
c) An RCD providing additional protection for Single-pole RCBO
Supply Load Microgenerator
the final circuit (where required) must
disconnect all line and neutral conductors
(Regulation 551.7.2(iii) refers).
d) The line and neutral conductors of the final Earth fault
circuit or of the microgenerator must not be
connected to Earth (Regulation 551.7.2(iv) Current path
refers). For example, as already stated in (i), Source
the winding of the microgenerator must not earth
be earthed.
e) The protective device providing fault It should be noted that if the RCD element in the RCBO has
been provided for additional protection, this arrangement is not
protection for the final circuit must permitted and the RCBO would need to switch both the line and
disconnect the line and neutral conductors. neutral conductors; see (xi)c).
The only exception to this requirement is
where it has been verified that in the event
of an earth fault on the circuit, the operation
of the protective device and the reduction of
the voltage of the microgenerator to 50 V or
less will both occur within the disconnection
time required by Regulation 411.3.2 for the
final circuit. (Regulation 551.7.2(v) refers.)
f) The microgenerator must be provided with
means of switching off for mechanical
maintenance and of isolation from the
remainder of the final circuit (Regulation
Groups 537.2 and 537.3, respectively, refer).
Note. See also ‘Labelling and isolation’, later in
this Guide.

The reason for the requirement in (xi)e) is that, if the

protective device does not disconnect the neutral,
the effectiveness of the protection no longer
depends solely on the operation of the protective
device, but also on the shut down characteristics of
the microgenerator. Fig 2 shows, as an example, an
earth fault downstream of an RCBO with unswitched
neutral. The earth fault causes operation of the
RCBO, but the microgenerator can still supply current
through the earth fault via the path shown in the
diagram for a period until its own internal protection
against loss of mains causes the microgenerator to
shut down.

page 14 ©The Electrical Safety Council

Isolation and labelling the same enclosure as the power source. (Regulation
551.4.3.3.3 refers).

A microgenerator is a source of supply to the Isolation and switching devices in any d.c. circuits,
electrical installation. A main linked switch or linked such as on the d.c. side of a PV installation, must be
circuit-breaker for this source must therefore be of types suitable for d.c use. Switchgear intended for
provided in a readily accessible position as near as a.c. circuits is often not suitable for d.c. or may need
practicable to the origin of the installation, such as to be derated for such use. The manufacturer’s
adjacent to the consumer unit, as a means of specific advice in this respect should be obtained
switching off the supply on load and as a means of and followed.
isolation (Regulations 132.15.1, 537.1.4 and 551.2.4
To comply with the labelling requirements of
refer). The switch or circuit-breaker must disconnect
Regulation 514.15.1 relating to alternative or
the line and neutral conductors (Regulation
additional sources of supply, and those of clause 6.2
537.2.1.1 refers).
of G83/1-1† and clause 6.4 of BS EN 50438: 2007,
Means must also be provided to isolate the warning labels must be provided as a minimum at:
microgenerator from the public mains supply, as
• the DNO’s fused cutout
required by Regulation 551.7.6. This must be located
at an accessible position within the installation, as • the DNO’s meter position
required by clause 5.3 of G83/1-1†. Clause 4.2.1.3 of • the consumer unit(s)
BS EN 50438: 2007 states that ‘Where this means • the output terminals of the microgenerator
of isolation is not accessible for the DNO at all times
it is acceptable to provide two means of automatic
• the points of isolation for the mains supply and
the microgenerator supply.
disconnection, with a single control. At least one of
the means of disconnection must be afforded by the In the case of a renewable source, such as PV cells or
separation of mechanical contacts.’ a wind turbine, a notice must be placed at the
microgenerator isolator to warn that the conductors
The same means of isolation could be used for the on the microgenerator side may remain live when
purposes of both the previous two paragraphs, if it the isolator is open.
meets all the requirements referred to in those
paragraphs. The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals)
Regulations 1996 stipulate that the labels should
If the microgenerator is not in the same room as the display the prescribed triangular shape and font size
main linked switch or linked circuit-breaker (as may using black on yellow colouring. A typical label is
be the case with the inverter of a PV system), a local shown below.
isolator should also be installed adjacent to the
microgenerator (Regulation 537.2.1.1 refers).

In all instances, the means of isolation, which must

be manual, must be capable of being secured in the
‘off’ isolating position (Regulation 537.2.1.2 refers).

Where a static inverter forms part of the

microgenerator installation, a means of isolation The above label is reproduced from Figure 1 of G83/1-1
must be installed on both sides of the inverter. In addition, G83 requires up-to-date information to
However, this requirement does not apply on the be displayed at the point of connection with a
power source side of an inverter that is integrated in DNO’s network as follows.

† G83/1-1 is expected to be superseded by a revised version (G83/2), containing material changes, during late 2011 or early 2012.

©The Electrical Safety Council page 15

A circuit diagram showing the relationship between
the microgenerator and the DNO’s fused cut-out.
This diagram is also required to show by whom the
generator is owned and maintained.

A summary of the separate settings of the

protection incorporated within the equipment. The
figure below is an example of the type of circuit
diagram that needs to be displayed. This diagram is
for illustrative purposes and not intended to be fully
descriptive.

The installer is required to advise the customer that

it is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that this
safety information is kept up to date.

The installation operating instructions must contain

the manufacturer’s contact details, such as name,
telephone number and web address.

page 16 ©The Electrical Safety Council

ANNEX 1
Glossary/Definitions:

Combined heat and power (CHP) Type AC RCD

Process that generates heat some of which provides An RCD intended to operate for residual sinusoidal
the motive power to a microgenerator that is part of alternating currents, whether suddenly applied or
the heat generating device slowly rising.

Distribution network operator (DNO) Type A RCD

Owner or operator of low voltage electrical lines and An RCD intended to operate for the following forms
of residual current, whether suddenly applied or
equipment that are used to distribute electricity to
slowly rising:
consumers
- residual sinusoidal alternating currents
Electricity supplier
A person who supplies electricity to a consumer from - residual pulsating direct currents
a DNO’s network - residual pulsating direct currents superimposed
on a smooth direct current of 6 mA.
Export meter
A meter, complying with the appropriate meter Type B RCD
legislation, which measures the amount of electricity An RCD intended to operate for the following forms
being exported to the electricity network of residual current, whether suddenly applied or
slowly rising:
Generation meter
A meter which the energy user is responsible for, - residual sinusoidal alternating currents up to
complying with the appropriate meter legislation, 1000 Hz
and which measures the quantity of electricity - residual alternating currents superimposed on a
generated by the energy user’s generation unit smooth direct current of 0.4 times the rated
residual operating current
Microgenerator
A device rated at up to 16 A per phase designed for - residual pulsating direct currents superimposed
on a smooth direct current of 0.4 times the
the small-scale production of heat and/or electricity
rated residual operating current
from a low carbon source (based on the definition in
section 82 of the Energy Act 2004) - residual direct currents which may result from
rectifying circuits.
Network
Type F RCD
Low voltage electrical lines and equipment owned or
operated by a DNO that are used to distribute An RCD intended for installations where frequency
electricity to consumers inverters are supplied between line and neutral or
line and earthed middle conductor, and able to
RCBO
provide protection in the event of alternating
An electromechanical protective device intended to
residual sinusoidal at the rated frequency, pulsating
provide overcurrent protection and residual current
direct residual currents and composite residual
protection
currents that may occur.
SSEG
(Small Scale Embedded Generation/Generator)
microgenerator

©The Electrical Safety Council page 17

ANNEX 2
British Standards and other standards referred to:

British Standards
BS 7671
Requirements for electrical installations. IET Wiring
Regulations. Seventeenth edition

BS EN 50438
Requirements for the connection of micro-generators
in parallel with public low-voltage distribution
networks

BS EN 61008
Residual current operated circuit-breakers without
integral overcurrent protection for household and
similar uses (RCCBs). General rules

BS EN 61009
Residual current operated circuit-breakers with
integral overcurrent protection for household and
similar uses (RCBOs). General rules

Other standards
IEC 62423
Type F and type B residual current operated circuit-
breakers with and without integral overcurrent
protection for household and similar uses

page 18 ©The Electrical Safety Council

©The Electrical Safety Council page 19
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