PVI 1800/PVI 2500
Installation and Operation Manual
15
The negative DC photovoltaic connection is grounded within the inverter through the ground fault
detection and interrupt circuit (GFDI). The PV negative should not be grounded at any other
point in the system. The PV positive must never be grounded at any time.
AC and DC (PV) Connections:
The PVI 1800 and PVI 2500 inverters are pre-wired with 54” (1.35 meter) wires for both the DC (PV)
input and the AC connection to the building/grid (so that a 48” long conduit can be used leavin g 6” of
conductors available for connection in the disconnect, junction box, etc.). The units are also equipped
with conduit fittings that are NEC code -compliant for use with both metallic and non-metallic flexible
1/2” conduit (the conduit fittings are included on the unit as well as the wires but the conduit needs to be
added during installation). This design allows installation and wiring of the inverter to be done without
opening the inverter.
Lightning and Surge Protection:
The inverter is designed with certain protections against surges in voltage including certification to
ANSI/IEEE 62.41/62.42 2002 (as required in the NY SIR), however added protection and solid
grounding provisions are important for best protection against utility surges and surges created by indirect
lightning strikes.
The installation of a Delta lightning surge arrester or other UL listed arrester of the correct specification is
recommended on both the DC and AC sides of inverter. This can be installed on the outside of the DC
disconnect and wired using the manufacturer's directions. This device gives important added protection
from indirect lightning strikes and resulting surges that provide protection beyond the inverter's UL1741
requirements. It is suggested to drive a ground rod specifically for the PV array. It is also a very good
idea to have the lightning protection system of the building checked and upgraded if needed before the
PV system is installed. (are there air conductors along the roof line of the building above the PV array?
Do you see a copper ground wire running from the air conductors to a ground rod?) These added
protections are especially important for areas prone to thunder storms and possible nearby lightning
strikes. Although these added precautions will not guarantee that there will be
no
damage from lightning,
they can help prevent or limit potential damage.
Grounding Electrode Conductor:
As with all PV systems, a Grounding Electrode Conductor must be installed per NEC690.47 (and
250.166). This conductor should be sized according to these NEC requirements. This conductor should
be terminated on the labeled ground point located at the bottom end of the left heat sink fin. A ¼-20
stainless steel hex cap screw should be used with an appropriate ground lug.
WARNING:
The inverter should not be opened at any time. The unit is sealed at the factory
and its UL listing will no longer be valid and the warranty will be void if opened, as the seal
cannot be guaranteed.
AC Voltage:
The PVI 1800 and PVI 2500 are both 240V AC grid connected devices. They are also both suitable for
208V AC grid-connected use. For example, connection to 2 phase legs of a 208V AC, 3-phase service
(where acceptable by code).
Neither unit (PVI 1800 or PVI 2500) can be used with a 120V AC
connection and no neutral connections can be made to the inverters
. The units are factory pre-set for
240VAC use and can be set for 208VAC use by a qualified installer in the set-up menu.
