ASTM E2685-15(2019)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Steel Blades Used with the Photovoltaic Module Surface Cut Test
Standard Specification for Steel Blades Used with the Photovoltaic Module Surface Cut Test
SCOPE
1.1 This specification specifies the recommended physical characteristics of the steel blades required for the surface cut test described in ANSI/UL 1703 (Section 24) and IEC 61730-2 (Paragraph 10.3).
1.2 ANSI/UL 1703 and IEC 61730-2 are standards for photovoltaic module safety testing.
1.3 This standard provides additional fabrication details for the surface cut test blades that are not provided in ANSI/UL 1703 or IEC 61730-2. Surface cut test blades that have out-of-tolerance corner radii or burrs are known to cause erroneous test results, either passes or failures.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Mar-2019
- Technical Committee
- E44 - Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources
- Drafting Committee
- E44.09 - Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2005
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2005
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2004
- Effective Date
- 10-Nov-2002
Overview
ASTM E2685-15(2019): Standard Specification for Steel Blades Used with the Photovoltaic Module Surface Cut Test defines the recommended physical characteristics and fabrication details for steel blades that are critical for surface cut testing of photovoltaic (PV) modules. This international standard supports compliance with the safety testing requirements of ANSI/UL 1703 and IEC 61730-2-key standards for PV module durability and safety. By specifying precise requirements for material, geometry, and workmanship, ASTM E2685 helps ensure reliable, reproducible test results crucial for the evaluation and certification of solar panel safety.
Key Topics
- Steel Blade Materials: Covers requirements for hardened steel strips, including minimum hardness and carbon content, ensuring blades withstand repeated use without significant degradation.
- Dimensional Specifications: Details specific tolerances, such as blade thickness, corner angle, and corner radius. These dimensions are essential for ensuring that the surface cut test is both accurate and repeatable.
- Fabrication and Preparation: Outlines approved methods for shaping and preparing blades, from using a metal-jawed vise for breaking strips to filing or machining corners to the required radius while removing burrs or sharp points.
- Surface Cut Test Integrity: Highlights how out-of-tolerance features, such as incorrect corner radii or burrs, can cause erroneous test results, emphasizing the importance of adherence to the standard.
- Reuse and Maintenance: Specifies that blades may be reused or reshaped as long as they remain within the required geometric tolerances.
- International Compliance: Developed in accordance with the World Trade Organization’s TBT Committee principles, ensuring the standard’s global relevance for PV module safety testing.
Applications
The ASTM E2685-15(2019) standard is essential for several applications within the photovoltaic industry and laboratory testing environments:
- Photovoltaic Module Safety Testing: Used by test labs and manufacturers to prepare and use steel blades for surface cut tests on solar panels, an important aspect of module qualification.
- Quality Assurance and Product Validation: Laboratories rely on standardized blade characteristics to ensure results are consistent, repeatable, and acceptable for product certification.
- Compliance with Industry Standards: Enables manufacturers to meet the demands of ANSI/UL 1703 and IEC 61730-2, which are widely recognized benchmarks for PV module safety.
- Research and Development: Provides guidelines for new product evaluations and durability assessment in solar technology development.
By using blades that adhere to ASTM E2685, organizations can avoid inaccurate pass/fail outcomes arising from faulty or improperly fabricated tools, directly impacting safety certification and market acceptance.
Related Standards
For comprehensive photovoltaic module testing, refer to the following related documents:
- ANSI/UL 1703: Safety testing for flat-plate photovoltaic modules and panels.
- IEC 61730-2: International requirements for PV module safety qualification and testing procedures.
- ASTM A506/A506M: Specification for alloy and structural alloy steel sheets and strips.
- ASTM A684/A684M: Specification for high-carbon, cold-rolled steel strip.
- ASTM E772: Terminology related to solar energy conversion.
Adherence to ASTM E2685-15(2019) supports credible, internationally recognized photovoltaic module testing, helping ensure product safety, performance, and acceptance in global markets.
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard
DNV
DNV is an independent assurance and risk management provider.
Lloyd's Register
Lloyd's Register is a global professional services organisation specialising in engineering and technology.
DNV Energy Systems
Energy and renewable energy certification.
Sponsored listings
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E2685-15(2019) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Steel Blades Used with the Photovoltaic Module Surface Cut Test". This standard covers: SCOPE 1.1 This specification specifies the recommended physical characteristics of the steel blades required for the surface cut test described in ANSI/UL 1703 (Section 24) and IEC 61730-2 (Paragraph 10.3). 1.2 ANSI/UL 1703 and IEC 61730-2 are standards for photovoltaic module safety testing. 1.3 This standard provides additional fabrication details for the surface cut test blades that are not provided in ANSI/UL 1703 or IEC 61730-2. Surface cut test blades that have out-of-tolerance corner radii or burrs are known to cause erroneous test results, either passes or failures. 1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
SCOPE 1.1 This specification specifies the recommended physical characteristics of the steel blades required for the surface cut test described in ANSI/UL 1703 (Section 24) and IEC 61730-2 (Paragraph 10.3). 1.2 ANSI/UL 1703 and IEC 61730-2 are standards for photovoltaic module safety testing. 1.3 This standard provides additional fabrication details for the surface cut test blades that are not provided in ANSI/UL 1703 or IEC 61730-2. Surface cut test blades that have out-of-tolerance corner radii or burrs are known to cause erroneous test results, either passes or failures. 1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM E2685-15(2019) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 27.160 - Solar energy engineering. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM E2685-15(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E2685-15, ASTM A684/A684M-15, ASTM A684/A684M-14, ASTM E772-13, ASTM A684/A684M-12, ASTM A506-12, ASTM E772-11, ASTM A684/A684M-10a, ASTM A684/A684M-10, ASTM A684/A684M-08, ASTM A684/A684M-06, ASTM A506-05, ASTM E772-05, ASTM A506-04, ASTM A684/A684M-86(2002). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E2685-15(2019) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:E2685 −15 (Reapproved 2019) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Steel Blades Used with the Photovoltaic Module Surface Cut
Test
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2685; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope A684/A684M Specification for Steel, Strip, High-Carbon,
Cold-Rolled
1.1 This specification specifies the recommended physical
E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
characteristics of the steel blades required for the surface cut
2.2 International Electrotechnical Commission Standards
test described inANSI/UL1703 (Section 24) and IEC 61730-2
IEC 61730-2 Photovoltaic (PV) Module Safety Qualifica-
(Paragraph 10.3).
tion – Part 2: Requirements for Testing
1.2 ANSI/UL 1703 and IEC 61730-2 are standards for 4
2.3 American National Standard:
photovoltaic module safety testing.
ANSI/UL 1703 Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels
1.3 This standard provides additional fabrication details for
3. Terminology
the surface cut test blades that are not provided in ANSI/UL
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in this specifica-
1703 or IEC 61730-2. Surface cut test blades that have
tion may be found in A506, A684/A684M, E772, ANSI/UL
out-of-tolerance corner radii or burrs are known to cause
1703, and IEC 61730-2.
erroneous test results, either passes or failures.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
4. Materials and Manufacture
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
4.1 Surface cut test blades are fabricated from hardened
standard.
steel strips. The minimum hardness of the steel is 24 as
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
measured using the Rockwell scale. Fully hardened and tem-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
pered steel of at least 0.50 weight percent carbon as specified
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
in Specifications E772 or A506 will meet this requirement.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4.2 Other materials besides hardened steel may be used
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
provided they have sufficient hardness.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
NOTE 1—Steel hacksaw blades commonly available at hardware stores
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
are acceptable materials of the correct thickness and hardness.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5. Dimensions and Permissible Variations
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.1 Blade thickness: 0.64 6 0.05 mm.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.2 Corner angle: 90 6 2° (see Fig. 1)
2. Referenced Documents 5.3 Corner radius: 0.115 6 0.025 mm (see Fig. 1)
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
A506 Specification for Alloy and Structural Alloy Steel,
6.1 The corner contact area of the blade is intended to be a
Sheet and
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.
Loading comments...