Insurance issues for lithium

[Poey50]

What is the current practice for insurance companies when it comes to lithium installations installed by owners? The last I heard - admittedly some time ago - companies either wanted a professional installation or a professional check of a DIY installation. Is that still the case? Are some insurers more tolerant that others. Recent experience with companies would be helpful

 

[Beneteau381]

What is the current practice for insurance companies when it comes to lithium installations installed by owners? The last I heard - admittedly some time ago - companies either wanted a professional installation or a professional check of a DIY installation. Is that still the case? Are some insurers more tolerant that others. Recent experience with companies would be helpful

Lithium-ion Battery Guidance - Haven Knox Johnston

 

[Poey50]

Lithium-ion Battery Guidance - Haven Knox Johnston

Thank you. Some recent experiences would be helpful.

 

[Poey50]

Let me change the question. Which UK insurers will cover a DIY lithium installation as long as it is professionally checked?

 

[Sea Change]

I've heard that GJW are good on this issue

 

[Poey50]

I've heard that GJW are good on this issue

I'd heard the same but I've just heard from someone who tried them only to be told they will only cover professionally installed systems.

 

[Sandy]

Personally, I'd be ringing any prospective insurance company and asking them to email me their policy.

 

[Gustywinds]

My (UK) insurance strongly recommended having professional installation but said they would be OK with the design being approved by a qualified engineer and inspected by one ( not necessarily the same one). The Dutch broker also strongly recommended using a professional installer as it would affect future resale.
Ours was a bit beyond just battery replacement as we also installed a larger inverter including charger and monitoring systems.
I have since made some small alterations myself and done supplemental drawings for them.

 

[Sea Change]

What kind of accreditation do these professionals need to have?
A friend of mine had a lithium system installed by a professional company... they used ANL fuses which most DIYers would know isn't really good enough.

 

[B27]

What kind of accreditation do these professionals need to have?
A friend of mine had a lithium system installed by a professional company... they used ANL fuses which most DIYers would know isn't really good enough.

You should probably get a basic understanding of circuit theory before opining about the subtleties of fuse characteristics.
There seems to be a lot of amateurs poking about high current systems based on having watched a few dubious videos on the youbend.

Yacht power systems have got a bit serious, it started before lithium, a few boats have burned due to amateurish solar installations.
Installing wiring on yachts is generally 'trade' not professional.

 

[chris-s]

Lithium-ion Battery Guidance - Haven Knox Johnston

… and _not_ LiFePo4.

 

[Neeves]

Having your electrics inspected by a 'professional' was a topic that came up in a thread some time ago - I recall Mr Rainbow, a professional, saying he saw no reason why he should inspect an amateur installation - as doing so (unless he charged a decent amount of money) would reduce his income and that of any other professional. I think he was also saying that it would be difficult to certify an amateur installation as you can't check 'everything'. I sympathise with Mr Rainbow's comments. I am sure Mr Rainbow will qualify my recollection.

Jonathan

 

[Gustywinds]

Having your electrics inspected by a 'professional' was a topic that came up in a thread some time ago - I recall Mr Rainbow, a professional, saying he saw no reason why he should inspect an amateur installation - as doing so (unless he charged a decent amount of money) would reduce his income and that of any other professional. I think he was also saying that it would be difficult to certify an amateur installation as you can't check 'everything'. I sympathise with Mr Rainbow's comments. I am sure Mr Rainbow will qualify my recollection.

Jonathan

Oh, the professionals charge a lot of money to certify an installation.
When I looked at the cost of getting it professionally designed and inspected , the amount the installer from Denmark was charging, even including his travel and accommodation, was pretty reasonable. Mind you, I think the "design" side seemed to come from a standard Victron package of some sort

 

[Sea Change]

You should probably get a basic understanding of circuit theory before opining about the subtleties of fuse characteristics.
There seems to be a lot of amateurs poking about high current systems based on having watched a few dubious videos on the youbend.

Yacht power systems have got a bit serious, it started before lithium, a few boats have burned due to amateurish solar installations.
Installing wiring on yachts is generally 'trade' not professional.

Well whatever knowledge you think I'm missing, it hasn't stopped me from designing, building, and installing a moderate sized lithium system from scratch and using it day in day out for nearly three years.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Having your electrics inspected by a 'professional' was a topic that came up in a thread some time ago - I recall Mr Rainbow, a professional, saying he saw no reason why he should inspect an amateur installation - as doing so (unless he charged a decent amount of money) would reduce his income and that of any other professional. I think he was also saying that it would be difficult to certify an amateur installation as you can't check 'everything'. I sympathise with Mr Rainbow's comments. I am sure Mr Rainbow will qualify my recollection.

Jonathan

Your recollection is incorrect. I made no comments regarding reduced income. For what it's worth, i charge an hourly rate, so it would make no difference to me if i was inspecting someone else's work, or doing the work myself. But that's not what i said and it isn't the point.

Why would i inspect someone else's installation and take on the responsibility that it was correct, potentially leaving myself liable in the event of an issue with the installation, resulting in an insurance claim ?

 

[PaulRainbow]

You should probably get a basic understanding of circuit theory before opining about the subtleties of fuse characteristics.

You seem to be sadly lacking in the knowledge of which fuses are and are not suitable for Lithium installations.

There seems to be a lot of amateurs poking about high current systems based on having watched a few dubious videos on the youbend.

Yes, there are, and even more posting garbage on internet forums.