Earthing/bonding PV panels

[Dylboy]

Simple question, struggling to get a definite answer.

Panels mounted on wooden beams.
The panels are class 2.

I don't see why a bonding cable needs to be run to the DB as there is no simultaneous touching of seperate parts as well as the panels are class 2.

If it is for static build up then a 2.5mm cable to an Earth point is fine such as a readily available earth terminal and then that conductor must be less than 0.2ohm.

What is the actual reg number or book stipulating panels shall be earthed or bonded and then with what size cable etc.

My view is it is separate to AC as it is DC, no Touch voltage as there is no other metal parts around even from DC side to create a simulation touch.


There is so much talk and interpretation but if I can get the reg number or book that states of black and white I want to see it




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[GCE]

I read the question and know that it should be 6sqmm earth wire bonded the parts but you made me think and look on a Friday night

I would think that 7.15 would be the reason why you would bond/earth and 6.11.5 is maybe where the 6sqmm came from.
The brief appearance of SANS 10142-1 -2 before being withdrawn stipulated 6sqmm


From SANS 10142-1
7.15 D.C. installations
7.15.2 Earthing
Earthing and bonding of power supply circuits for d.c. installations shall
comply with the following requirements
e) all accessible conductive parts of the installation (rectifier cabinets,
equipment racks and cabinets, enclosures, grids, wire-ways, etc.) shall be
bonded to the common bonding network; and

6.11.5 A readily accessible earthing terminal may be provided for the bonding
of other services such as a telephone, an audio or a video system, and the
like, to a building. Where installed, such an earthing terminal shall be bonded
to the consumer's earth terminal by a conductor of at least 6 mm2 copper or
equivalent, and shall be identified by the earth symbol .
NOTE Providers of services other than the electrical power services s

[Dylboy]

Ah yes I saw those regs too but then what threw me was it specifically spoke about telecommunications items even though it's DC does it include PV. I don't know about these DC telecommunication things as not been exposed to it.

Thing with this PV bonding is it is equipotential bonding so we now bond PV frame which was isolated from earth as class2 and not close to AC lines. (Unless a tin roof with overhead power lines)

So now if the installation brings all the earth to a 230V potential to all metal parts this then will make the panels at 230V as now it is bonded.



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[Isetech]

My concern with all this confusion in the solar industry, I saw someone braging about his 950 installations, once the regs are finalised, who is going to pay for all these installations to be bought up to standard ?

You just need to look at social media and all the pictures being posts, to see how bad it is.

Then we have the stock shortages, try find grounding lugs another suitable earthing setup.

Then you have to look how long these systems are under warranty and the expected life span, A stainless steel screw securing a lug directly to an alluminum frame, just image what that connection will look like afte r acouple years outside on the roof, especially along the cost.

Should you even be connecting an earth wire to the panels, considering they are anodised creating a high resistance, you then damage the protective coating to apply the grounding lug which now becomes an exposed unprotected point, which will become a high resistance connection.

[GCE]

Ah yes I saw those regs too but then what threw me was it specifically spoke about telecommunications items even though it's DC does it include PV. I don't know about these DC telecommunication things as not been exposed to it.

If you look at the heading for DC installations the note refers " Like" so any DC installation would fall under that , the way I read it


7.15 D.C. installations
NOTE Such as telecommunication installations and the like.

[Dylboy]

If you look at the heading for DC installations the note refers " Like" so any DC installation would fall under that , the way I read it


7.15 D.C. installations
NOTE Such as telecommunication installations and the like.

Ahhh ok perfect, I did note that as well but a bit was specifically mentioned on telecommunications.

Will be treating it as the heading of all DC. Thank you

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