On September 19, 2020, changes to the Construction Law Act came into force. They apply to all photovoltaic installations with a capacity of more than 6.5 kWp. Their aim is to increase fire safety, although according to experts, they may also indirectly inhibit the dynamic development of renewable electricity sources in Poland. Find out what the new regulations are and discover solutions that meet these requirements!
From the article you will learn:
- with whom to coordinate technical designs of photovoltaic installations,
- what to do to increase fire safety of a photovoltaic installation.
Photovoltaic installations under control - new regulations in construction law
All photovoltaic installations with a capacity of more than 6.5 kWp must now be consulted with a fire protection expert. The district headquarters of the State Fire Service must also be notified of their construction. The assumption of these changes is a general increase in fire safety - providing information about the installation project to firefighters can help them conduct potential rescue and firefighting operations.
The new regulations also place great emphasis on the installation of appropriate protective measures . Until now, the need to install fire switches or spark detectors has often been neglected. The currently required protective systems, on the other hand, guarantee the detection of potential faults and allow the disconnection of the installation from live photovoltaic panels.
Inconsistencies in new photovoltaic regulations
Although the intention to introduce new regulations was undoubtedly right, experts point out the inaccuracies resulting from these regulations. First of all, there was no model system for photovoltaic installation protection and specific guidelines for networks with a capacity not exceeding 6.5 kWp. All this translates into the need for contractors to interpret the regulations independently. Acting on their own may, in turn, contribute to the implementation of incorrect solutions in some buildings.
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Another issue that worries experts is the lack of differentiation by type of building. As a result, large houses can be in the same category as even small shopping malls, although the technical solutions for both types of buildings should be diametrically different.
The impact of new regulations on the development of renewable electricity sources
Supporters of renewable electricity sources fear that due to the introduction of strict and unclear regulations, photovoltaics in our country may slow down the pace of development. Its potential has been estimated at 16 GW by 2024. Now, however, investors are facing additional costs that they must cover from their own pockets, and designers and installers - face more work.
Experts therefore expect that the process of designing a photovoltaic installation and its implementation will now take much longer. Moreover, higher - and non-refundable - costs may discourage investors from quickly modernizing their energy networks.
Photovoltaic installation meeting new requirements - what to remember?
When considering a photovoltaic installation project in light of new regulations, it is worth choosing components from a manufacturer that meets these requirements. This approach is followed by Eaton, for example, which supplies the market with solutions that increase fire safety in PV networks.
When securing a photovoltaic installation, you should first and foremost purchase an Eaton SOL30 – SAFETY fire protection switch with a rated voltage of 1000 VDC. Its task is to disconnect the DC circuit power supply between the PV modules and the inverter. Depending on the type of installation, it can be used for up to 6 PV strings.
As part of the protection of the installation, it is also worth using protective circuit breakers of the DC branch type PKZ-SOL. They protect photovoltaic panels against the effects of short circuits. The Eaton brand also supplies the market with DC isolating switches type P-SOL for disconnecting DC circuits and safe voltage-free operation. Thanks to double-pole switching, they can be successfully used in ungrounded installations.
You should also not forget about choosing the right switchboard. Eaton's portfolio also includes switchboards aimed at the PV market, the IKA cabinet family. These are modular surface-mounted switchboards, which can also be installed outside the house. The switchboard has a degree of protection of IP 65 and IK 10. In addition, the switchboards have a certificate guaranteeing an insulation voltage of 1500V DC and 1000V AC.
How to additionally protect photovoltaic installations against fire?
The use of circuit breakers and fuses is just one aspect of protecting a photovoltaic system from the risk of fire. There are also other issues that need to be addressed.
First of all, the photovoltaic installation should be designed and constructed in accordance with the guidelines specified by law and the manufacturer. Parts and tools specified by specific regulations should be used for its assembly. The appropriate selection of marked cabling is also important - both for the inverter and for the panels. It is good practice to use double-insulated cables.
It is worth remembering such details as the information plate located at the point of connection of the installation to the electricity grid , as well as the definition of the emergency shutdown procedure . The photovoltaic system must be additionally protected by a lightning protection installation.
Attention should also be paid to the DC connectors and plugs used in the installation. They should be fully compatible and come from a single manufacturer, which will reduce the risk of resistance and dangerous temperature increases. Additionally, power optimizers should be used on the DC side to reduce voltage and ensure safe operation of the installation in the event of its disconnection.
Eaton - safe photovoltaic installation
Eaton is a reliable manufacturer whose product range will ensure the safety of every photovoltaic installation - both in terms of direct current and alternating current. Its offer includes, among others, circuit breakers, fuses, enclosures and medium voltage switchgear. Each device undergoes the necessary tests for resistance to difficult environmental conditions, which are inextricably linked to photovoltaic installations.
Each photovoltaic installation requires modular equipment that warns operators before any damage occurs in the system. Eaton digital residual current switches identify short-circuit currents in the DC and AC range and meet all the requirements included in the new building regulations.
The brand's product range also includes the aforementioned isolating and fire protection switches. They isolate the inverter from the solar modules, which allows the fire department to operate without the risk of electric shock in an emergency. The services do not have to waste time wondering how a given photovoltaic installation should be extinguished.
Keep your photovoltaic system safe with Eaton!
To best comply with new photovoltaic safety regulations, use proven Eaton devices. Their reliable operation will allow you to adapt any PV system to demanding fire regulations.
