In response to SA Power Networks and industry feedback on central protection requirement, the Office of the Technical Regulator has recently provided an exemption to Network Protection Unit requirements in certain conditions. Find out the benefits and conditions in which the exemption applies.

Central Protection Exemption 

In response to SA Power Networks and industry feedback on central protection requirement as specified in AS/NZS 4777.1:2016, the Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR) has recently provided an exemption to Network Protection Unit (NPU) requirements in certain conditions. This decision will simplify the connection process for customers in networks that share a common connection point such as retirement villages, aged care, community and strata title. The exemption to the standard includes the following conditions: 

1. The combined inverter generating systems nameplate at the connection point does not exceed 200 kVA;  
2. The installation is a multiple electrical installation comprised of either multiple residential or commercial premises that are separately occupied or owned by different persons or corporate entities; 
3. Where the new generating system is proposed to be installed, the associated NMI will not exceed a total capacity of 30 kVA of inverter based generation. Inclusive of the proposed system. 

For generator connections at locations where the connection point exceeds 200kVA of combined inverter-based generation, the discretion and authority to exempt customers from Network Protection requirements rests with SA Power Networks. 

Any questions? 

For more information on the requirements of this standing exemption, please contact: otr.electricityinfrastructure@sa.gov.au