The eight siting rules
Shade, always
Never mount in direct sunlight. Heat radiation derates output and cooks the display and plastics. The ideal spot for Kent G3 keeps ambient temperature at or below 40 °C. A north-facing wall under an eave is the textbook location.
Out of rain and snow paths
Both platforms are IP66-rated, but rain and snow must not land directly on the unit. Mount under a canopy, eave, or overhang — see IP66 — Meaning and Limits for why rated outdoor does not mean carelessly outdoor.
Solid, load-bearing surface
The mounting wall must carry the unit’s weight. No hollow walls, decorated-cavity walls, or partition boards. Confirm the substrate before drilling — see Mounting & Service Access for weight figures and anchor requirements.
Altitude — know the platform split
Kent M1 operates up to 2000 m above sea level. Kent G3 operates up to 4000 m. Route hill-station and Himalayan sites to Kent G3, or raise a Kent query before quoting.
Away from flammable storage
Keep the unit well clear of fuel stores, gas cylinders, straw, and chemical stores. There is no approved separation distance that makes proximity acceptable — remove the hazard or choose a different wall.
Away from antennas and cold-air blasts
Do not mount next to TV antenna cabling. Do not place the unit in the direct cold stream of an air-conditioner outlet — both create interference and temperature stress respectively.
Nothing that drips from above
No water pipes, AC drain lines, vents, or window sills above the unit. Steady drips defeat the gasket assumptions built into IP66 — see Glands & Water Tracking [KNB-VAL-16].
Reachable for service
Mount the display at eye level, keep isolators and breakers within reach of a standing person, and confirm covers open fully without obstruction. A unit nobody can service safely is a unit that will not get serviced — see Mounting & Service Access.
Altitude quick reference
| Platform | Maximum altitude |
|---|---|
| Kent M1 Hybrid Inverter | 2000 m |
| Kent G3 Hybrid Inverter | 4000 m |
Corrosive environments
Common mistakes
The 'convenient' west wall by the meter
The 'convenient' west wall by the meter
A west-facing wall takes full afternoon sun during summer — exactly when output pressure is highest. Thermal derating every afternoon is a performance problem the owner will notice and blame on the installation.
Inside a sealed cupboard 'for security'
Inside a sealed cupboard 'for security'
Security locks and sealed enclosures are different problems. A sealed cupboard blocks convection and causes overtemperature shutdowns. Locks, covers, and height manage security — not an airless box. See Heat, Sun & Ventilation.
A spot 3.5 m up a stair void nobody can service
A spot 3.5 m up a stair void nobody can service
Every service visit to an inaccessible unit costs a ladder or scaffold. Mount at a height where a standing technician can read the display, operate the breaker, and open every cover without additional equipment.