CLC/TR 50670:2016
(Main)External fire exposure to roofs in combination with photovoltaic (PV) arrays - Test method(s)
External fire exposure to roofs in combination with photovoltaic (PV) arrays - Test method(s)
This Technical Report provides test methods for the assessment of external fire exposure to roofs in combination with photovoltaic (PV) arrays which characterize potential impacts of PV arrays to an existing fire rating of roofs from an external fire exposure. The performance of roofs without PV to external fire exposure is defined in CEN/TS 1187. The test methods of CLC/prTR 50670 are only applicable to roof added installations. Building integrated PV is not covered by this standard. The test method refers to PV modules as test specimens without a specific mounting system as well as combinations of PV modules with particular mounting systems on tilted roofs and flat roofs.
Externe Feuereinwirkung auf Dächer in Kombination mit Photovoltaik (PV)-Arrays - Testmethode (n)
Exposition des toitures équipées de modules photovoltaïques (PV) à un feu extérieur - Méthode(s) d’essai
Izpostavitev streh požaru z zunanje strani v kombinaciji s fotonapetostnimi (PV) sistemi - Metode preskušanja
To tehnično poročilo določa preskusne metode za oceno izpostavitve streh požaru z zunanje strani v kombinaciji s fotonapetostnimi (PV) sistemi, ki označujejo morebitni vpliv fotonapetostnih sistemov na obstoječo oceno izpostavitve streh požaru z zunanje strani. Zmogljivost streh brez fotonapetostnih sistemov pri izpostavitvi požaru z zunanje strani je opredeljena v standardu CEN/TS 1187.
Preskusne metode iz standarda CLC/prTR 50670 se uporabljajo samo za dodatne namestitve na strehah. Ta standard ne zajema fotonapetostnih sistemov, vgrajenih v stavbe.
Preskusna metoda obravnava fotonapetostne module kot preskušance brez posebnega sistema za namestitev in kombinacije fotonapetostnih modulov s posebnimi sistemi za namestitev na nagnjene in ploščate strehe.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 15-Dec-2016
- Technical Committee
- CLC/TC 82 - Solar photovoltaic energy systems
- Drafting Committee
- CLC/TC 82 - Solar photovoltaic energy systems
- Current Stage
- 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 25-Jun-2025
- Completion Date
- 23-Sep-2025
Overview
CLC/TR 50670:2016 - "External fire exposure to roofs in combination with photovoltaic (PV) arrays - Test method(s)" defines laboratory test methods to assess how roof-mounted PV arrays influence the external fire behaviour of roofs. The Technical Report focuses on roof-added PV installations (building‑integrated PV is excluded) and provides procedures to characterise potential impacts of PV modules on an existing roof fire rating when exposed to external fire sources (burning brands, radiant heat). The TR supplies observation and measurement methods rather than pass/fail criteria.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability
- Applies to roof‑mounted PV modules and combinations with specific mounting systems for tilted roofs (inclination ≥ 15°) and flat roofs (< 15°).
- Test specimens: single PV modules (minimum size 500 × 1 000 mm) installed in portrait orientation; each test repeated three times.
- Test scenarios
- Ignition source placed:
- on top of the PV module,
- between PV module and pitched roof (module elevated D = 150 mm),
- between PV module and flat roof (specified burner distances and module inclination).
- Ignition source placed:
- Ignition and burner specifications
- Propane gas burner (32-hole square head) with controlled mass flow: (324 ± 20) mg/s → heat output (15 ± 1) kW for 10 minutes.
- Test deck and specimen support
- Simulated roof deck uses non‑flammable calcium silicate plates (density ~800 ±150 kg/m³; thickness ~12 ±3 mm) to observe PV burning behaviour and effects on substructure.
- Environment, conditioning and measurements
- Tests in draught‑free area; specimens conditioned at (23 ±2) °C, 50 ±5% RH; measurements include lateral flame spread, sustained flaming (≥5 s), fire penetration, openings and flaming droplets/debris.
- Safety & limits
- TR warns of hazards (toxic smoke etc.) and notes it provides observations/measurements only - it does not set acceptance levels.
Applications and users
- Useful for:
- Fire safety engineers and consultants assessing roof fire risk with PV retrofits
- Test laboratories developing test programs for PV modules on roofs
- PV manufacturers and mounting-system suppliers demonstrating fire behaviour of products
- Roofing contractors, building control authorities and certification bodies considering roof fire performance with added PV arrays
- Practical uses:
- Inform risk assessments, installation guidance, product documentation and decisions on further testing where roofs are not already in the “deemed to satisfy” list.
Related standards
- CEN/TS 1187 - performance of roofing assemblies to external fire exposure
- EN 13501‑5 - classification for external fire exposure to roofs (referenced scenario definitions)
- EN ISO 13943 - fire safety vocabulary (terms and definitions)
- IEC/other PV product standards referenced for PV array definitions
Keywords: CLC/TR 50670:2016, external fire exposure, photovoltaic (PV) arrays, test methods, roof fire rating, PV modules, fire testing, CEN/TS 1187, gas burner, calcium silicate plates.
Frequently Asked Questions
CLC/TR 50670:2016 is a technical report published by CLC. Its full title is "External fire exposure to roofs in combination with photovoltaic (PV) arrays - Test method(s)". This standard covers: This Technical Report provides test methods for the assessment of external fire exposure to roofs in combination with photovoltaic (PV) arrays which characterize potential impacts of PV arrays to an existing fire rating of roofs from an external fire exposure. The performance of roofs without PV to external fire exposure is defined in CEN/TS 1187. The test methods of CLC/prTR 50670 are only applicable to roof added installations. Building integrated PV is not covered by this standard. The test method refers to PV modules as test specimens without a specific mounting system as well as combinations of PV modules with particular mounting systems on tilted roofs and flat roofs.
This Technical Report provides test methods for the assessment of external fire exposure to roofs in combination with photovoltaic (PV) arrays which characterize potential impacts of PV arrays to an existing fire rating of roofs from an external fire exposure. The performance of roofs without PV to external fire exposure is defined in CEN/TS 1187. The test methods of CLC/prTR 50670 are only applicable to roof added installations. Building integrated PV is not covered by this standard. The test method refers to PV modules as test specimens without a specific mounting system as well as combinations of PV modules with particular mounting systems on tilted roofs and flat roofs.
CLC/TR 50670:2016 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.220.50 - Fire-resistance of building materials and elements; 27.160 - Solar energy engineering; 91.060.20 - Roofs. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
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Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-februar-2017
Izpostavitev streh požaru z zunanje strani v kombinaciji s fotonapetostnimi (PV)
sistemi - Metode preskušanja
External fire exposure to roofs in combination with photovoltaic (PV) arrays – Test
method(s)
Externe Feuereinwirkung auf Dächer in Kombination mit Photovoltaik (PV)-Arrays -
Testmethode (n)
Exposition des toitures équipées de modules photovoltaïques (PV) à un feu extérieur -
Méthode(s) d’essai
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CLC/TR 50670:2016
ICS:
13.220.50 Požarna odpornost Fire-resistance of building
gradbenih materialov in materials and elements
elementov
27.160 6RQþQDHQHUJLMD Solar energy engineering
91.060.20 Strehe Roofs
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
TECHNICAL REPORT CLC/TR 50670
RAPPORT TECHNIQUE
TECHNISCHER BERICHT
December 2016
ICS 13.220.50; 27.160; 91.060.20
English Version
External fire exposure to roofs in combination with photovoltaic
(PV) arrays - Test method(s)
Exposition des toitures équipées de modules Externe Feuereinwirkung auf Dächer in Kombination mit
photovoltaïques (PV) à un feu extérieur - Méthode(s) Photovoltaik (PV)-Arrays - Testmethode (n)
d'essai
This Technical Report was approved by CENELEC on 2016-09-05.
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
© 2016 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. CLC/TR 50670:2016 E
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction. 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 General . 7
5 Test apparatus . 7
5.1 Gas burner . 7
5.2 Test environment and measurements . 8
5.3 Conditioning . 8
5.4 Test deck . 8
6 Test procedures . 9
6.1 General . 9
6.2 Placement of source of ignition on top of the PV module . 9
6.3 Placement of source of ignition between PV module and pitched-roofs . 10
6.4 Placement of source of ignition between PV module and flat roofs . 11
7 Observations and measurements. 11
7.1 General . 11
7.2 Placement of source of ignition on top of the PV module . 11
7.3 Placement of source of ignition between PV module and pitched-roofs . 12
7.4 Placement of source of ignition between PV module and flat roofs . 12
8 Reporting . 12
Bibliography . 13
European foreword
This document (CLC/TR 50670:2016) has been prepared by CLC/TC 82 “Solar Photovoltaic Energy
Systems”.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC [and/or CEN] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such
patent rights.
Framing components of the PV modules that are made of polymeric materials are not covered within
this document and will have to be addressed in a future revision.
Introduction
This CENELEC Technical Report (TR) defines test methods for the assessment of external fire
exposure to photovoltaic (PV) arrays. The determination of such fire behaviour is important when
photovoltaic systems are installed on roofs to evaluate if an intensification of a fire threat can be
expected. With this regard, explicitly roof-integrated PV is not part of this TR.
The scenario of burning brands that are released from a neighbouring building is well defined for plain
roofing assemblies through the classification standard of EN 13501-5 and the relevant test methods of
CEN/TS 1187. Accordingly, the methods described herewith focus on PV modules and the influence
to roof substructures in general and address tilted and flat-roof installations from burning droplets and
radiant heat after ignited through a gas burner.
Roofing assemblies and substructures are exemplary replaced by calcium carbonate plates to allow
free monitoring and characterization of the potential burning behaviour of PV modules.
This Technical Report also encounters potential burning brands that may reach spaces between the
PV array and roof in a realistic installation.
This Technical Report does not contain information on the level of acceptable performance, but on
observations and measurements.
This Technical Report enters new fields of expertise and displays accordingly the current state of best
knowledge basing on available data in the industry. More technical data and test results will be
generated to further develop the TR.
CAUTION — The attention of all persons concerned with managing and carrying out these
tests is drawn to the fact that fire testing can be hazardous and that there is a possibility that
toxic and/or harmful smoke and gases can be evolved during the test. An assessment of all
potential hazards and risks to health should be made and safety precautions should be
identified and provided. Written safety instructions should be issued. Appropriate training
should be given to all relevant personnel. Laboratory personnel should ensure that they follow
written safety instructions at all times.
1 Scope
This Technical Report provides test methods for the assessment of external fire exposure to roofs in
combination with photovoltaic (PV) arrays which characterize potential impacts of PV arrays to an
existing fire rating of roofs from an external fire exposure. The performance of roofs without PV to
external fire exposure is defined in CEN/TS 1187.
The test methods of CLC/TR 50670 are only applicable to roof added installations. Building integrated
PV is not covered by this standard.
The test method refers to PV modules as test specimens without a specific mounting system as well
as combinations of PV modules with particular mounting systems on tilted roofs and flat roofs.
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 ISO 13943:2010, Fire safety — Vocabulary (ISO 13943:2008)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN ISO 13943:2010 and the
following apply.
3.1
PV array
mechanically integrated assembly of modules or panels and its support structure
Note 1 to entry: An array does not include its foundation, tracking apparatus, thermal control, and other such
components.
[SOURCE: IEC 61277, modified]
3.2
external fire
progression and extent of sustained flaming across the exposed surface of the specimen
[SOURCE: CEN/TS 1187:2012]
3.3
tilted roof
roof with an inclination angle of at least 15°
3.4
flat roof
roof with an inclination less than 15°
3.5
roof covering
uppermost layer of a roof
Note 1 to entry: This layer can comprise single layer or multiple layer coverings.
[SOURCE: CEN/TS 1187:2012]
3.6
fire penetration
appearance on the underside of the specimen of any sustained flaming or glowing due to combustion,
including the occurrence of any flaming droplets falling from the underside
Note 1 to entry: Charring and/or discolouration are not to be regarded as fire penetration (for tests 1 and 3).
[SOURCE: CEN/TS 1187:2012, modified]
3.7
damaged material
material that has been burnt, charred, melted or otherwise visually changed by heat
Note 1 to entry: Discolouration and soot deposits are not to be regarded as damaged material.
[SOURCE: CEN/TS 1187:2012, modified]
3.8
calcium carbonate plate
board/plate made of calcium carbonate or calcium silicate
3.9
product
PV Module about which information is required
[SOURCE: CEN/TS 1187:2012, modified]
3.10
specimen
representative section of the roof/roof covering prepared for the purpose of the test
[SOURCE: CEN/TS 1187:2012]
3.11
test deck
test deck on which the PV module will be mounted
3.12
expo
...
CLC/TR 50670:2016は、太陽光発電（PV）アレイと組み合わせた屋根への外部火災曝露に関する技術報告書であり、そのテスト方法を提供します。この標準は、PVアレイが屋根への外部火災曝露の潜在的な影響を評価するためのものであり、既存の屋根の防火等級に対する影響を明確にする役割を果たしています。 この標準化文書の強みは、屋根に取り付けられたPVアレイによる外部火災曝露の評価方法を体系的に整理している点です。特に、CEN/TS 1187で定義されたPVを持たない屋根の防火性能を基に、屋根に追加されたPVアレイがどのように影響を及ぼすかを詳細に分析しています。これにより、建築物の設計や材料選定において重要な情報を提供し、火災安全性の向上に寄与します。 また、CLC/TR 50670は、斜め屋根と平屋根の特定の取り付けシステムを伴うPVモジュールとの組み合わせについても言及しており、多様な設置条件に対応しています。このように、特定の取り付けシステムがないPVモジュールに対するテストサンプルとしての指定も含まれているため、幅広い適用性を持つ標準となっています。 ただし、建物に統合されたPVについてはこの標準には含まれていないため、特定の用途においては他の基準との併用が必要です。全体として、CLC/TR 50670:2016は外部火災曝露に関する屋根とPVアレイの相互作用を理解する上で不可欠なリソースであり、特に防火対策における重要な指針を提供しています。
Der technische Bericht CLC/TR 50670:2016 beschäftigt sich mit der Bewertung des externen Feuer-exposure von Dächern in Kombination mit Photovoltaik (PV)-Modulen und bietet damit eine umfassende Grundlage für die Prüfung dieser Spezifikationen. Der Geltungsbereich dieser Norm ist klar definiert und konzentriert sich ausschließlich auf die Prüfung von Dächern mit nachträglich installierten PV-Anlagen, wobei er spezifische Testmethoden zur Beurteilung der Brandbeanspruchung durch externe Quellen zur Verfügung stellt. Eine der herausragenden Stärken dieses Dokuments ist die präzise Charakterisierung der potenziellen Auswirkungen von PV-Anlagen auf die bestehende Feuerwiderstandsfähigkeit von Dächern. Dies ist besonders relevant in einer Zeit, in der die Integration von Erneuerbaren Energien, wie Solarenergie, in die Architektur zunehmend an Bedeutung gewinnen. CLC/TR 50670:2016 bietet sichere und nachweisbare Testmethoden, um die Risiken bei der Kombination von Dachstrukturen mit PV-Systemen zu evaluieren. Das Dokument legt auch fest, dass die Testmethoden nicht für in die Gebäude integrierte PV-Anlagen gelten, was eine klare Abgrenzung zu anderen Normen und Prüfmethoden schafft. Diese Fokussierung ist von größerer Bedeutung, da sie sicherstellt, dass die Tests speziell auf Dachkonstruktionen mit nachträglichen PV-Installationen zugeschnitten sind und somit die praxisrelevanten Gefahren und Herausforderungen angemessen adressiert werden. Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass CLC/TR 50670:2016 nicht nur eine wichtige Ressource für Bauingenieure und Architekten darstellt, sondern auch für Hersteller und Installateure von PV-Systemen, die die Sicherheit und Leistungsfähigkeit ihrer Produkte in Bezug auf externe Brandrisiken bewerten möchten. Die Relevanz dieser Norm zeigt sich in ihrem umfassenden Ansatz zur Gewährleistung der Sicherheit bei der Kombination von PV-Anlagen mit traditionellen Dachkonstruktionen.
The CLC/TR 50670:2016 standard is a significant resource that establishes test methods for evaluating external fire exposure to roofs when combined with photovoltaic (PV) arrays. This technical report is notable for its comprehensive scope, focusing on how PV installations can impact the existing fire ratings of roofs subjected to external fire exposure. One of the key strengths of this standard is its clear delineation of applicable scenarios. By specifying that its test methods are relevant only to roof-added installations, the standard effectively narrows its focus to ensure precise and relevant testing for those who are concerned with the implications of integrating PV arrays on roofs. Furthermore, by referencing CEN/TS 1187 for the performance of roofs without PV, it provides a reliable framework for assessing fire risks that exist independently of PV systems. The report emphasizes the testing of PV modules as specimens without a designated mounting system and also examines the combinations of PV modules with specific mounting systems. This flexibility allows for a range of testing that is applicable to both tilted and flat roofs, thereby enhancing its relevance across different roofing applications. Given the increasing adoption of renewable energy technologies, such as solar power, the relevance of the CLC/TR 50670:2016 standard in guiding safe installation practices cannot be overstated. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that the integration of PV arrays does not compromise the fire safety aspects of the roofs, addressing a vital concern for both manufacturers and builders in the construction industry. Overall, CLC/TR 50670:2016 stands out not only for its targeted approach towards fire safety assessment in the context of photovoltaic installations but also for its relevance in ensuring that safety standards keep pace with advancements in energy technologies.
La norme CLC/TR 50670:2016 intitulée "External fire exposure to roofs in combination with photovoltaic (PV) arrays - Test method(s)" représente une avancée significative dans la sécurité incendie des installations de panneaux photovoltaïques (PV) sur les toits. Son champ d'application est centré sur les méthodes d'essai destinées à évaluer l'exposition au feu externe des toits intégrant des systèmes PV. Ce rapport technique offre des critères clairs pour déterminer l'impact potentiel des systèmes PV sur la classification des toitures face à une exposition au feu externe, fournissant ainsi un cadre normatif essentiel pour les fabricants, les architectes et les ingénieurs. Les points forts de cette norme résident dans sa capacité à définir des méthodes d'essai adaptées aux installations ajoutées de panneaux photovoltaïques, tout en se référant explicitement aux modules PV comme spécimens d'essai. La prise en compte des différentes configurations, tant sur des toits inclinés que plats, garantit que les résultats sont représentatifs de la diversité des installations rencontrées dans le secteur. De plus, bien que les systèmes intégrés au bâtiment ne soient pas couverts, cela permet de concentrer les efforts sur une évaluation précise des risques liés aux installations PV ajoutées, sans ambiguïté. La pertinence de cette norme est indéniable dans un contexte où la pression pour adopter des énergies renouvelables augmente, et où la sécurité incendie doit être systématiquement évaluée. Les méthodes décrites dans le document SIST-TP CLC/TR 50670:2017 contribuent à standardiser les procédures d’essai, favorisant ainsi une meilleure compréhension des interactions entre les systèmes photovoltaïques et les constructions existantes tout en garantissant une conformité aux normes de sécurité incendie. En conclusion, la norme CLC/TR 50670:2016 est un instrument essentiel pour évaluer l'exposition au feu des toitures avec des installations PV, offrant des recommandations concrètes et des méthodes éprouvées qui renforcent la sécurité et la fiabilité des constructions intégrant ces technologies.
CLC/TR 50670:2016 표준은 태양광(PV) 배열과 함께하는 지붕의 외부 화재 노출에 대한 Test method와 관련하여 중요한 기술 보고서를 제공합니다. 이 표준의 주요 초점은 PV 배열이 기존 지붕의 화재 등급에 미치는 외부 화재 노출의 잠재적 영향을 평가하는 방법을 제공하는 것입니다. 표준의 범위는 지붕에 PV 배열이 설치된 경우에만 적용되며, 이는 기존에 설치된 지붕이 외부 화재 노출에 대한 성능을 평가하는 기존 표준인 CEN/TS 1187과 연계하여 이루어집니다. 따라서, 이 보고서는 PV 배열이 추가된 지붕 설치에 대해서만 적합한 평가 방법을 제시합니다. CLC/TR 50670의 강점 중 하나는 다양한 설치 요건을 고려하여 기울어진 지붕과 평면 지붕에서 특정 장착 시스템과 함께하는 PV 모듈을 테스트할 수 있는 방법을 포함하고 있다는 점입니다. 이로 인해 다양한 실제 건축 환경에서의 적용 가능성이 높아지며, 건축물의 화재 안전성을 향상시키는 데 기여할 수 있습니다. 또한, 이 표준은 PV 모듈을 테스트 샘플로 언급하며, 특정 장착 시스템 없이도 평가할 수 있는 요소를 포함하고 있어, 다양한 제품 개발과 검증에 유용하게 활용될 수 있습니다. 이는 건축 통합 PV 시스템이 아닌 지붕에 추가된 설치에 한정된 점도 명확히 하고 있어, 특정 분야에서의 적용 대상이 분명합니다. 전반적으로 CLC/TR 50670:2016 표준은 태양광 배열이 포함된 지붕의 화재 안전성을 평가하는 데 있어 매우 실용적이고, 체계적으로 접근할 수 있는 방법론을 제공합니다. 이는 시장에서 더욱 안전한 건축물을 개발하는 데 필수적인 가이드라인 역할을 할 것으로 기대됩니다.
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