Single 6000XP Wiring Diagram - Need Help

[au6768]

Hi Everyone,

I am looking at a 6000XP to use for emergency backup situations. The plan is to have:

• 200 amp main panel, where the ground/neutral bond is, feed a 50-70 amp circuit which will be connected to the 6000XP AC In
  • Ground and neutral will be run from main panel to the inverter. No bond within the inverter (which I understand is the default in the 6000xp software)
• AC output of the 6000XP to feed a 2 pole double throw switch
• Main panel to have a separate 50-70 amp circuit which feeds the other input of the switch
• Output of the switch to feed a 50-70 amp sub panel / critical loads
  • Ground and neutral will not be bonded in sub panel
• 6000XP to have 15kwh of batteries and backup through a 30 amp inverter generator

My question

Based on the design, I believe I have a double ground/neutral bond (parallel loop) caused by the subpanel being tied into the main panel through the 2 pole switch.

I have seen in other designs where the main panel to the switch only has the 2 hot wires. In this case, the ground and neutral is getting to the sub panel through the inverter chain. In other cases, I have seen the neutral and ground from the inverter not be used (or capped in the switch) and instead to have the subpanel receive neutral and ground from the main panel.

What is the preference and appropriate way to do this? To me it would seem better for the subpanel to receive ground and neutral from the main panel. This in case the inverter is ever taken out of the chain.

Or would it be better to use a 3 pole switch (which could get pricey).

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[TM48]

As you noted you could solve it with a three pole switch which do tend to be pricey. Or you can do what I did and not worry about it. I don't have a transfer switch only a safety switch, When I'm running normally on solar I have two neutral paths which has not caused any issues. If I ever use the safety switch (disconnecting the solar feed) then there will only be one neutral as the switch is a 3 pole. I would recommend that you size your wiring, switch and breakers for 100 amps as well as a 125 amp critical load panel.

 

[timselectric]

What is the preference and appropriate way to do this? To me it would seem better for the subpanel to receive ground and neutral from the main panel. This in case the inverter is ever taken out of the chain.

My preference and recommendation is always a trough, connecting all equipment together. One neutral for each piece of equipment, connected together in the trough (same for the ground).
And a breaker interlock in the critical loads panel, instead of the space hogging, expensive transfer switch.

 

[au6768]

Thanks for the input thus far. A few points to clarify.

The main panel is in my basement.
The inverter will be in my attached garage, about 40 ft away
The sub panel will be in my basement, next to the main panel.

Given the above, I don't believe a trough / gutter would work.

Lastly, I am in Canada. We can't use interlock kits, further complicating this.

Thanks again.

 

[timselectric]

Thanks for the input thus far. A few points to clarify.

The main panel is in my basement.
The inverter will be in my attached garage, about 40 ft away
The sub panel will be in my basement, next to the main panel.

Given the above, I don't believe a trough / gutter would work.

Lastly, I am in Canada. We can't use interlock kits, further complicating this.

Thanks again.

Yup, that's a different story. But luckily the 6kxp is a common neutral , single connection point unit. (Bus bar)
I would put a trough under the main panel, transfer switch, and critical loads panel. Then run a single (large enough) conduit to the inverter.
In that conduit, I would run the input L1, L2, output L1, L2, with a single neutral and ground.
Same connections in the trough, as above.

 

[au6768]

Thanks. I'm assuming the single neutral and ground is to the AC input of the inverter. So ultimately there is no ground or neutral ran from the the AC output of the inverter back to the switch/subpanel. Correct?

One last question, would I need a neutral into the switch? Or just have it grounded and switch the L1s and L2s?

Incredibly helpful, thanks again.

 

[timselectric]

Thanks. I'm assuming the single neutral and ground is to the AC input of the inverter. So ultimately there is no ground or neutral ran from the the AC output of the inverter back to the switch/subpanel. Correct?

It's for both. There is no input and output connections. It's just a single point of connection.

One last question, would I need a neutral into the switch? Or just have it grounded and switch the L1s and L2s?

No neutral in the switch.

 

[au6768]

Ahh, thats right. The neutral and ground in the 6000xp is not tied into the AC breakers.

Thanks again!

 

[au6768]

Timselectric - one last question (for now)

You mention to run a single neutral and ground into the trough (from the main panel) that has branches going to each piece of equipment. What would I use to create the "branches"? Polaris connectors, distribution blocks?

Thanks again.

 

[timselectric]

Polaris connectors, distribution blocks?

Either would be fine.