Hardware

Which way should the solar CT clamp arrow face in South Africa?

The CT arrow must follow the OEM diagram — usually toward the grid or toward the load depending on brand. Reversed CTs cause wrong import/export graphs, broken export limits, and failed SSEG inspections.

Updated 27 October 2026 · Illustrative ranges — not a formal quote, credit decision or legal advice.

Answer first: Photograph the CT arrow against the OEM commissioning sheet. If import/export looks inverted, stop guessing and get the installer to re-orient — CT clamps · CT ratio · export limit · bi-directional meter · SSEG inspection.

Symptoms of reversed CTs

Symptom	Likely meaning
Export at midnight	Import shown as export
Export limit never bites	Controller sees wrong direction
Bill vs app disagree wildly	Metering confusion

monitoring · read a quote · red flags.

Desk close

Keep metro and OEM PDFs beside this page. When rand bands disagree with a live primary, the primary wins — metro tariffs · tariffs 2026 · choose installer · get quotes · check a quote.

After any DB work, re-verify CT direction with a known import load before closing the board. Arrow-wrong CTs invert import/export and wreck TOU optimisation overnight.

Sources homeowners can open

Your metro SSEG / tariff PDF (live municipal site).
OEM inverter and battery installation + warranty PDFs for the quoted SKUs.
NERSA and municipal tariff schedules for the current year.
SANS / NRS notes via your registered electrician.

Commissioning evidence pack

Serial photos, firmware version, export-limit screenshot, CT polarity photo, dual-supply labels, CoC number, guest monitoring login — with the invoice PDF — CoC · export limit · CT clamps · labels · firmware · warranty claims.

Tariff and fixed-charge reminder

Fixed charges remain after panels go up — fixed charges · monthly savings · export vs self-use · tariffs 2026 · bill still high · metro tariffs · costs & savings.

Safety do-not list

Do not DIY dual-supply boards, earthing, or MC4 strings.
Do not bridge RCDs or defeat BMS protections.
Do not ignore isolation or earth-fault alarms.
Do not disable export limits or grid-interface settings.

DIY risks · earth leakage · MC4 · DC isolation · red flags · N-E island.

Stage-weekend reality check

Essentials first through your worst Stage window — essentials · Stage strategy · Stage 4 · SoC · Stage table · load shedding hub.

Extra SA context

Keep metro and OEM PDFs beside this page. When rand bands disagree with a live primary, the primary wins — choose installer · get quotes · check a quote · FAQ · about · batteries.

Handover note 1

Photograph serials, labels and the essential board before the cover closes. Keep guest monitoring access with the invoice. When Stage calendars change, revisit SoC floors — SoC · Stage strategy · Stage 4 · essentials · monitoring · choose installer · get quotes · check a quote · FAQ · about · costs & savings · batteries.

Handover note 2

Handover note 3

Handover note 4

Handover note 5

Handover note 6

Handover note 7

Handover note 8

Extra SA context note 2

Keep metro and OEM PDFs beside this page. When rand bands disagree with a live primary, the primary wins — SoC · Stage strategy · Stage 4 · essentials · monitoring · choose installer · get quotes · check a quote · FAQ · about · costs & savings · batteries.

Extra SA context note 2

Installer questions to ask

Who signs the CoC, what export setpoint is approved, and where is the guest monitoring login written down — CoC · export limit · guest monitoring · choose installer · check a quote.

CT arrow mistakes that break export limits

Most hybrid CTs have an arrow that must face the grid supply (or the inverter, per OEM). Reverse the clamp and the inverter may read export as import — then either refuse to limit export or throttle production wrongly. After any DB work, photograph the CT orientation and the portal’s import/export signs with a known kettle load. NRS-linked export limits only work if metering polarity is honest.

One CT per measured phase; ratio must match firmware.
Never share a CT with an unrelated energy monitor without OEM approval.
Re-test after Stage restore and after firmware updates — CT metering · export limit · CT ratio.

Homeowner close-out for ct clamp direction arrow sa

Keep OEM and metro PDFs beside this answer. Confirm Incl. VAT line items, NRS-listed SKUs where relevant, and who owns paperwork after deposit. Compare two written scopes before you pay — read a quote · choose installer · check a quote · get quotes · costs & savings · metro tariffs.

Write the decision rule for this topic into the handover pack in one sentence the next owner can follow without calling you. Clear operating rules beat tribal knowledge when the first Stage 4 night arrives.

Quick questions

App shows export at night?

Classic reversed CT symptom — call the installer.

Can I flip it myself?

Only if qualified; wrong CT is a compliance issue.

Multiple CTs?

Each has a role — grid vs load — label them.

After DB work?

Re-verify polarity photos.