Overview
Investigation Findings:
During onsite investigations, we have found that the warning may sometimes display in error, but there are underlying voltage issues at the site. This article will discuss a specific case where the root cause was related to voltage fluctuations.
It is important to note that this issue may not always be directly related to Distribution Network Operator (DNO) faults; it could be due to electrical issues within the property's own circuitry.
Where to Check:
If you encounter this warning, the first step is to check the voltage readings on the Zappi (Menu > Readings). In many cases, you may find the voltage is already at the lower end of the DNO range. This indicates a possible voltage issue within the property, which can trigger the warning.
Important: Keep in mind that if the Zappi is rebooted, the data logging in the readings menu will be reset.
When reviewing the voltage, pay close attention to the minimum voltage reading, as this shows the lowest recorded voltage since the last reboot. Signs of voltage-related issues can include:
- Sudden voltage drops of 5V or more when a load is applied to the property.
- Intermittent voltage drops outside the standard range.
In cases of low voltage, the Zappi may "drop" the main contactor, opening the circuit and causing it to report an "output fault" or "contactor fault," instead of correctly identifying the voltage issue.
Event Log Check:
You can also check the event log on the Zappi to determine if any other issues occurred before the "contactor fault" warning appeared. Navigate to Menu > Event Log, then select the period you wish to review.
For example, prior to a reported "contactor fault," the event log displayed a "Bad Voltage Range" message, confirming that the underlying issue was voltage-related, and the "contactor fault" warning was not a genuine equipment fault.
Next Steps:
If you identify low or high voltage at your property, it is essential to inform your local DNO so they can monitor and resolve the issue. For more information about voltage warnings and the "Bad Voltage Range" message, please refer to our related article: Bad Voltage Range Warning.
If voltage is not the cause of the issue, please contact myenergi technical support using the contact details provided at the end of this article.
Onsite Engineer Notes:
During a recent onsite visit, our engineer observed the following:
"The zappi reported a minimum voltage of 199V at one point. During a charge session, the voltage quickly dropped from 230V to 204V. We tested the wiring back to the incoming supply isolator and noticed the same voltage drops when other high loads were applied in the house, confirming the issue was not related to the zappi itself."