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Ensuring safety compliance for micro-generators
We are aware that some properties have micro-generators installed which were never registered with ESB Networks. Registration for micro-generation is a requirement and is facilitated on a simple “inform and fit” basis where any safety issues associated with the operation of generation in parallel with ESB Networks are addressed through the use of Type Tested Equipment, with correct protection settings, correctly installed by Safe Electric installers, in full compliance with our safety requirements, as set out in our micro-generation connection policy and in accordance with the applicable NSAI Wiring Regulations.
Submission of an NC6 Notification Form PDF | 135 KB prior to installation is critical as it gives ESB Networks the opportunity to verify that the necessary requirements have been met so that the installation and connection can proceed safely, unless we notify the customer that there is a problem. Consequently, unregistered generators are not eligible for market payments.
What is the retrospective registration process?
The retrospective registration process facilitates customers who have micro-generation installed but where an NC6 Form has not yet been submitted. While this process does not generally require installation of new protection settings or a more up to date inverter, we do need the customer to provide a completed NC6 Notification Form PDF | 135 KB for their Micro-Generation installation verifying the following:
- That it has been installed by a Safe Electric installer in accordance with ESB Networks requirements at the time and in accordance with applicable NSAI Wiring Regulations.
- That the equipment is suitable for connection to the ESB Networks system, which in short means that it was produced to either EN 50438 or EN50549 standards, and was type tested to either of these standards*.
- That the Protection Settings on the unit (which shut it down safely in the event of a fault and before any dangerous occurrence) are as required by ESB Networks at the time of installation.
- That additional details as per NC6 Notification Form PDF | 135 KB which include details of the power level in kVA of the unit are provided.
*For clarity, a new version of the Conditions Governing the Connection and Operation of Micro-Generation was introduced on 17/12/2021 and which had new Protection Settings. However, a grace period was installed up until 28/1/2022 during which the pre-17/12/2022 Protection Settings would continue to be accepted. While the Protection Settings for EN50438 and EN50549 on units installed prior to January 28th 2022 are identical, in the case of EN50438 they were set by the Manufacturer whereas for EN50549, the Safe Electric Installer would have set them.
The following information will help you to complete the NC6 Notification Form PDF 135 | KB to ensure you can retrospectively apply for a Maximum Export Capacity (MEC).
Settings for micro-generation
Settings for micro-generation installed after January 28th, 2022 to standard EN 50549
After January 28th, 2022, EN 50549 units required that the protection settings prescribed in table 1 at the bottom of this page "protection settings for post -28/1/2022 EN 50549 microgeneration installations" were set at the customer's premises on the unit installed. To verify that the settings on your unit conform to the required standard at the time of installation we require your original installer or a safe electric contractor you engage, to provide the following details and to sign section 5B of the NC6 Notification form..
- Serial number
- Model number
- Manufacturers name
- Copy of type test cert and reference number (this should be available from Installer or from manufacturer)
- Confirmation that installation was wired in compliance with applicable NSAI wiring regulations by safe electric installer
- Protection settings applicable to EN50549 units installed after January 28th 2022 are shown in table 1 below.
Following receipt of an acceptable NC6 application, we will be in a position to register your MEC as of the date of receipt.
Settings for micro-generation installed prior to January 28th, 2022 to standard EN 50549
Prior to January 28th, 2022, EN 50549 units required that the protection settings prescribed in table 2 below and provided in the latest standard on micro-generators (esbnetworks.ie) were set at the customer’s premises on the unit installed. To verify that the settings on your unit conform to the required standard at the time of installation we require your original installer or a safe electric contractor you engage, to provide the following details and to sign section 5B of the NC6 Notification form.
- Serial number
- Model number
- Manufacturers name
- Copy of type test cert and reference number (this should be available from installer or from manufacturer)
- Confirmation that installation was wired in compliance with applicable NSAI wiring regulations by safe electric installer
- Protection settings applicable to pre-28/1/22 EN50438 and EN50549 installations are shown in table 2 below.
Following receipt of an acceptable NC6 application, we will be in a position to register your MEC as of the date of receipt.
Settings for micro-generation to standard EN 50438 installed prior to January 28th, 2022
Prior to January 28th 2022, EN 50438 units required that the protection settings prescribed in table 2 below - "protection settings for pre 28/1/2022 EN 50438 and EN50549 microgeneration installations" were installed at the factory. To verify that the settings on your unit conform to the required standard at the time of installation, we require your original installer or a safe electric contractor you engage, to provide the following details and to sign section 5C on the NC6 Notification form.
- Serial number
- Model number
- Manufacturers name
- Copy of type test cert and reference number.
- Confirmation that installation was wired in compliance with applicable NSAI Regulations by safe electric installer
- Protection settings applicable to pre-28/1/22 EN50438 and EN50549 installations are shown in table 2 below.
Following receipt of an acceptable NC6 Notification form, we will be in a position to register your MEC as of the date of receipt.
Table 1 - Protection setting post 28/1/2022 - EN 50549 microgeneration installations
| Parameter | Over voltage | Trip setting | Clearance time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre I.S. EN 50549-1 Single Stage Voltage Setting | 269 V / 468 V | 0.7 s | |
| I.S. EN 50549-1 Two Stage Voltage Settings | Stage 1 | 269 V / 468 V | 70 s |
| Stage 2 | 281 V / 488 V | 0.7 s | |
| Under voltage | 191 V / 332 V | 0.7 s | |
| Over frequency* | 52 Hz | 0.5 s | |
| Under frequency* | 47 Hz | 0.5 s |
An explicit Loss of mains functionality shall be included. Established methods such as, but not limited to, rate of change of frequency, or source impedance measurement may be used. Where source impedance is measured, this shall be achieved by purely passive means. Any implementation which involves the injection of pulses onto the DSO network, shall not be permitted.
ROCOF (**) | 1.0 Hz/s | 0.6 s | |
Vector Shift | Not permitted |
(*) For relays that have settings step of 0.1 Hz then the frequency should be set to 52.1 Hz and 46.9 Hz receptively.
(**) reset interval should be set to >
Important note:
- No deviations from the protection settings in the above table shall be allowed without permission in writing from ESB Networks.
- If a deviation exists, please provide correspondence from ESB Networks confirming acceptance of this deviation to networkservicesbureau@esb.ie
Details of the generator interface protection settings installed are as per those applicable in the Conditions Governing the Connection and Operation of Mini-Generation (DTIS -23-206-BRL) current at date of application, and the actual settings installed on the micro-generator are as listed above.
Table 2 - Protection settings for pre 28/1/2022 EN 504538 and EN 50549 microgeneration installations:
| Parameter | Trip setting | Clearance time |
| Over voltage | 230 V + 10% | 0,5 s |
| Under voltage | 230 V - 10% | 0,5 s |
| Over frequency (*) | 52 Hz | 0,5 s |
| Under frequency (*) | 47 Hz | 20 s |
| *** See below | ||
| ROCOF (where used**) | 1.0 Hz/s | 0,6 s |
| Vector shift (where used) | 6 degrees | 0,5 s |
(*) For relays that have a setting step of 0.1Hz then the frequency should be set to 52.1 Hz and 46.9 Hz respectively.
(**) reset interval should be set to >0.6 seconds to detect step changes.
*** An explicit loss of mains functionality must be included. Established methods such as, but not limited to, rate of change of frequency (ROCOF), vector shift or source impedance measurement may be used. Where source impedance is measured, this must be achieved by purely passive means. Any implementation which involves the injection of pulses onto the DSO network, shall not be permitted.