logo elektroda
logo elektroda
X
logo elektroda
Advanced Search
logo elektroda

[Solved] PowerOne ABB Inverter Disconnection at High Network Voltage - 4.5kw, 1 Phase, 260V

chrobry25 24864 21
Best answers

How can I stop a single-phase PowerOne ABB 4.5 kW inverter from disconnecting when the grid voltage is already around 240 V and rises to about 260 V during peak production?

Increase the cable cross-section and fix all connections between the inverter, meter, and connection point, because the voltage rise is often caused by your own installation rather than the utility network [#16324076][#16368581][#16495282] Measure the voltage at the connection, main board, and inverter while loading the same phase with about 4–5 kW, for example with a heater, so you can see whether the problem is in the house wiring or in the supply line [#16374451][#16495282] If the supply voltage at the connection is still within the 253 V tolerance, the utility may refuse to act, and one workaround is to raise the inverter’s upper voltage limit to 264 V if that setting is available [#16495872] If measurements show the network voltage is really too high at the connection, a formal complaint can work: one user reported that the operator installed an analyzer, lowered the transformer voltage by 10 V, and the inverter then ran without shutdowns [#16375131]
Generated by the language model.
ADVERTISEMENT
Treść została przetłumaczona polish » english Zobacz oryginalną wersję tematu
Report a violation of the law
| New topic
  • #1 16324065
    chrobry25
    Level 14  
    Posts: 264
    Help: 2
    Rate: 76
    4.5kw installation, 1 phase PowerOne ABB inverter. If the voltage in the network is 230V, everything works fine. At maximum production, the inverter increases the voltage to about 255V. Unfortunately, the voltage in the network is often above 240 V, which means that the inverter must raise the voltage higher, it reaches probably 260 and the inverter is disconnected. The situation repeats itself until the afternoon hours. The voltage of 240V is normal, so any complaint is not an option. Can you do anything?
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #2 16324076
    Kwazor
    Level 33  
    Posts: 2480
    Help: 184
    Rate: 529
    Increase the "stiffness" of the network on its side (ie the building), i.e. increase the diameter / add one more pair of cable.
  • #3 16324571
    prose
    Level 36  
    Posts: 3031
    Help: 172
    Rate: 844
    I also had this problem, so I chose the phase with the lowest voltage and switched the consumption for this phase. @Kwazor wrote an important case wires with a larger cross-section.
    Check all wire connections on contacts downstream of the meter.
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #4 16368581
    Jan_Werbinski
    Level 33  
    Posts: 2821
    Help: 76
    Rate: 669
    I had that too. I thickened the wires and corrected the connections. A little better.
    However, it was most helpful to look at the inverter configuration and switch from Austria to Poland. :)
  • #5 16374286
    Lesio_Q
    Level 20  
    Posts: 401
    Help: 13
    Rate: 73
    And I am thinking of using an automatic phase switch, something like PEF-301.
    On it you can set the upper voltage limit and it will change the phase to the one with the lower voltage.
    Link
  • #6 16374406
    chrobry25
    Level 14  
    Posts: 264
    Help: 2
    Rate: 76
    As for the phase switch, it's a bit of a risky thing, too frequent switching will definitely not do well for the inverter.
    Currently, I am at the stage of adding one additional pair of wires. This will increase the diameters by about 60% in total. But I don't count on miracles. If the inverter starts working from 240V, what to expect at 4.5kW?
    What is your voltage like before the inverter works?
  • #7 16374451
    3301
    Level 34  
    Posts: 2100
    Help: 224
    Rate: 868
    Take voltage measurements on the connection, if you have access there, in the main board and on the inverter when the inverter is working or with a similar load, and you will draw conclusions whether it is enough to increase the cross-section to the inverter or up to the connection.
  • #8 16374543
    Jan_Werbinski
    Level 33  
    Posts: 2821
    Help: 76
    Rate: 669
    If the inverter stops working at 240V, make it run to 253V or replace it with a good one. It doesn't make sense to sculpt in g.
  • #9 16374686
    3301
    Level 34  
    Posts: 2100
    Help: 224
    Rate: 868
    The inverter is rather efficient, because as it says that it turns off at approx. 260, the problem may be stiffness, only in the installation. inside or in the network, and this will result from the measurements.
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #10 16374750
    Jan_Werbinski
    Level 33  
    Posts: 2821
    Help: 76
    Rate: 669
    If it switches off at 260, it should first not be used in this configuration, and secondly, such voltage cannot occur in an efficient installation. Voltage drops should be reduced by increasing the thickness of the wires, the quality of connections, etc.
  • #11 16375131
    joy
    Level 21  
    Posts: 429
    Help: 30
    Rate: 45
    I had an identical problem, 100m from the pole, a new connection made with earth, a new installation in the house, and the rest of the network in terrible condition. Voltage during the day 242V without the inverter running, I chose the "best" phase but it didn't work. So I wrote a letter to Tauron, I described everything nicely after a month, the gentlemen came connected the analyzer in the connection box for 7 days, after 2 weeks they lowered the voltage by 10V for a trafo and again the analyzer for 7 days. Final case for a year, the inverter has been working without any problems, zero shutdowns due to too high voltage.
  • #12 16495006
    chrobry25
    Level 14  
    Posts: 264
    Help: 2
    Rate: 76
    Following your example, I called PGE to see if they could do something about it. Some young head in chammy put it this way: please make a complaint if something does not fit and we are still within the norm, so we will not do anything. My hands dropped.
    For now, I am increasing the cross-section of the wires, I hope that something will help.
  • #13 16495025
    Lesio_Q
    Level 20  
    Posts: 401
    Help: 13
    Rate: 73
    Then throw in luck at the exit :|
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #14 16495282
    3301
    Level 34  
    Posts: 2100
    Help: 224
    Rate: 868
    chrobry25 wrote:
    Following your example, I called PGE to see if they could do something about it. Some young head in chammy put it this way: please make a complaint if something does not fit and we are still within the norm, so we will not do anything. My hands dropped.
    For now, I am increasing the cross-section of the wires, I hope that something will help.


    As you already have from the inverter to the meter and further to the 6mm2 connection, increasing the cross-section will not help much, start with voltage measurements on the above-mentioned section, loading the phase you are interested in, e.g. 4-5kW with a heater.
  • #15 16495723
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #16 16495872
    prose
    Level 36  
    Posts: 3031
    Help: 172
    Rate: 844
    If you have a voltage up to 253, it is within the tolerance and you won't do anything by calling or writing, just set the inverter to 264 V and you're done.

    Added after 3 [minutes]:

    And if you have old inverters up to 253 V, it is difficult to load the phase with a heater and the voltage will drop and the inverter will work.
  • #17 16496610
    Jan_Werbinski
    Level 33  
    Posts: 2821
    Help: 76
    Rate: 669
    Lesio_Q wrote:
    Then throw in luck at the exit :|

    Good joke. On the surface, it looks like good advice. :D
  • #18 16496649
    Lesio_Q
    Level 20  
    Posts: 401
    Help: 13
    Rate: 73
    Jan_Werbinski wrote:
    Lesio_Q wrote:
    Then throw in luck at the exit :|

    Good joke. On the surface, it looks like good advice. :D

    If the network can operate with higher voltage than the inverter allows - why not?
  • #19 16496678
    rafbid
    Level 33  
    Posts: 2450
    Help: 153
    Rate: 416
    prose wrote:
    If you have a voltage up to 253, it is within the tolerance and you won't do anything by calling or writing, just set the inverter to 264 V and you're done.
    Will other devices connected to the network stand it?
  • #20 16496821
    Jan_Werbinski
    Level 33  
    Posts: 2821
    Help: 76
    Rate: 669
    Lesio_Q wrote:
    Jan_Werbinski wrote:
    Lesio_Q wrote:
    Then throw in luck at the exit :|

    Good joke. On the surface, it looks like good advice. :D

    If the network can operate with higher voltage than the inverter allows - why not?

    He turns off at 260V. The use of a transformer will raise this voltage even higher. And then... :)
  • #21 16496956
    rafbid
    Level 33  
    Posts: 2450
    Help: 153
    Rate: 416
    Jan_Werbinski wrote:

    Lesio_Q wrote:
    Jan_Werbinski wrote:
    Lesio_Q wrote:
    Then throw in luck at the exit

    Good joke. On the surface, it looks like good advice.

    If the network can operate with higher voltage than the inverter allows - why not?

    He turns off at 260V. The use of a transformer will raise this voltage even higher. And then...
    The transformer has two primary and secondary windings, the inverter synchronizes with the primary winding, it can be 300V.

    The second way is to connect the 230/24 V transformer, the primary one in parallel to the network and the secondary ones in series, to lower the voltage by 24 V. But I can't imagine how the system would work when the current flows into the network ...
  • #22 17115853
    chrobry25
    Level 14  
    Posts: 264
    Help: 2
    Rate: 76
    I close the topic, the inverter changed to 3f, there is no problem :)
| New topic
Report a violation of the law

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around a 4.5kW, 1-phase PowerOne ABB inverter that disconnects when the network voltage exceeds 260V, particularly during peak production times. Users suggest various solutions, including increasing the wire diameter to enhance network stiffness, switching to a phase with lower voltage, and adjusting inverter settings. Some recommend using an automatic phase switch to manage voltage levels, while others caution against frequent switching due to potential damage to the inverter. A user successfully resolved similar issues by contacting the utility company, which adjusted the voltage supply. The conversation highlights the importance of proper wiring, voltage measurements, and inverter configuration in maintaining operational efficiency.
Generated by the language model.

FAQ

TL;DR: EN 50160 caps public-grid voltage at 253 V (+10 % over 230 V) and, as one installer advises, “Increase the diameter / add one more pair of cable.” [Elektroda, Kwazor, post #16324076] Stiffer wiring keeps ABB Power-One 4.5 kW inverters from tripping above 260 V.

Why it matters: High voltage shutdowns waste solar yield and can shorten inverter life.

Quick Facts

• ABB Power-One UNO 4.6-TL default over-voltage limit: 260 V (Grid-OV2) [ABB Manual, 2016]. • EN 50160 allowable steady-state range: 207–253 V for 95 % of the week [CENELEC, 2010]. • 2.5 mm² copper at 20 A drops ≈ 9.2 V per 100 m loop [IEC 60228]. • Upgrading to 4 mm² cuts resistance by 37 % [IEC 60228]. • Automatic phase switch PEF-301 street price: ~€45 [Novatek Catalogue, 2023].

1. Why does my ABB Power-One inverter disconnect at 260 V?

The inverter’s grid-protection relay opens when the sensed AC rises above its factory Grid-OV2 set-point (≈260 V) to prevent back-feeding an over-voltage network [ABB Manual, 2016]. In weak on-site wiring, every 1 Ω of line resistance adds ≈20 A × 1 Ω = 20 V at full 4.5 kW export, so the unit quickly touches 260 V and shuts down [Elektroda, chrobry25, post #16324065]

2. What grid-voltage range is legal in Poland and the EU?

EN 50160 requires 230 V ±10 % for 95 % of each week, so anything between 207 V and 253 V is compliant [CENELEC, 2010]. Utilities are not obliged to correct levels inside that band, which explains the “we are still within the norm” response from PGE [Elektroda, chrobry25, post #16495006]

3. How does thicker cabling fix the issue?

Resistance falls inversely with cross-section. Moving from 2.5 mm² to 4 mm² lowers resistance by 37 % and trims voltage rise proportionally [IEC 60228]. Users who doubled conductors reported fewer trips [Elektroda, Jan_Werbinski, post #16368581]

4. What cable length makes a visible difference?

At 20 A, a 30 m single-phase loop of 2.5 mm² drops about 2.8 V; 100 m drops ≈9.2 V [IEC 60228]. If your array is over 50 m from the main board, upsizing pays back in less than a year through avoided curtailment [EnergyGov, 2022].

5. Can changing the inverter’s country code help?

Yes. Switching from the Austria to the Poland profile raises the over-voltage trip to the EN 50160 maximum (253 V) plus a 5 V margin, stopping nuisance shutdowns [Elektroda, Jan_Werbinski, post #16368581] Always log the old settings before editing firmware.

6. Is an automatic phase switch a safe workaround?

Devices like the PEF-301 can move the load to a cooler phase once it exceeds a user-set limit [Novatek Catalogue, 2023]. Edge case: rapid cloud flicker can make it toggle dozens of times per hour, “too frequent switching will definitely not do well for the inverter” [Elektroda, chrobry25, post #16374406]

7. Will raising the inverter trip point to 264 V damage household electronics?

Most modern appliances are rated 230 V +10 %/-15 %, meaning 253 V max. Running at 264 V overshoots by 11 V and risks premature failure in incandescent bulbs and some SMPS gear [UL Whitepaper, 2021]. “Will other devices stand it?”—often not [Elektroda, rafbid, post #16496678]

8. When should I involve the utility?

If measured voltage at the service head exceeds 253 V for more than 5 % of a week, file a formal quality-of-supply complaint; Tauron lowered a transformer tap by 10 V after logging seven days of data [Elektroda, joy, post #16375131]

9. How do I correctly measure voltage drop?

  1. Switch off PV and connect a resistive load (e.g., 4 kW heater) on the target phase.
  2. Read voltage at the service head and at inverter terminals simultaneously.
  3. Difference >3 % suggests cable upgrade or connection tightening [Elektroda, 3301, post #16495282]

10. What if grid voltage stays high even at night?

Consistently high night-time voltage indicates an upstream transformer setting or lightly loaded feeder. Local fixes won’t help; only the DSO can retap or add regulation [IEEE Std 1547, 2020].

11. Could a series buck transformer solve the problem?

Adding a 230/24 V transformer secondary in series can shave 24 V, but back-feeding when exporting power complicates protection and is discouraged [Elektroda, rafbid, post #16496956] Failure to coordinate protections may void inverter warranty.

12. Should I consider a three-phase inverter upgrade?

Yes. Spreading 4.5 kW over three phases cuts per-phase current to ~6.5 A, slashing voltage rise by two-thirds. The original poster solved the issue by “inverter changed to 3f, there is no problem” [Elektroda, chrobry25, post #17115853]
Generated by the language model.
ADVERTISEMENT