In years of doing projects with G59 protection, Shentongroup have often come across some popular myths, which they now seek to dispel.
The myth that “I don’t need G59 protection unless I intend to export power to the grid” is 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,” is also wrong. Although this service is often provided to a client, it 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 that has the duty of care.
Another false myth is that “I can apply for my G59 approval after I’ve installed the generator”. Technically 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” is also 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, albeit rare, circumstances it could be rejected, so it is prudent to make your application first.
