Using a Generator with an RCD

Created by Bryonie Simon, Modified on Tue, 31 Dec, 2024 at 12:12 PM by Bryonie Simon

When using a generator that has built in leakage current detection such as an RCD it is not possible to use the GEN input terminals on the inverter. Instead the generator MUST be connected to the GRID input terminals and GEN connected to GRID input enabled in the inverter settings.


It is also not possible to create a permanent earth-neutral bond on the LOAD output side of the inverter if your generator has an RCD. 


This is because the generator RCD will reference earth WITHOUT a cross bond to the neutral, if the neutral and earth are bonded you will experience nuisance RCD tripping.


The reason the GRID terminals must be used is because the earth-neutral bond will need to be created when the generator is off and disconnected when the generator is on which is done using 'Signal Island Mode' which operates through the GRID terminals only. Three-phase units have the built in Earth-Neutral bond switching and all you will need to do is enable 'Signal-Island Mode' in the inverter settings. On single-phase units you will need to use the hot/dry contacts on the inverter and a contact relay, an article below explains how to connect this on the single-phase machines:


Earth-Neutral Bond

 

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