8
PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES SAFETY
AND INSTALLATION MANUAL Rev. K
VALID IN NORTH AMERICA ONLY
Valid from September 2010
1305 S. Bertelsen Road Eugene, OR 97402
www.grapesolar.com
Tel: 1-877-264-1014 (toll free), 1-541-349-9000, Fax: 1-541-343-9000
3.3
Do not use modules with different electrical performance or physical property in the same
system.
3.4
To prevent untrained personnel from disconnecting the modules when under load, which may
cause serious bodily injury or death, all Grape Solar PV modules are equipped with
factory-installed wires and Multi-Contact® Type-3 or Type-4 quick connectors with locking
safety clip. Once connected, the connector requires the use of a special tool to disconnect
module-to-module connections.
3.5
When making module-to-module connections, the polarities of cables and terminals must be
matched. Failure to do so may result in damage to the module and void the module warranty.
3.6
Use cables and wires with adequate cross-sectional areas (min. of 12AWG) and suitable
connectors (Multi-Contact interlockable connectors, such as MC4 type) which are approved for
use at the maximum short-circuit current of the module.
3.7
Over-current device (e.g. fuse or circuit breaker) whose rating is not greater than the value of the
protective fuse marked on the back of the module must be serial connected with each module or
string of modules when reverse current is anticipated to exceed the value of the module
protective fuse.
3.8
The junction box contains factory installed 3 bypass diodes and is not designed to be field
accessible or maintainable, and should not be opened under any circumstances.
Opening the
junction box will void the warranty.
4.
Grounding
4.1
To reduce the possibility of electrical shock and protect the PV system from lightning, all
module frames and mounting racks must be properly earth grounded by using grounding
hardware that has been UL certified and in accordance with the National Electrical Code before
wiring the circuit.
4.2
If the building at which the PV system is installed is already equipped with exterior lightning
protection system, the PV system installation must be integrated in the lightning protection
system.
4.3
Each PV module has a hole on the each side with a grounding sign . Grape Solar
recommends the following two methods of grounding the module frame.
4.3.1
Use the listed grounding and bonding equipment (KDER), e.g. SOLKlip type 1954381-1,
by Tyco Electronics Corp (E69905), to provide a reliable grounding connection to the
module frame.
4.3.2
Use a set of stainless steel grounding and bonding equipment including bolt/nut/cupped
washer/flat washer/serrated washer) to provide a reliable grounding connection to the
module frame (refer to Figure-1). A flat washer is required between serrated washer and
Φ2.5mm grounding wire. A cupped washer is required between grounding wire and the
