BS IEC 62548:2016 sets out design requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays including DC array wiring, electrical protection devices, switching and earthing provisions. The scope includes all parts of the PV array up to but not including energy storage devices, power conversion equipment or loads. An exception is that provisions relating to power conversion equipment are covered only where DC safety issues are involved. The interconnection of small DC conditioning units intended for connection to PV modules are also included.

The object of this document is to address the design safety requirements arising from the particular characteristics of photovoltaic systems. Direct current systems, and PV arrays in particular, pose some hazards in addition to those derived from conventional AC power systems, including the ability to produce and sustain electrical arcs with currents that are not greater than normal operating currents.

In grid connected systems, the safety requirements of this document are however critically dependent on the inverters associated with PV arrays complying with the requirements of IEC 62109-1 and IEC 62109-2.

Installation requirements are also critically dependent on compliance with the IEC 60364 series (see Clause 4).

PV arrays of less than 100 W and less than 35 V DC open circuit voltage at STC are not covered by this document.

PV arrays in grid connected systems connected to medium or high voltage systems are not covered in this document. Variations and additional requirements for large-scale ground mounted PV power plants with restricted access to personnel will also be addressed in IEC TS 627381.

Additional requirements may be needed for more specialized installations, for example concentrating systems, tracking systems or building integrated PV.

The present international standard also includes extra protection requirements of PV arrays when they are directly connected with batteries at the DC level.


Cross References:
IEC 60228
IEC 60269-6
IEC 60287
IEC 60364-1
IEC 60364-4
IEC 60364-4-41:2005
IEC 60364-5
IEC 60364-5-52
IEC 60364-5-54
IEC 60364-6
IEC 60445:2010
IEC 60529
IEC 60898-2
IEC 60947
IEC 60947-1
IEC 60947-2
IEC 60947-3
IEC 61215
IEC 61557-2
IEC 61557-8
IEC 61643-21
IEC 61643-22
IEC 61730-1
IEC 61730-2
IEC 62109-1:2010
IEC 62109-2
IEC 62305-2
IEC 62305-3
IEC 62446-1
IEC 62852
IEC 62930
EN 50539-11
IEC 60050-151:2001
IEC 60050-195:1998
IEC 60050-442:1998
IEC 60050-461:2008
IEC 60050-811:1991
IEC 60050-826:2004
IEC 60269-1
IEC 60364-5-53
IEC 60904-2:2015
IEC 60904-3:2016
IEC 61008-1:2010
IEC 61643-322
IEC 61829
IEC TS 61836:2007
IEC 62246-1:2015
IEC 62305
IEC 62305-4
IEC TS 62738
IEC 630274
EN 50618
UL 1699B
UL 4703


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