Each of these is answerable from a listing plus the register. None of them requires you to trust the seller.
This is the only check that is not a matter of opinion. A device must be registered and confirmed compliant before it can be placed on the market. Search the register by manufacturer or model.
The specification caps apparent power supplied to the mains at 800 VA, and maximum current at 3.5 A. A listing quoting a higher output is describing something else.
Panels and output are different numbers. Up to 2000 W of panels may feed an 800 VA inverter. Above 960 W the manufacturer must advise you to get your wiring assessed.
The specification does not apply to plug-in battery systems, or to plug-in solar integrated with a battery. Storage in the box takes the whole product out of scope, whatever the listing says.
AC plugs must be to the BS 1363 series with BS 1362 fuse links. Every DC connector must meet BS EN 62852, come from the manufacturer, and be paired with its own kind from a single product family.
Extension cables, multi-way adaptors, RCD adaptors and travel adaptors are all prohibited. A listing that shows one in a photograph, or suggests one, has not read the specification.
The register. A seller can describe a kit however they like, but the register entry either exists and says Compliant, or it does not. Start there and most of the other questions answer themselves.
Same six questions, with a verdict at the end.
Six questions. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Is it on the ENA Type Test Register, marked Compliant?
This is the only check that is not a matter of opinion. A device must be registered and confirmed compliant before it can be placed on the market. Search the register by manufacturer or model.
Does the inverter output 800 VA or less?
The specification caps apparent power supplied to the mains at 800 VA, and maximum current at 3.5 A. A listing quoting a higher output is describing something else.
Is the total panel capacity 2000 W or less?
Panels and output are different numbers. Up to 2000 W of panels may feed an 800 VA inverter. Above 960 W the manufacturer must advise you to get your wiring assessed.
Is it free of any bundled battery?
The specification does not apply to plug-in battery systems, or to plug-in solar integrated with a battery. Storage in the box takes the whole product out of scope, whatever the listing says.
Does it come with its own moulded plug and cables?
AC plugs must be to the BS 1363 series with BS 1362 fuse links. Every DC connector must meet BS EN 62852, come from the manufacturer, and be paired with its own kind from a single product family.
Does the seller avoid suggesting an extension lead or adaptor?
Extension cables, multi-way adaptors, RCD adaptors and travel adaptors are all prohibited. A listing that shows one in a photograph, or suggests one, has not read the specification.
Your verdict appears here.
Send us the listing and we will run these for you.
Paste the link or tell us the manufacturer and model. We will look it up on the register, read it against the specification, and tell you plainly what we find, including when we cannot verify something. We do not sell kit and we take no commission from anyone who does.