ASTM_E_1462_-_12.pdf

Designation:E146212Standard Test Methods forInsulation Integrity and Ground Path Continuity ofPhotovoltaic Modules1This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1462;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 These test methods cover procedures for(1)testing forcurrent leakage between the electrical circuit of a photovoltaicmodule and its external components while a user-specifiedvoltage is applied and(2)for testing for possible moduleinsulation breakdown(dielectric voltage withstand test).1.2 A procedure is described for measuring the insulationresistance between the electrical circuit of a photovoltaicmodule and its external components(insulation resistance test).1.3 A procedure is provided for verifying that electricalcontinuity exists between the exposed external conductivesurfaces of the module,such as the frame,structural members,or edge closures,and its grounding point(ground path conti-nuity test).1.4 This test method does not establish pass or fail levels.The determination of acceptable or unacceptable results isbeyond the scope of this test method.1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded asstandard.No other units of measurement are included in thisstandard.1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion2.2 Underwriters Laboratories Standard:3ANSI/UL 1703 Standard for Safety for Flat-Plate Photovol-taic Modules and Panels3.Terminology3.1 DefinitionsDefinitions of terms used in this testmethod may be found in Terminologies E772.3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.2.1 ground path continuity,nthe electrical continuitybetween the external and conductive surfaces of a photovoltaicmodule and the intended grounding point of the module.3.2.2 insulation resistance,nthe electrical resistance of aphotovoltaic module insulation,measured at a specified ap-plied voltage between the module internal circuitry and itsgrounding point or mounting structure.4.Summary of Test Method4.1 Insulation IntegrityTwo procedures are provided fortesting the isolation of the electrically active parts of themodule from the accessible conductive parts and the exposednonconductive surfaces.This isolation is necessary to providefor safe insulation,use,and service of a photovoltaic module orsystem.4.1.1 Dielectric Voltage Withstand ProcedureA rampedvoltage is applied between the photovoltaic circuit and theaccessible parts and surfaces of the module outside of thephotovoltaic circuit while monitoring the current,or by deter-mining whether the leakage current exceeds a predeterminedlimit.The module is then inspected for evidence of possiblearcing.4.1.2 Insulation Resistance ProcedureThe insulation re-sistance is measured between the photovoltaic circuit and theaccessible parts and surfaces of the module outside of thephotovoltaic circuit,using a high-impedance ohmmeter.4.2 Ground Path Continuity ProcedureThis procedure isintended for verification that electrical continuity exists be-tween all of the external conductive components and themodule grounding point specified by the manufacturer.This isaccomplished by passing a current between the grounding1These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 onSolar,Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources and is the direct respon-sibility of Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion.Current edition approved March 1,2012.Published April 2012.Originallyapproved in 1992.Last previous edition approved in 2006 as E1462-00(2006).DOI:10.1520/E1462-12.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.3Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated,Publication Stock,333 PfingstenRoad,Northbrook,IL 60062.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 terminal or lead and the conductive part in question andcalculating the resistance between these two points.5.Significance and Use5.1 The design of a photovoltaic module or system intendedto provide safe conversion of the suns radiant energy intouseful electricity must take into consideration the possibility ofhazard should the user come into contact with the electricalpotential of the module.These test methods describe proce-dures for verifying that the design and construc