EN 50618:2014
(Main)Electric cables for photovoltaic systems
Electric cables for photovoltaic systems
This European Standard applies to low smoke halogen-free, flexible, single-core power cables with cross-linked insulation and sheath. In particular for use at the direct current (d.c.) side of photovoltaic systems, with a nominal d.c. voltage of 1,5 kV between conductors and between conductor and earth. The cables are suitable to be used with Class II equipment. The cables are designed to operate at a normal maximum conductor temperature of 90 °C, but for a maximum of 20 000 hours a max. conductor temperature of 120 °C at a max. ambient temperature of 90 °C is permitted. NOTE The expected period of use under normal usage conditions as specified in this standard is at least 25 years.
Kabel und Leitungen - Leitungen für Photovoltaik Systeme
Câbles électriques pour systèmes photovoltaïques
Električni kabli za fotonapetostne sisteme
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2015
(OHNWULþQLNDEOL]DIRWRQDSHWRVWQHVLVWHPH
Electric cables for photovoltaic systems
Kabel und Leitungen - Leitungen für Photovoltaic Systeme
Câbles électriques pour systèmes photovoltaïques
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 50618:2014
ICS:
27.160 6RQþQDHQHUJLMD Solar energy engineering
29.060.20 Kabli Cables
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 50618
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
December 2014
ICS 29.060.20
English Version
Electric cables for photovoltaic systems
(BT(DE/NOT)258)
Câbles électriques pour systèmes photovoltaïques Kabel und Leitungen - Leitungen für Photovoltaik Systeme
(BT(DE/NOT)258) (BT(DE/NOT)258)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2014-10-27. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2014 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN 50618:2014 E
Contents Page
Foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Rated voltage . 8
5 Requirements for the construction of cables . 8
5.1 Conductors . 8
5.2 Insulation . 8
5.3 Sheath . 9
6 Marking . 10
6.1 General . 10
6.2 Indication of origin . 10
6.3 Code designation . 10
6.4 Nominal cross-sectional area of conductor . 10
6.5 Continuity of marking . 10
6.6 Use of the name CENELEC . 10
6.7 Additional requirements . 11
7 Requirements for completed cables . 11
7.1 General . 11
7.2 Electrical tests . 11
7.3 Non electrical tests . 12
Annex A (normative) Guide to use – Use of cables for PV systems . 20
Annex B (normative) Requirements for insulation and sheathing materials . 24
Annex C (normative) Cold impact test . 26
Annex D (normative) Dynamic penetration test. 27
Annex E (normative) Weathering/UV resistance test . 28
Bibliography . 29
Figures
Figure 1 – Example of the marking as used on the outer sheath of the cable . 10
Figure D.1 — Arrangement for dynamic penetration test . 27
Tables
Table 1 — Dimensional and insulation resistance values . 14
Table 2 — Tests for cables to EN 50618 . 15
Table A.1 — Intended use of cables for PV systems (environmental conditions) . 21
Table A.2 — Recommended use of cables for PV systems . 22
Table A.3 — Current carrying capacity of PV cables . 22
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Table A.4 — Current rating conversion factors for different ambient temperatures. 23
Table B.1 — Requirements for insulation and sheathing materials . 24
Table C.1 — Parameters for cold impact test . 26
Foreword
This document (EN 50618:2014) has been prepared by CLC/TC 20 “Electric cables”.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which this document has to be (dop) 2015-10-27
implemented at national level by publication of
an identical national standard or by
endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards (dow) 2017-10-27
conflicting with this document have to
be withdrawn
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This standard covers the Principle Elements of the Safety Objectives for Electrical Equipment Designed for
Use within Certain Voltage Limits (LVD - 2006/95/EC).
- 5 - EN 50618:2014
Introduction
This standard specifies cables for use in Photovoltaic (PV) Systems, in particular for installation at the Direct
Current (d.c.) side. These cables are suitable for permanent outdoor use for many years under variable
demanding climate conditions. Relatively stringent requirements are set for these products in line with the
expected harsh usage conditions.
During the writing of this standard the joint work of TC 64 (Electrical installations and protection against
electric shock) and TC 82 (Solar Photovoltaic Energy Systems) on the design and installation of PV systems
has been taken into account.
1 Scope
This European Standard applies to low smoke halogen-free, flexible, single-core power cables with cross-
linked insulation and sheath. In particular for use at the direct current (d.c.) side of photovoltaic systems, with
a nominal d.c. voltage of 1,5 kV between conductors and between conductor and earth.
The cables are suitable to be used with Class II equipment.
The cables are designed to operate at a normal maximum conductor temperature of 90 °C, but for a maximum
of 20 000 hours a max. conductor temperature of 120 °C at a max. ambient temperature of 90 °C is permitted.
NOTE The expected period of use under normal usage conditions as specified in this standard is at least 25 years.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 50289-4-17, Communication cables – Specifications for test methods – Part 4-17: Test methods for UV
resistance evaluation of the sheath of electrical and optical fibre cable
EN 50395:2005, Electrical test methods for low voltage energy cables
EN 50396:2005, Non electrical test methods for low voltage energy cables
EN 50525-1:2011, Electric cables – Low voltage energy cables of rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V (U /U) – Part 1: General requirements
EN 50565-1:2014, Electric cables – Guide to use for cables with a rated voltage not exceeding
450/750 V (U /U) – Part 1: General guidance
EN 60068-2-78, Environmental testing – Part 2-78: Tests – Test Cab: Damp heat, steady state (IEC 60068-2-
78)
EN 60216-1, Electrical insulating materials – Thermal endurance properties – Part 1: Ageing procedures and
evaluation of test results (IEC 60216-1)
EN 60216-2, Electrical insulating materials – Thermal endurance properties – Part 2: Determination of thermal
endurance properties of electrical insulating materials – Choice of test criteria (IEC 60216-2)
EN 60228:2005, Conductors of insulated cables (IEC 60228:2004)
EN 60332-1-2:2004, Tests on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions – Part 1-2: Test for vertical
flame propagation for a single insulated wire or cable – Procedure for 1 kW pre-mixed flame (IEC 60332-1-
2:2004)
EN 60811-401, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials – Part 401:
Miscellaneous tests – Thermal ageing methods – Ageing in an air oven (IEC 60811-401)
EN 60811-403, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials – Part 403:
Miscellaneous tests – Ozone resistance test on cross-linked compounds (IEC 60811-403)
EN 60811-404, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials – Part 404:
Miscellaneous tests – Mineral oil immersion tests for sheaths (IEC 60811-404)
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EN 60811-501, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials – Part 501:
Mechanical tests – Tests for determining the mechanical properties of insulating and sheathing compounds
(IEC 60811-501)
EN 60811-503, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials – Part 503:
Mechanical tests - Shrinkage test for sheaths (IEC 60811-503)
EN 60811-504, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials – Part 504:
Mechanical tests - Bending tests at low temperature for insulation and sheaths (IEC 60811-504)
EN 60811-505, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials – Part 505:
Mechanical tests - Elongation at low temperature for insulations and sheaths (IEC 60811-505)
EN 60811-506, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials – Part 506:
Mechanical tests - Impact test at low temperature for insulations and sheaths (IEC 60811-506)
EN 60811-507, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials – Part 507:
Mechanical tests - Hot set test for cross-linked materials (IEC 60811-507)
EN 61034-1, Measurement of smoke density of cables burning under defined conditions – Part 1: Test
apparatus (IEC 61034-1)
EN 61034-2, Measurement of smoke density of cables burning under defined conditions – Part 2: Test
procedure and requirements (IEC 61034-2)
EN 62230:2007, Electric cables – Spark-test method (IEC 62230:2006)
HD 60364-5-52:2011, Low-voltage electrical installations – Part 5-52: Selection and erection of electrical
equipment – Wiring systems
HD 60364-7-712, Electrical installations of buildings – Part 7-712: Requirements for special installations or
locations – Solar photovoltaic (PV) power supply systems (IEC 60364-7-712)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
type tests (T)
tests required to be made before supplying a type of cable covered by this standard on a general commercial
basis, in order to demonstrate satisfactory performance characteristics to meet the intended application
Note 1 to entry: Type tests are of such a nature that, after they have been made, they need not be repeated unless
changes are made in the cable materials, design or type of manufacturing process which might change the performance
characteristics.
3.2
sample tests (S)
tests made on samples of completed cable, or components taken from a completed cable adequate to verify
that the finished product meets the design specifications
3.3
routine tests (R)
tests made on all production cable lengths to demonstrate their integrity
3.4
halogen-free material
material complying with the requirements of Annex B of EN 50525-1:2011
4 Rated voltage
The cables specified in this standard are in particular designed for use at the direct current (d.c.) side of
photovoltaic-systems, with a nominal d.c. voltage of 1,5 kV between conductors as well as between conductor
and earth.
The cables have a rated voltage of 1,0/1,0 kV when used in alternating current (a.c.) systems.
Annex A provides further guidance on voltage ratings.
5 Requirements for the construction of cables
5.1 Conductors
5.1.1 Material
The conductors shall be copper, and in accordance with EN 60228.
The wires of conductors shall be tin coated. The wires shall be covered with a continuous layer of tin coating.
There shall be no visible gaps in the continuous layer, when examined with normal or corrected vision.
5.1.2 Construction
The class of the conductor shall be class 5 in accordance with EN 60228.
The maximum diameters of the wires in the conductor shall be in accordance with EN 60228.
5.1.3 Separator between conductor and insulation
It is permitted to use a separating tape between the conductor and the insulation.
5.1.4 Check of construction
Compliance with the requirements of 5.1.1, 5.1.2 and 5.1.3, including the requirements of EN 60228, shall be
checked by inspection and by measurement.
5.1.5 Electrical resistance
The resistance of each conductor at 20 °C shall be in accordance with the requirements of EN 60228 for a
metal coated Class 5 conductor.
Compliance shall be checked by the test given in Clause 5 of EN 50395:2005.
5.2 Insulation
5.2.1 Material
The insulation material shall be cross-linked and fulfil the requirements as specified in Table B.1 in Annex B.
5.2.2 Application to the conductor
The insulation shall be applied by extrusion, such that it fits closely on the conductor, but it shall be possible to
remove it without damage to the insulation itself, to the conductor or to the tin coating. It is permitted to apply
the insulation in a single layer, or in a number of coherent layers. Where more than one layer is used, all
testing shall be carried out on the complete insulation as though it were a single layer.
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NOTE Insulation applied in more than one layer does not conform to the definition of “Double insulation” given, for
instance, in HD 60364.
Compliance shall be checked by inspection and by manual test.
5.2.3 Thickness
For each piece of insulation, the average of the measured values, rounded to 0,1 mm, shall be not less than
the specified value for each size shown in Table 1.
The smallest value measured shall not fall below 90 % of the specified value by more than 0,1 mm, i.e.:
tt≥ 0,9 − 0,1
m s
where
t
is the minimum insulation thickness at any point, in millimetres;
m
t is the specified insulation thickness, in millimetres.
s
Compliance shall be checked using the test given in EN 50396:2005, 4.1.
5.3 Sheath
5.3.1 Material
The sheath material shall be cross-linked and fulfil the requirements as specified in Table B.1.
5.3.2 Application
The sheath shall be applied homogeneously by extrusion. It is permitted to apply the sheath in a single layer,
or in a number of coherent layers. Where more than one layer is used, all testing shall be carried out on the
complete sheathing as though it were a single layer.
The application of the sheath shall give the finished cable a practically circular shape.
A separator may be applied under the sheath.
5.3.3 Thickness
For each piece of sheath, the average of the measured values, rounded to 0,1 mm, shall be not less than the
specified value for each size shown in Table 1.
The smallest value measured shall not fall below 85 % of the specified value by more than 0,1 mm, i.e.:
tt≥−0,85 0,1
ms
where
t
is the minimum sheath thickness at any point, in millimetres;
m
t is the specified sheath thickness, in millimetres.
s
Compliance shall be checked using the test given in EN 50396:2005, 4.2.
5.3.4 Colour
The sheath shall be coloured black, unless otherwise agreed between manufacturer and customer.
The colour shall be throughout the whole of the sheath.
6 Marking
6.1 General
The sheath of the cable shall be marked by printing, embossing or indenting.
6.2 Indication of origin
Cables shall be provided with an identification of origin consisting of the continuous marking of the
manufacturer's name or trademark, or (if legally protected) identification number.
6.3 Code designation
Cables shall be marked with the following code designation ‘H1Z2Z2-K’.
6.4 Nominal cross-sectional area of conductor
Cables shall be marked with the nominal cross-sectional area, for example ‘2,5 mm ’.
6.5 Continuity of marking
Each specified marking shall be regarded as continuous if the distance between the end of the mark and the
beginning of the next identical mark does not exceed 550 mm.
NOTE A 'Specified Marking' is any mandatory marking covered by this standard.
Other marking, such as that required under recognized voluntary 3rd party approval schemes, may also follow
the requirements of this subclause.
The diagram below shows an example of the marking as used on the outer sheath of the cable.
Figure 1 – Example of the marking as used on the outer sheath of the cable
6.6 Use of the name CENELEC
The name CENELEC, in full or abbreviated, shall not be marked on, or in, the cables.
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6.7 Additional requirements
6.7.1 Durability
Printed markings shall be durable. Compliance with this requirement shall be checked by the test given in
EN 50396:2005, 5.1.
6.7.2 Legibility
All markings shall be legible.
7 Requirements for completed cables
7.1 General
The tests to be carried out on cables specified in this standard shall be as scheduled in Table 2, which refers
to the relevant clauses of the standard specifying the requirements and test methods as well as the category
of each test which applies, i.e. Type Test (T); Sample Test (S) or Routine Test (R) (as defined in Clause 3).
Requirements for tests not previous specified are as given in 7.2 to 7.3.
7.2 Electrical tests
7.2.1 Voltage test on completed cable
The cable shall be tested in accordance with Clause 6 of EN 50395:2005 using the test conditions, voltages
and time as stated in Table 2.
No breakdown of the insulation shall occur.
7.2.2 Check for absence of faults on the insulation or on the complete cable
The cable shall be tested for faults in accordance with EN 62230:2007, Annex A. In case checking of the
insulation only is impossible, testing shall be performed on the complete cable.
No fault shall be detected.
7.2.3 Measurement of insulation resistance
The cable shall be tested in accordance with 8.1 of EN 50395:2005 at 20 °C using the test conditions as given
in Table 2. The insulation resistance at 20 °C shall not be less than stated in Table 1 for the relevant
conductor size.
The cable shall also be tested in accordance with 8.1 of EN 50395:2005 at 90 °C using the test conditions a
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