Begin with the approved intent
Export control starts with the connection approval, not the inverter menu. Record the approved export arrangement, the connection point it applies at, the phase arrangement and every inverter or battery that contributes to site generation. Network rules change and existing approvals may remain subject to the conditions under which they were assessed, so never replace the site record with a remembered “standard” limit.
The inverter's AS/NZS 4777.2 region or grid profile is part of the same approved intent. The network says which region applies and the manufacturer's manual says where it is set; the Grid Profile Settings Finder links each network's own settings page and each inverter family's menu path and profile names, without restating any setting value.
Western Power describes export limits as applying net at the network connection point. Its current guidance also says that changing an existing export or generation limit can trigger a new application. Other DNSPs use their own connection processes. The job pack therefore needs the actual approval and current DNSP requirements attached or referenced.
Treat the measurement chain as part of the control loop
A feed-in controller needs a trustworthy view of net site flow. Depending on the product, that view comes from a compatible energy meter, direct-connected measurement or current transformers. Record the meter and controller model, firmware, communications path, CT ratio where applicable, physical location, phase mapping and indicated direction.
Direction errors are especially deceptive: the interface may show plausible numbers while import and export signs are reversed. Multi-phase sites add another failure mode when a CT is mapped to the wrong phase. Do not correct wiring or settings from this article. Those are licensed-worker tasks performed from the exact product instructions and approved design.
Commission with controlled observations
Capture a baseline with generation, site load and grid flow clearly identified. Then create documented operating conditions that allow the control response to be observed without defeating protection or exceeding the approval. Compare the inverter or controller view, the site measurement and any independent meter evidence as separate sources; they can differ in update interval, sign convention and measurement point.
Record the requested limit, actual site flow, response time observed, equipment state and any communications loss behaviour. A single “enabled” screen does not prove that the complete measurement-and-control loop works.
What belongs in the evidence pack
- Connection approval and approved export arrangement.
- Single-line or site diagram identifying the measurement point.
- Meter, CT, controller and inverter identifiers and firmware.
- Settings as found and every authorised change.
- Import/export observations under named operating conditions.
- Final screenshots, test results and customer handover information.
Use the export-control commissioning playbook to collect the sequence and file the resulting evidence to a saved Wattbench job.