Can you guarantee quick and safe PV disconnection?

Security and performance are critical components of every photovoltaic (PV) system - and it’s vital that PV panels are completely isolated from the rest of the installation to ensure fire safety in the event of an electrical incident.

Socomec explains; “PV panels create a DC power source of up to 1500 Vdc and are subject to severe switching constraints.? What this means is that a solar panel must be considered to be live, even when the AC power is disconnected from the grid.

“Integrated switch-disconnectors are absolutely essential when it comes to guaranteeing safety because they enable you to isolate quickly and efficiently in case of fire.? Location and compactness are also important factors.? For instance, by locating PV panels on the roof, with compact switch-disconnectors positioned as close as possible within the roof, fire safety is assured in the context of an emergency shutdown.”

?

How can you ensure safe disconnection?

Responders must first disconnect the PV panels according to the requirements of the installation standards such as IEC 60364-7-712 or NEC 2014.

The IEC 60947-3 standard defines the utilisation categories for switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units for PV applications.? These clearly outline the intended application and are characterised by values of currents and voltages expressed as multiples of the rated operational current and rated operational voltage, as well as the time constraint of the circuit.

The switch-disconnector of a fireman’s switch - deployed to ensure the safe isolation of the PV installation - must comply with IEC 60947-3, with a DC-PV2 category of use. Furthermore, it must be able to withstand high short-circuit currents.

?

Patented and compliant solutions within a compact enclosure

One such solution is the Socomec INOSYS LBS switch-disconnector, which incorporates an innovative patented technology that ensures a high breaking capacity and considerably limits power dissipation. ?

Compliant with the mandatory DC-PV2 category for a fireman’s switch and engineered for emergency disconnections, the INOSYS LBS switch-disconnector can be operated manually by way of a handle to ensure the safe isolation of PV installations in buildings.

Housed within a very compact fire-fighting safety enclosure, the INOSYS LBS guarantees the disconnection of PV modules, the closing on load and safe disconnection up to 1500 Vdc.

When it comes to photovoltaic systems, safety is paramount. Ensuring quick and safe disconnection of PV panels is not just a matter of compliance; it's a critical aspect of protecting lives and property in the event of an electrical incident. By implementing integrated switch-disconnectors compliant with relevant standards, such as the Socomec INOSYS LBS , we can guarantee the swift and efficient isolation of PV installations, contributing to enhanced fire safety and peace of mind.

Contact us today to learn more [email protected]

?