Seaward PV System User Manual

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Seaward Solar, 6304 Benjamin Road, Suit 506, Tampa, Florida 33634, USA.

Tel: (813) 886 2775 Email: [email protected] Web: www.seawardsolar.com

Rev 2: 15.02.2012

System Verification

The requirements laid out in Clause 5 apply to both initial and periodic verification of a grid-connected

PV system. Initial verification takes place upon completion of a new installation, as well as whenever

“additions or alterations to exiting installations” are made. Periodic verification is intended to ensure
that “the installation and all its constituent components remain in a satisfactory condition for use.” It is

worth noting that IEC 62446 requires that a “skilled person, competent in verification” perform initial or
periodic verification. Section 690.4(E) of the National Electrical Code similarly requires that a qualified

person install PV systems. By extension, persons verifying PV systems should be knowledgeable regarding
PV systems and the electrical equipment used in their

construction, and trained to avoid all associated hazards.

System verification is achieved through inspection, followed by

testing. These steps must be documented in a verification
report.

Inspection

The requirements found in this subsection are intended to be
completed “prior to energizing the system.” Inspection

activities are broken into four subcategories: dc system,
overvoltage and shock, ac system, and labeling and

identification. While IEC 62446 includes a fair amount of detail
regarding inspection requirements, companies should defer to

the NEC and the local AHJ when setting internal quality-
assurance and quality control standards.

Testing

Testing of PV systems should be conducted in accordance with
NFPA 70E, Electrical Safety in the Workplace, published by the

National Fire Protection Association. To mitigate electrical
hazards, workers must employ personal protective equipment

commensurate with the electrical energy present, follow proper
procedures and use appropriate tools. IEC 62446 requires that

the ac circuits be tested first, then the following six dc circuit
tests be performed, preferably in this order:

Test continuity of equipment grounding conductors and system grounding conductors (if

applicable).

Test polarity of all dc cables and check for correct cable identification and connection.

Test open-circuit voltage [Voc] for each PV source circuit.

Test short-circuit current [Isc] for each PV source circuit.

Test functionality of major system components (switchgear, controls, inverters), including
inverter anti-islanding.

Test the insulation resistance of the dc circuit conductors.

PV installation test IEC 62446 describes a variety of
techniques for shorting a string during testing and taking
measurements using clip-on ammeters.

However, the use of dedicated PV test instruments, like
this Seaward Solar PV100 tester, simplifies the process,
making it quicker and safer for technicians.