Standard Test Methods for Insulation Integrity and Ground Path Continuity of Photovoltaic Modules

SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for (1) testing for current leakage between the electrical circuit of a photovoltaic module and its external components while a user-specified voltage is applied and (2) for testing for possible module insulation breakdown (dielectric voltage withstand test).
1.2 A procedure is described for measuring the insulation resistance between the electrical circuit of a photovoltaic module and its external components(insulation resistance test).
1.3 A procedure is provided for verifying that electrical continuity exists between the exposed external conductive surfaces of the module, such as the frame, structural members, or edge closures, and its grounding point (ground point continuity test).
1.4 This test method does not establish pass or fail levels. The determination of acceptable or unacceptable results is beyond the scope of this test method.
1.5 There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard.
1.6  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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

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09-Oct-2000
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ASTM E1462-00 - Standard Test Methods for Insulation Integrity and Ground Path Continuity of Photovoltaic Modules
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:E1462–00
Standard Test Methods for
Insulation Integrity and Ground Path Continuity of
Photovoltaic Modules
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1462; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for (1) testing for 3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in this test
current leakage between the electrical circuit of a photovoltaic method may be found in Terminologies E 772 and E 1328.
module and its external components while a user-specified 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
voltage is applied and (2) for testing for possible module 3.2.1 ground path continuity—the electrical continuity be-
insulation breakdown (dielectric voltage withstand test). tween the external and conductive surfaces of a photovoltaic
1.2 A procedure is described for measuring the insulation module and the intended grounding point of the module.
resistance between the electrical circuit of a photovoltaic 3.2.2 insulation resistance—the electrical resistance of a
moduleanditsexternalcomponents(insulationresistancetest). photovoltaic module insulation, measured at a specified ap-
1.3 A procedure is provided for verifying that electrical plied voltage between the module internal circuitry and its
continuity exists between the exposed external conductive grounding point or mounting structure.
surfaces of the module, such as the frame, structural members, 3.2.3 maximum system voltage—the maximum electrical
or edge closures, and its grounding point (ground path conti- potential, referenced at the system grounding point, that can be
nuity test). generated by a photovoltaic power system as specified by the
1.4 This test method does not establish pass or fail levels. model manufacturer.
The determination of acceptable or unacceptable results is
4. Summary of Test Method
beyond the scope of this test method.
1.5 There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard. 4.1 Insulation Integrity—Two procedures are provided for
testing the isolation of the electrically active parts of the
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
module from the accessible conductive parts and the exposed
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- nonconductive surfaces. This isolation is necessary to provide
forsafeinsulation,use,andserviceofaphotovoltaicmoduleor
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. system.
4.1.1 Dielectric Voltage Withstand Procedure—A ramped
2. Referenced Documents
voltage is applied between the photovoltaic circuit and the
2.1 ASTM Standards: accessible parts and surfaces of the module outside of the
E 772 Terminology Relating to Solar Energy Conversion photovoltaic circuit while monitoring the current, or by deter-
E 1328 Terminology Relating to Photovoltaic Solar Energy mining whether the leakage current exceeds a predetermined
Conversion limit. The module is then inspected for evidence of possible
2.2 Underwriters Laboratories Standard: arcing.
ANSI/UL 1703 Standard for Safety for Flat-Plate Photo- 4.1.2 Insulation Resistance Procedure—The insulation re-
voltaic Modules and Panels sistance is measured between the photovoltaic circuit and the
accessible parts and surfaces of the module outside of the
photovoltaic circuit, using a high-impedance ohmmeter.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on
4.2 Ground Path Continuity Procedure—This procedure is
Solar, Geothermal, and Other Alternative Energy Sources and is the direct
intended for verification that electrical continuity exists be-
responsibility of Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion.
Current edition approved Oct. 10, 2000. Published December 2000. Originally tween all of the external conductive components and the
published as E 1462-92. Last previous edition E 1462-95.
module grounding point specified by the manufacturer. This is
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 12.02.
accomplished by passing a current between the grounding
Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated, Publication Stock, 333 Pfingsten
Road, Northbrook, IL 60062.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E1462
terminal or lead and the conductive part in question and 6.1.3 The power supply must be capable, as a minimum, of
calculating the resistance between these two points. detecting a leakage current of 1 µA.
6.1.4 The power supply may, as an option, include a leakage
5. Significance and Use current limit set-point that will shut down the power supply
when the leakage current exceeds the set-point. Audible or
5.1 The design of a photovoltaic module or system intended
visual alarms which indicate that the leakage current has
to provide safe conversion of the sun’s radiant energy into
exceeded the set-point are also acceptable.
useful electricity must take into consideration the possibility of
6.2 Ground Path Continuity Tester, for measuring the resis-
hazard should the user come into contact with the electrical
tance between any accessible conductive frame or support
potential of the module. These test methods describe proce-
element and the module grounding point, with a minimum
dures for verifying that the design and construction of the
resolution of 0.01 V.
module or system are capable of providing protection from
6.2.1 The tester must be capable of passing a current of
shock through normal installation and use. At no location on
twice the module short-circuit current through the module
the module should this electrical potential be accessible, with
ground path being tested.
the obvious exception of the intended output leads.
6.2.2 The tester must be able to limit the power applied to a
5.2 These test methods describe procedures for determining
module ground path to 500 W.
the ability of the module to provide protection from electrical
6.3 Ohmmeter—A high-impedance ohmmeter, or similar
hazards.
device, capable of measuring a minimum of 1000 MV, and can
5.3 These procedures may be specified as part of a series of
provide a voltage suitable for measuring high-resistances.
qualification tests involving environmental exposure, mechani-
6.4 Metallic Contact(s), aluminum or other metallic foil, or
cal stress, electrical overload, or accelerated life testing.
a rigid metallic plate, placed on the surfaces of modules
5.4 These procedures are normally intended for use on dry
lacking a metallic frame. The metallic contact(s) function as a
modules; however, the test modules may be either wet or dry,
substitute for a metallic frame.
as indicated by the appropriate protocol.
6.5 Test Stand, for holding modules during testing.
5.5 These procedures may be used to verify module assem-
bly on a production line.
7. Procedures
5.6 Insulation resistance and leakage current are strong
7.1 Procedure A—Insulation Integrity, Dielectric Voltage
functionsofmoduledimensions,ambientrelativehumidityand
Withstand:
absorbed water vapor, and the ground path continuity proce-
7.1.1 Mount the module to be tested on the test stand and
dure is strongly affected by the location of contacts and test
ensure that the module is not illuminated. This may be
leads to the module frame and grounding points.
accomplished by placing it face down on the test stand or by
5.6.1 For these reasons, it is the responsibility of the user of
shading the face of the module with an appropriately sized
these test methods to specify the maximum acceptable leakage
opaque material.
current for the dielectric voltage withstand test, and the
7.1.2 Short the output leads of the module together.
maximum acceptable resistance for the ground path continuity
7.1.3 Ensure that the power supply is turned off before any
procedure.
electrical connections are made.
5.6.2 Fifty µA has been commonly used as the maximum
7.1.4 Connect the high potential output of the power supply
acceptable leakage current (see ANSI/UL 1703, Section 26.1),
t
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