The five-yearly inverter test, measured to the second.
The measurement
Measured at the inverter main switch
Cease within two seconds.
Hold off past sixty.
Islanding is where an inverter keeps supplying power into the distribution network during an outage, leaving a live section of an otherwise de-energised network. Evoenergy describes it as a serious safety issue for its personnel working on the network and for private electrical contractors working inside the property, one that could lead to injury or death. It also interferes with network power quality and can damage equipment and appliances.
The procedure
Four measurements, and the paperwork that records them
Ceases supply within two seconds
The inverter main switch is turned off. The time taken for the inverter to stop attempting to export is measured with a timing device, using a voltage probe on the installation side of the switch.
Holds off for more than 60 seconds
Mains are restored and the time taken for the inverter to resume supply is measured, using a current probe on the installation side of the switch to detect the moment export recommences.
Backup system ceases supply within two seconds
The backup main switch is turned off and the same cease-supply measurement is taken for the backup system.
Backup system holds off for more than 60 seconds
The backup system's resume time is measured after the installation is re-energised.
The approach
01 / 04
Send the reminder
Photograph the Evoenergy notice and tell us your suburb. We confirm what is on site, how many inverters, and whether there is a battery with a backup main switch.
02 / 04
Book for daylight
A PV test is only valid while the system is producing more than 20 per cent of the rated output of the array or the inverter, whichever is less, so we book a slot with the weather and the time of day on our side.
03 / 04
Test on site
Inverter main switch off, cease time measured. Mains restored, resume time measured. Battery systems that have a separate backup main switch get the backup tests as well.
04 / 04
Lodge and hand over
We complete the declaration on site and copy it. The original stays with us, you keep a copy, and a copy is emailed to Evoenergy at distribution@evoenergy.com.au.
Battery systems: what we tell you before we start
Turning off the backup main switch can de-energise backup loads, depending on the battery's charge level and on whether there is a fault in the battery system. Evoenergy's procedure requires us to explain that risk before we start and to proceed only with your consent. In most cases backup circuits stay energised throughout.
Evoenergy, Periodic inverter testing procedureBook a test
A photograph of the notice is enough to start
- Phone
- 0400 331 705
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 7am–5pm, Sat by arrangement
- Service area
- Belconnen · Gungahlin · North Canberra · South Canberra · Woden Valley · Weston Creek · Molonglo Valley · Tuggeranong