Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification - Part 2: Requirements for testing

Scope and object

This part of IEC 61730 describes the testing requirements for photovoltaic (PV) modules in order to provide safe electrical and mechanical operation during their expected lifetime. Specific topics are provided to assess the prevention of electrical shock, fire hazards, and personal injury due to mechanical and environmental stresses. IEC 61730-1 pertains to the particular requirements of construction. This part of IEC 61730 outlines the requirements of testing.

This standard attempts to define the basic requirements for various application classes of photovoltaic modules, but it cannot be considered to encompass all national or regional building codes. The specific requirements for marine and vehicle applications are not covered. This standard is not applicable to modules with integrated AC inverters (AC modules).

This standard is designed so that its test sequence can co-ordinate with those of IEC 61215 or IEC 61646, so that a single set of samples may be used to perform both the safety and performance evaluation of a photovoltaic module design.

The test-sequences of this standard are arranged in an optimal way so that tests of IEC 61215 or IEC 61646 can be used as basic preconditioning tests.

NOTE 1 The sequence of tests required in this standard may not test for all possible safety aspects associated with the use of PV modules in all possible applications. This standard utilizes the best sequence of tests available at the time of its writing. There are some issues, such as the potential danger of electric shock posed by a broken module in a high voltage system, that should be addressed by the systems design, location, restrictions on access and maintenance procedures.

The object of this document is to provide the testing sequence intended to verify the safety of PV modules whose construction has been assessed by IEC 61730-1. The test sequence and pass criteria are designed to detect the potential breakdown of internal and external components of PV modules that would result in fire, electric shock and personal injury. The standard defines the basic safety test requirements and additional tests that are a function of the module end-use applications.

Test categories include general inspection, electrical shock hazard, fire hazard, mechanical stress, and environmental stress.

NOTE 2 The additional testing requirements outlined in relevant ISO standards, or the national or local codes which govern the installation and use of these modules in their intended locations, should be considered in addition to the requirements contained within this document.