ASTM E1462-12
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Insulation Integrity and Ground Path Continuity of Photovoltaic Modules
Standard Test Methods for Insulation Integrity and Ground Path Continuity of Photovoltaic Modules
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The design of a photovoltaic module or system intended to provide safe conversion of the sun's radiant energy into useful electricity must take into consideration the possibility of hazard should the user come into contact with the electrical potential of the module. These test methods describe procedures for verifying that the design and construction of the module or system are capable of providing protection from shock through normal installation and use. At no location on the module should this electrical potential be accessible, with the obvious exception of the intended output leads.
These test methods describe procedures for determining the ability of the module to provide protection from electrical hazards.
These procedures may be specified as part of a series of qualification tests involving environmental exposure, mechanical stress, electrical overload, or accelerated life testing.
These procedures are normally intended for use on dry modules; however, the test modules may be either wet or dry, as indicated by the appropriate protocol.
These procedures may be used to verify module assembly on a production line.
Insulation resistance and leakage current are strong functions of module dimensions, ambient relative humidity and absorbed water vapor, and the ground path continuity procedure is strongly affected by the location of contacts and test leads to the module frame and grounding points.
For these reasons, it is the responsibility of the user of these test methods to specify the maximum acceptable leakage current for the dielectric voltage withstand test, and the maximum acceptable resistance for the ground path continuity procedure.
Fifty μA has been commonly used as the maximum acceptable leakage current (see ANSI/UL 1703, Section 26.1), and 0.1 Ω has been commonly used as the maximum acceptable resistance.
Some module designs may not use any external metallic components and thus lack a ground point designated by the module manufacturer....
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 path 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 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 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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Designation: E1462 − 12
Standard Test Methods for
Insulation Integrity and Ground Path Continuity of
1
Photovoltaic Modules
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1462; 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.
3
1. Scope 2.2 Underwriters Laboratories Standard:
ANSI/UL1703 Standard for Safety for Flat-Plate Photovol-
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for (1) testing for
taic Modules and Panels
current leakage between the electrical circuit of a photovoltaic
module and its external components while a user-specified
3. Terminology
voltage is applied and (2) for testing for possible module
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in this test
insulation breakdown (dielectric voltage withstand test).
method may be found in Terminologies E772.
1.2 A procedure is described for measuring the insulation
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
resistance between the electrical circuit of a photovoltaic
3.2.1 ground path continuity, n—the electrical continuity
moduleanditsexternalcomponents(insulationresistancetest).
between the external and conductive surfaces of a photovoltaic
1.3 A procedure is provided for verifying that electrical module and the intended grounding point of the module.
continuity exists between the exposed external conductive
3.2.2 insulation resistance, n—the electrical resistance of a
surfaces of the module, such as the frame, structural members,
photovoltaic module insulation, measured at a specified ap-
or edge closures, and its grounding point (ground path conti-
plied voltage between the module internal circuitry and its
nuity test).
grounding point or mounting structure.
1.4 This test method does not establish pass or fail levels.
4. Summary of Test Method
The determination of acceptable or unacceptable results is
4.1 Insulation Integrity—Two procedures are provided for
beyond the scope of this test method.
testing the isolation of the electrically active parts of the
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
module from the accessible conductive parts and the exposed
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
nonconductive surfaces. This isolation is necessary to provide
standard.
forsafeinsulation,use,andserviceofaphotovoltaicmoduleor
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
system.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1.1 Dielectric Voltage Withstand Procedure—A ramped
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
voltage is applied between the photovoltaic circuit and the
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
accessible parts and surfaces of the module outside of the
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
photovoltaic circuit while monitoring the current, or by deter-
mining whether the leakage current exceeds a predetermined
2. Referenced Documents
limit. The module is then inspected for evidence of possible
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
arcing.
E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
4.1.2 Insulation Resistance Procedure—The insulation re-
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.
1
4.2 Ground Path Continuity Procedure—This procedure is
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on
Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources and is the direct respon-
intended for verification that electrical continuity exists be-
sibility of Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion.
tween all of the external conductive components and the
Current edition approved March 1, 2012. Published April 2012. Originally
module grounding point specified by the manufacturer. This is
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as E1462-00(2006). DOI:
accomplished by passing a current between the grounding
10.1520/E1462-12.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated, Publication Stock, 333 Pfingsten
the ASTM website. Road, Northbrook, IL 60062.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
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E1462 − 12
terminal or lead and the conductive part in question and 6.1.2 The output voltage of the power supply must be
ca
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:E1462–00 (Reapproved 2006) Designation: E1462 – 12
Standard Test Methods for
Insulation Integrity and Ground Path Continuity of
1
Photovoltaic Modules
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1462; 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
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 Aprocedure 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 path 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.
1.5There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
E1328Terminology Relating to Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
3
2.2 Underwriters Laboratories Standard:
ANSI/UL 1703 Standard for Safety for Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in this test method may be found in Terminologies E772and E1328.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 ground path continuityground path continuity, n—the electrical continuity between the external and conductive surfaces
of a photovoltaic module and the intended grounding point of the module.
3.2.2 insulation resistanceinsulation resistance, n—the electrical resistance of a photovoltaic module insulation, measured at a
specified applied voltage between the module internal circuitry and its grounding point or mounting structure.
3.2.3maximum system voltage—the maximum electrical potential, referenced at the system grounding point, that can be
generated by a photovoltaic power system as specified by the model manufacturer.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 InsulationIntegrity—Twoproceduresareprovidedfortestingtheisolationoftheelectricallyactivepartsofthemodulefrom
the accessible conductive parts and the exposed nonconductive surfaces. This isolation is necessary to provide for safe insulation,
use, and service of a photovoltaic module or system.
4.1.1 Dielectric Voltage Withstand Procedure—Aramped voltage is applied between the photovoltaic circuit and the accessible
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on Solar, Geothermal, and Other Alternative Energy Sources and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion.
Current edition approved March 1, 2006.2012. Published March 2006.April 2012. Originally approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 20002006 as
E1462-00(2006). DOI: 10.1520/E1462-00R06.10.1520/E1462-12.
2
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
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.
1
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E1462 – 12
parts and surfaces of the module outside of the photovoltaic circuit while monitoring the current, or by determining whether the
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