SIST-TP CLC/TR 50670:2017
(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
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.
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
...
Frequently Asked Questions
SIST-TP CLC/TR 50670:2017 is a technical report published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). 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.
SIST-TP CLC/TR 50670:2017 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.
You can purchase SIST-TP CLC/TR 50670:2017 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of SIST standards.
Die Norm SIST-TP CLC/TR 50670:2017 bietet umfassende Testmethoden zur Bewertung der externen Feuerexposition von Dächern in Kombination mit Photovoltaik(PV)-Modulen. Der Geltungsbereich der Norm ist klar definiert und konzentriert sich auf die potenziellen Auswirkungen von PV-Arrays auf die bestehende Brandschutzbewertung von Dächern bei externer Feuerexposition. Dies ist ein entscheidender Aspekt, da die Sicherheit von Gebäuden mit PV-Anlagen an erster Stelle stehen sollte, um das Risiko von Brandschäden wirksam zu minimieren. Ein herausragendes Merkmal dieser Norm ist die gezielte Unterscheidung zwischen zusätzlichen Dachinstallationen von PV-Modulen und integrierten PV-Systemen. Während die Norm sich ausschließlich auf die Installationen bezieht, die nachträglich auf Dächern angebracht werden, wird klargestellt, dass gebäudeintegrierte PV nicht Teil dieser Norm sind. Diese klare Abgrenzung ermöglicht es Fachleuten, sich auf spezifische Installationsarten zu konzentrieren und die entsprechenden Sicherheitsanforderungen zu verstehen. Die Testmethoden in der Norm sind besonders relevant, da sie sowohl PV-Module ohne spezifische Montagesysteme als auch Kombinationen von PV-Modulen mit bestimmten Montagesystemen auf geneigten und flachen Dächern berücksichtigen. Dadurch wird ein breites Spektrum an Anwendungsmöglichkeiten abgedeckt, welches für Planer, Architekten und Sicherheitsingenieure von großem Nutzen ist. Darüber hinaus werden in der Norm Vergleichswerte zu Dachsystemen ohne PV-Module durch die Bezugnahme auf CEN/TS 1187 bereitgestellt. Diese Vergleichsbasis ist entscheidend für eine angemessene Risiko- und Sicherheitsbewertung, da sie es ermöglicht, den Einfluss von PV-Arrays auf die Feuerresistenz von Dächern direkt zu bewerten. Zusammenfassend lässt sich feststellen, dass die SIST-TP CLC/TR 50670:2017 eine fundierte und notwendige Ressource für die Sicherstellung sicherer Dachkonstruktionen mit integrierten Photovoltaiklösungen darstellt. Die klaren Richtlinien und methodischen Ansätze machen sie zu einem unverzichtbaren Dokument für alle, die im Bereich der Bau- und Brandsicherheitsplanung tätig sind.
The SIST-TP CLC/TR 50670:2017 standard provides crucial test methods designed to evaluate external fire exposure to roofs that incorporate photovoltaic (PV) arrays. The scope of this document is clearly defined, focusing solely on roof installations that have added PV systems, which distinguishes it from other standards that may cover building-integrated PV solutions. One of the significant strengths of this standard is its comprehensive approach to assessing the impact of PV arrays on existing fire ratings of roofs. By characterizing potential fire exposure risks specifically for PV-modified roofs, the standard ensures that safety measures are adapted to modern building practices, where solar energy solutions are increasingly prevalent. Moreover, the standard lays out test methods for various configurations, including combinations of PV modules with specific mounting systems, which is essential for real-world applications as it considers both tilted and flat roofs. This level of detail makes the standard highly relevant to manufacturers, architects, and builders in the photovoltaic industry, offering them clear guidance on ensuring that fire safety protocols are observed when installing or retrofitting PV arrays. Furthermore, by referencing CEN/TS 1187 for the performance of roofs without PV in regards to external fire exposure, the standard effectively integrates established assessments with innovative solar technology, thus bolstering its practical relevance in the evolving landscape of construction and renewable energy. Overall, the SIST-TP CLC/TR 50670:2017 standard stands out for its targeted focus, rigor in testing methodology, and its commitment to enhancing safety in the adoption of photovoltaic technology in roof installations.
SIST-TP CLC/TR 50670:2017は、太陽光発電（PV）アレイと屋根の外部火災暴露に関する標準的な試験方法を提供しており、非常に重要な技術文書です。この標準は、太陽光発電アレイが既存の屋根の火災評価に与える潜在的な影響を特徴付けるための試験方法を定めており、外部火災暴露に対する屋根の性能を明確に理解する助けとなります。 この標準の強みは、屋根の追加設置に対する外部火災暴露を評価するための明確な試験手順を提供していることです。特に、CEN/TS 1187で定義された屋根のPVなしの状態に対する外部火災暴露の性能を比較する上で重要なデータを提供します。これにより、建物の安全性を高め、太陽光発電システムの導入が屋根の火災評価に与える影響を低減するための基準が設けられています。 また、この試験方法は、特定の取り付けシステムを用いないPVモジュール及び傾斜屋根と平屋根での特定の取り付けシステムと組み合わせたPVモジュールを試験標本として扱う点も評価できます。これにより、さまざまな設置条件において、太陽光発電システムがどのように火災暴露に影響を及ぼすかを包括的に理解することが可能です。 SIST-TP CLC/TR 50670:2017は、太陽光発電システムの安全性と性能についての重要な基準を提供しており、その明確な試験方法と利便性は、建設業界やエネルギー産業において非常に relevante です。この標準が採用されることで、屋根の火災安全性が向上し、太陽光発電の導入がより安全かつ信頼性の高いものとなるでしょう。
La norme SIST-TP CLC/TR 50670:2017 présente un cadre essentiel pour l'évaluation de l'exposition au feu extérieur des toits en combinaison avec des installations de panneaux photovoltaïques (PV). Son champ d'application est clairement défini, se concentrant sur les méthodes d'essai qui permettent d'analyser l'impact potentiel des systèmes photovoltaïques sur la classe de résistance au feu des toits lorsqu'ils sont exposés à un incendie externe. Cette norme est particulièrement pertinente dans le contexte actuel où l'intégration des énergies renouvelables, telles que les systèmes photovoltaïques, devient de plus en plus courante. Parmi les points forts de cette norme, on note la précision avec laquelle les méthodes d'essai sont élaborées, rendant possible une évaluation dédiée des installations photovoltaïques ajoutées sur les toits. Cela représente une avancée significative par rapport aux normes précédentes, notamment en fournissant des critères spécifiques pour des tests sur des toits inclinés et plats. En se basant sur la norme CEN/TS 1187 pour les toits sans PV, elle assure une continuité et une cohérence dans l'évaluation des performances d'incendie, ce qui est crucial pour la sécurité des bâtiments. La norme souligne également son exclusion du bâtiment intégré avec des panneaux photovoltaïques, ce qui permet d'éviter toute confusion et de maintenir un champ d'application clair. Cela suggère que les professionnels du bâtiment et les installateurs de PV doivent prendre en compte cette distinction pour s'assurer que les systèmes sont conformes aux exigences de sécurité. En somme, la SIST-TP CLC/TR 50670:2017 joue un rôle fondamental dans la normalisation des essais d'incendie en relation avec les systèmes photovoltaïques sur les toits, offrant ainsi une prise de conscience accrue des risques potentiels et des mesures à prendre pour mitiguer ces risques. Les test methods fournis par cette norme sont indispensables pour garantir la protection des structures tout en favorisant l'intégration des technologies d'énergie renouvelable dans l'architecture moderne.
SIST-TP CLC/TR 50670:2017 표준은 태양광(PV) 배열이 있는 지붕의 외부 화재 노출에 대한 시험 방법을 제공하는 기술 보고서로, PV 배열이 외부 화재 노출로부터 기존의 지붕 화재 등급에 미치는 잠재적 영향을 평가합니다. 이 표준은 테스트 방법이 설치된 지붕에만 적용되며, 건물 통합 PV는 포함되지 않습니다. 이 문서는 CEN/TS 1187에서 정의된 PV 없이 지붕이 외부 화재 노출에 대한 성능을 다루며, PV 모듈을 구체적인 장착 시스템 없이 시험 샘플로 언급하고, 기울어진 지붕과 평면 지붕에 특정 장착 시스템과 결합된 PV 모듈을 포함합니다. 이는 PV 배열 설치가 지붕의 화재 성능에 미치는 영향을 체계적으로 이해하고, 그에 대한 안전성과 성능 기준을 세우는 데 있어 큰 강점을 지니고 있습니다. SIST-TP CLC/TR 50670:2017 표준은 화재 안전 분야에서 PV 배열의 영향에 대한 명확한 테스트 방법을 제시함으로써, 건설 업계와 관련 분야에서의 변화하는 요구에 부합하는 중요한 문서입니다. 이 표준은 외부 화재 노출에 대한 평가를 통해 태양광 설치의 안전성을 높이고 화재 위험을 감소시키는 데 있어 중요한 역할을 하며, 관련 법규와 규정 준수에도 기여할 것입니다.
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