When installing the system, observe all local,
regional and national statutory regulations,
such as obtaining a building permit. Also
observe local and national regulations with
regard to use on vehicles or boats.
Safety precautions for installing
a solar photovoltaic system
Caution
Solar modules produce electri-
cal energy when light shines on
their front surfaces, regardless of
whether they are connected. A system with
several modules
can generate
potentially
lethal voltages and currents.
If modules are connected in series, the total
voltage is equal to the sum of the individual
voltages. If they are connected in parallel,
the total current is equal to the sum of the
individual currents. Contact with a DC voltage
of 30 V or more is potentially hazardous.
Personal safety precautions:
}
Respect the directives and regu-
lations of local authorities and/
or industrial accident prevention
organisations with regard to:
<
working safely on roofs and
buildings
<
electrical installations
}
Keep children well away from the system
while installing mechanical and electrical
components.
}
Completely cover the module with an
opaque material during mechanical and
electrical installation to stop electricity be-
ing generated.
}
Do not
touch electrical terminals or ends
of wires while the module is exposed to
light or while installing the module.
}
Do not wear metallic jewellery while perfor-
ming mechanical or electrical installation.
}
Use only insulated tools that are approved
for working on electrical installations.
}
Work only under dry conditions, and use
only dry tools.
}
Observe the safety regulations for all
other components used in the system,
including wiring and cables, connectors,
charging regulators, inverters, storage
batteries and rechargeable batteries, etc.
Operational safety and
reliability precautions:
}
Use only equipment, connectors, wiring
and support frames suitable for use in a
solar electric system.
}
Always use the same type of module
within a particular system.
}
Keep this guide in a safe place for future
reference (care and maintenance) and in
case of sale or disposal of the module.
Instructions to ensure conformity
with the Underwriters Laboratory
Listings [USA]:
}
For module wiring that is directly exposed
to weather, use only ‘UF’ type wiring with
solid or stranded copper conductors and
insulation resistant to sunlight (UV) and
weather.
}
Observe the requirements listed in the
Technical Specifications for the type of
module used.
}
The module frame must be earthed. If an
earth wire with a cross-section greater
than No. 10 AWG is used, a connector
that can be fastened to the module frame
using the supplied fastening screw must be
fitted to the module.
}
Under normal conditions, a photovoltaic
module may experience conditions that
produce more current and/or voltage than
reported at standard test conditions. Ac-
cordingly, the values of short-circuit current
(I
sc
) and open-circuit voltage (V
oc
) marked
on UL listed modules should be multiplied
by a factor of 1.25 when determining
component voltage ratings, conductor
capacities, fuse sizes, and size of controls
connected to the module output. Refer
to Section 690-8 of the National Electric
Code for an additional multiplying factor
of 1.25 which may be applicable.
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