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How do I switch on blackout protection for my Alpha ESS system?

Keep the lights on when the grid is down

Every Alpha ESS system installed by Plico includes built-in blackout protection. A backup circuit will be linked to your battery, which usually powers your fridge, some lighting and power points when the grid is down.

You need to switch on the backup circuit when there is a blackout.

Your blackout protection won't automatically kick in when there is a blackout. This is to avoid your backup circuit becoming overloaded. To switch it on, you'll need to put your changeover switch in your main switchboard to the BACKUP / AUX / BAT position. This will engage your backup circuit. At other times, your changeover switch should remain in the GRID/MAINS position.

See our step-by-step instructions below for more information:

Backup Changeover Switch – Operating Procedure

Your system includes a manual changeover switch for the designated backup (EPS/UPS) circuits.

How to Locate the Changeover Switch

The changeover switch is installed inside your main switchboard.

In most homes, this is located:

  • Inside the meter box (often outside the house), or
  • In the main switchboard inside the house (garage, hallway, utility area, or shed).

To find the correct switchboard, look for the panel that has:

  • The Main Switch Grid Supply
  • The Solar/Inverter circuit breaker
  • The Backup circuit breaker
  • The Changeover switch

In rural properties, there may be a meter box at the front gate and a separate main switchboard at the house. The changeover switch is usually installed in the same switchboard as the inverter and backup breakers — not necessarily at the front boundary meter box.

If unsure, please contact us and we will guide you.

Changeover Switch Labels

The switch positions will be clearly labelled. Depending on the switch brand, you may see wording such as:

Grid / Mains or Backup / EPS / UPS / Blackout / Aux / Bat

These terms all refer to the two operating modes:

  • GRID / MAINS = normal utility supply
  • BACKUP / AUX / BAT = battery/inverter supply

Please refer to the labels on your switchboard when operating the switch.

Normal Operation (Everyday Use)

The changeover switch must remain in the GRID / MAINS position during normal operation.

This allows the selected circuits to operate as standard household circuits.

This is the correct position for daily use.

When to Use the BACKUP (EPS/UPS) Position

Switch to BACKUP / AUX / BAT position only:

  • During a blackout
  • If leaving the property unattended for an extended period (this guards against blackouts that might occur while you are away from home)

In this position, the selected circuits are powered by the inverter’s backup output.

Important note about load limits

When the switch is in the BACKUP / AUX / BAT position:

  • The total load is limited by the inverter capacity.

Examples:

  • 3 kW inverter → maximum 3 kW total load
  • 5 kW inverter → maximum 5 kW total load
  • 10 kW three-phase inverter → approx. 3.3 kW per phase

If the load exceeds the inverter capacity, the inverter may trip or shut down to protect itself.

When the switch is in the GRID / MAINS position, the circuits are limited only by their individual circuit breakers, as per normal household operation.

For this reason, the switch should remain in the GRID / MAINS position unless backup operation is needed (such as during blackouts).

If anything is unclear or you would like further explanation, please do not hesitate to complete a Member Support Form.