Hi, I’m looking for CEI-021 certification regarding Multiplus II. I have been able to find the one related to the Multiplus but not for the new II version. I would like to install an off grid system into a new building, but I need to have a cei-021 inverter or a contactor or cei-021 interface at least. I noticed via the ESS there is an cei-021 option but unable to find any related certification. Any help would be really appreciated.
1 Like
I’m pushing this question up.
It’s a shame we cannot use these inverters connected to the grid in Italy. They are a superb product and for a bureaucratic reason, we cannot use them connected to the grid.
A technician that I know used a Multiplus II connected to the grid and it does not have any problem with it.
Still, the problem is that the Italian regulatory body(GSE) and the electricity providers require the CEI 0-21 certification for security reasons.
I want to know if Victron is taking care of getting this certification for the Multiplus II series of inverters or if it will never get it.
From what I’ve heard Victron did not bother getting the certification until this point because the CEI 0-21 changes every year(which I know is very stupid).
I would like to know if there is anything in power to get Victron in touch or something else to escalate this issue.
Hi vict0 and thanks for trying to highlight my question. Unfortunately I got a reply few weeks ago from Victron stating that they don’t have the certification and they are also not planning to work on it. Not sure why as I tried to ask but never got a reply back. It’s really sad as it’s years I’m using Victron and I would have spent lots of money on it to have it installed in my house. I had to opt for an off grid system not connected to the grid using a coupple of contactors to switch from grid to off grid. Any update would be really appreciated
1 Like
A reseller told me that they were in the process of certifying the inverters but dropped doing it without giving any explanation, and told them there aren’t plans to do so.
I really cannot understand this move since the potential to sell this product on the Italian market exists.
I really would love to hear why they stopped this process and how we can support them in certifying the product if it is possible since it is already possible to use them as they are…
But other than those channels I don’t know where to escalate this issue
Hi,
i have the same problem.
I work with a 3 phase system with Victron Quattro, off grid, but would like to use it regulary as a ESS, connected with the grid.
The sales manager for Italy sais, that I can use the anti islanding box with a build-in Ziehl relais, but I am not sure, if this is conform to the Italian law and the GSE.
The ZIEHL relais has the CEI 0-21 certificate, the Quattros not.
Is there any way to get a real contact to Victron, because the sales managers don‘t understand the issue and are not really helpful.
Maybe we can support Victron on the certification process? @DavideZulu @vict0
Maybe you can get in touch with me, best regards
Michael
The only contacts that are available are the sales manager, and they stick with the Ziehl anti-islanding box.
The CEI 0-21 technical rule states that a circuit must not permit the flow of current to the outside when there is a blackout. Thus the anti-islanding box comes in handy.
In pure technicality the box is sufficient, but the law is stupid. As I understand it, the law requires an inverter with that certification.
It is stupid because the inverters are already capable of doing that by themselves, but miss the certificate.
From what I have understood, they tried to send the materials and get the certification but it got stuck in some bureaucratic caveats, so Victron desisted in getting the certification for unspecified reasons.
Technically every part of the system that is connected to the grid has to be CEI 0-21 approved. (If the inverter shorts current back to the ACIN is where the problem is, if grid is down and someone is working on the line). Thus also the battery connected to the Multiplus has to be certified if used connected to the inverter with grid attached. Only way is either get the anti islanding box or use mechanical contactors. Other way would be to install a relè powered with the grid that will cut the ACIN connection in case the grid is down. This will be safe but not CEI 0-21 approved, so if something goes wrong we are the one in fault. Multiplus (v1) 48/3000 has the CEI 0-21 certification, really don’t understand why they could certify that and not the Multiplus II. Would be nice to get an official reply to understand if Multiplus II meets different tech specification or is just a “not will to” problem. To me is a bit odd, as there would be a big market opening, but I’m not working for Victron so I’ll have to stick with the contactors for now. I’m available if something can be done
Hi there.I am living in northern italy,between milano and genova…After having several issues with the italian grid I decided to go completely off grid,avoiding the hassle of beeing approved by whoever decides so…Took me several years of preperation but I’m a proud owner of a system which allowed me to be rather independent from whoever wants to tell me what to do…Best regards Frank
Hi, you say, using the anti islanding box would be good, for the GSE?
That would solve the problem.
I tried, to get a contact at Victron, but nothing, either the reseller sends me to the sales manager.
What do you think: is there a way, to get the certificates by ourselfes? I have huge costs in mind, so i dont think so…
That’s a million dollar question. I spoke to several electronic eng and everyone of them gave me a different opinion. One say that dividing the two lines with contactors is ok, others told me that is safe but not what the CEI 0-21 say. In other words if you connect the cables to the grid any kind of device has to be certified. Who is right? Nobody knows, and they don’t even specify the meaning of “certified” (cei 0-21?, CE?)… that’s why getting this certificate would made the job for us easier. Doing that ourself I think is impossible as the factory has to apply for it ecc, ecc… completely disconnect from the grid for me is impossible, expecially in the winter, I’ll keep on switching with the mechanical contactors, charge the batteries for some hours and than switch it back 
at the end my questions remain, why Victron is not getting this device certified??
1 Like