2025-08-20

Energize Powerwall 3 System

Hazards: Arc Flash - Electrical Shock

Safety and PPE:
  • Safety glasses (ANSI Z87.1 or EN 166)
  • Class 0 insulated electrical gloves with leather protectors or equivalent protectors (ANSI A4 cut resistant, ANSI A3 abrasion resistant, ASTM CAT2)
  • HRC2/CAT 2 arc-rated long-sleeved shirt (tucked in) and arc-rated pants or arc-rated coveralls
  • HRC2/CAT 2 arc-rated balaclava
  • HRC2/CAT 2 arc-rated face shield and Class E hard hat
  • Safety rated shoes with leather upper
General Equipment
  • T20 Torx driver
  • Medium Flat-head screwdriver
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
While energizing the system, the proper PPE must be worn to protect against the electrical hazards that are present. Ensure that the proper PPE is worn correctly.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Before lockout/tagout devices are removed and energy is restored to the equipment, procedures shall be followed in this sequence:
  1. The work area shall be inspected to verify that all tools and equipment have been removed and that the system, product, or component is closed out with all doors, accesses, and guards in place.
  2. If multiple people were involved in the work (group LOTO), then all workers have removed their lock from the lockbox or LOTO hasp/tree and signed off the LOTOV form linked here.
  3. The work area shall be checked to verify that all employees have been safely positioned or removed.
  4. Each lockout or tagout device shall be removed from each isolating device by the LOTOV lead. Use the Abandoned Lock Form for any locks left in place by individuals unable to return to site to remove lock. Form must be signed and verified by your manager and EHS representative.
  5. After lockout or tagout devices have been removed, and before the equipment is placed in service, affected employees shall be notified that the lockout/tagout devices have been removed.

Overview

Residential systems are highly variable and their energization procedures may differ from site to site, depending on the hardware on the site. Study the site architecture and the required energization procedure before performing any work. All steps of this procedure may not be applicable for all systems due to this variability, but any applicable steps should be performed. If it is not clear which steps are applicable, escalate to the manager for assistance.

Figures showing variations of systems containing a Powerwall 3 (non-exhaustive)

  1. A Powerwall 3 inputs and outputs AC power at levels that can be dangerous to an operator if not properly de-energized and isolated. The Powerwall is connected to a home through a load center which contains live voltage from the grid and any PV generation systems. Additionally, the Powerwall's internal battery outputs power at high voltages.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning

    While energizing the system, CAT 2 arc-rated PPE and Class 0 electrical insulating rubber gloves with leather protectors (ANSI A4 cut resistant, ANSI A3 abrasion resistant, ASTM CAT2) must be worn to protect against the electrical hazards that are present.

    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Failure to re-energize all sources and loads may leave the site without power or with partial outage, requiring a return visit.
  2. If not done already, use a T20 Torx driver to fasten the 6 fascia fasteners securing the Powerwall front cover to the Powerwall.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Make sure you are logged into the Powerwall Wi-Fi network or have noted down the SSID and password as this information is concealed once the cover is closed.
  3. Remove the breaker clasp and LOTO from each Powerwall breaker and turn them on.
  4. Remove breaker clasps and LOTOs from any other generation source(s) (including PV) and turn the breakers on.
  5. If present, turn on the PV switch / DC disconnect.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    This may not be present on every system.
  6. Remove locking mechanisms from each Powerwall and turn each Powerwall switch on.

    Powerwall 3 On/Off Switch

  7. In the Tesla One app, connect to the Powerwall and enter Device Setup. Select Start System.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note

    Verify that the system is operating and power is flowing as expected. If readings are unexpected, troubleshoot the issue before leaving the site.