PLEASE NOTE: If you had an account with the previous forum, it has been ported to the new Genetry website!
You will need to reset the password to access the new forum. Click Log In → Forgot Password → enter your username or forum email address → click Email Reset Link.

Uproar over Growatt...
 
Notifications
Clear all

Uproar over Growatt 5000ES Inverter

3 Posts
3 Users
0 Likes
150 Views
(@robertm)
Estimable Member
Joined: 3 years ago
Posts: 205
Topic starter  

Apparently, Growatt makes two variations of a 240V inverter, with the same model number. One is meant for the European market, and the other for North America. Unscrupulous EBay resellers are shipping the European model to North America, and people have wired it incorrectly, believing it is the North American version. When it's wired wrong, the case can become energized with 110V.   https://youtu.be/Bj5odgJp9fM


   
Quote
(@thebutcher)
Reputable Member
Joined: 4 years ago
Posts: 355
 

Yep, I made a post about this in another thread this morning (my time).  It's a bit scary when you consider there are a lot of 'monkey see, monkey do' types out there that would see something being done with an 5000ES and assume they can do it too, but cheaper.

I don't know the Growatt 5000ES at all really but the fact that the 'european' version has neutral/earth tied internally raises some questions.  I wonder if there is an N/E bond relay in their or if it's hard wired.  I'm in Australia and attaching one of these to the mains would be a safety issue as it would establish a N/E connection down stream of the premises N/E bond potentially causing problems with the operations of RCDs.  This has potential to be a problem in mobile installations, 'RV's, caravans etc, too.

Even standalone off grid I would prefer the inverter does not join N/E itself leaving it to be joined at the meter/fuse box / panel. 


   
ReplyQuote
(@dickson)
Noble Member
Joined: 4 years ago
Posts: 1048
 

When it's wired wrong, the case can become energized with 110V.   https://youtu.be/Bj5odgJp9fM

The danger is Gowatt 5000ES  need an autotransformer  to make  split phase 120vac .   Neural bonded to ground  by the green screw  will  make  more than one  path for the return  120vac to the inverter .   It  happen to me when using an autotransformer with it overloaded  and the neutral  was lost and disconnected  and now the return is on all ground points  and  I will be kill if I touch the inverter case  but the PJ  shut down after  6 seconds .    People on youtube say the Gowatt  do not shut down and  the the case will be 120vac .    I do not use a autotransformer  without a kill a watt meter  for safety .  


   
ReplyQuote