In years of doing projects with G59 protection shentongroup have often come across some popular myths, so we seek to dispel them here:-
“ I don’t need G59 Protection unless I intend to export power to the grid”.
Wrong. If you have any form of generator where the output is connected to the electrical systems in your building, and thus to the grid, you must protect it with a G59 relay device.
“ The supplier of my generator is responsible to apply for the G59 Approval”.
Wrong. Although we often provide this service to a client, (and so could your consultant or electrical contractor), this is done on your behalf. The legal duty of care to gain G59 approval before setting an embedded generator to work rests with the building occupier. In cases where the occupier is a tenant, then it’s usually whoever the MPAN number of the electricity meter is registered to has the duty of care.
“I can apply for my G59 Approval after I’ve installed the generator”.
You could, but this is very unwise. You certainly must not operate the generator until G59 approval has been granted, protection devices fitted, tested, and signed off.
“The government says the DNO has to approve my application”.
Wrong. Whilst there is a culture from government, and throughout industry, to encourage the use of embedded generation, the DNO does not guarantee to approve your application. In certain (rare) circumstances it could be rejected, so it’s prudent to make the application first.
To find out more about G59 and what it means for you visit www.shentongroup.co.uk
