Copyright © 2011, PHONO SOLAR
Page 25 of 29
STEP IV
GROUNDING THE PV RACK
CAUTION!
Failure to install the grounding system as specified herein may
result in hazardous operation of your AC Module. See Figure 2.
NOTE!
Your state and/or local building codes may supersede the grounding
requirements contained in this manual. It is the installer‟s sole responsibility to
ensure full compliance with all applicable electrical codes in your area.
PV frames must be safety grounded using 12 AWG or 10AWG solid copper grounding.
See Rack installation manual for details.
Installation of the grounding electrode (“ground rod”).
Connecting a grounding electrode conductor (“ground wire”) from the ground rod to
the PV mounting frame;
Attaching the ground wire to the PV mounting frame with the hardware supplied in
your PV rack mounting kit.
Install a ground rod in accordance with your local electrical code. This may be a
copper-
clad rod of ½” to ¾” diameter, and six to ten feet long. Consult your local
electrical code for the appropriate size and location for a ground rod.
Install the grounding electrode clamp (“ground clamp”) over the top of the ground rod.
Electrical codes typically require this to be a one-piece agency-approved compression
connector.
(“Agency-approved” means Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories
such as ETL, UL, TUV, and others.
The grounding electrode conductor (“ground wire”) for this system shall be 12 AWG
copper (or larger), or 10 AWG. We recommend copper for this application because of
its ease of availability.
You will need ground wire of sufficient length to reach from the ground rod to the
attachment point on the PV rack. Ensure you have adequate ground wire. Splices in
ground wire are not permitted by the National Electric Code.
Clamp the free end of the ground wire to the ground rod using a ground clamp. Follow
all manufacturers‟ instructions for attachment and clamping of a ground wire to the
ground rod. Torque to its manufacturer‟s specification.
Route the free end of the ground wire in accordance with your applicable building
codes. It will follow a path from the ground rod to the PV rack clamp. Secure
grounding wire as required by your local building codes.
At the PV rack, allow sufficient ground wire to easily attach the free end of the ground
wire to the grounding lug supplied with your PV rack kit.
Tighten the ground wire compression screw to 12 inch-lbs.
Cut off excess ground wire that extends more than 1 inch beyond the ground lug.
