Solar PV Surge Protection

[Ed Andrews]

Hello

I am hoping someone can help me.

I have been told by people that I need to install a surge protection or a Merin Gerin Controller for all PV systems over 3.78kW.

I know we have to for large commercial jobs but I am unsure if I have to for large residential systems.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[binky]

Not heard of this, unless it comes under the new 17th regs.

 

[kme]

+1

 

[Sidewinder]

Surge Protection is a big part of Amd1, however, I would need a more detailed description to comment...

 

[kme]

Update on this......I was shown a poor photocopy of a DIN rail,2 module unit, being marketed at the PV installers, which appears to claim lightning protection - the owner wanted my input.

Its designed to go in the DC cables, between the panels & inverter. On reading further, there was what might have been the maximum surge protection voltage, stated as 4KV :slap :slap

So I explained that it was protecting the PANELS against an incoming, mains-borne HV pulse.

"So what if lightning strikes the panels"? He asked.

From my perspective, the aluminium frame shouldn`t extend above the peak of the roof anyway, so you haven`t increased the likelihood of a strike, unless the frame is earthed ( I think!)

If the property is in a location which puts it "at risk" of a strike, then lightning protection should already be installed, IMHO.

The bit that gets me about this DC surge protector is this: If it goes in the DC main cables, what protects the inverter, and the rest of the install? Or are they suggesting that a "normal" surge protector won`t protect the DC cabling? Needs more info, if anyone has any?

n.b. I`ll try to get a copy of the unit info later today.

 

[Sidewinder]

None of the surge protection included in requirements of Amd1 is designed to protect against direct lightning strike.

 

[binky]

If you use an electrically seperated inverter there's no earth path to grund to attract lightning, and you don't need to earth frame to boot.

 

[kme]

Got the datasheets - lets see if I can post a PDF......

No, you can`t.

Can someone suggest how to get PDF datasheets on here as attachments please?

 

[Sidewinder]

You can upload pdf's max 19.5kb if you create an album.

Not sure how else to do it at the moment except putting them in the D/L section.

 

[kme]

They`re a bit bigger than that, bud........i.e. almost 200kb each

Thanks though. Might have to email em to Admin, for him to do summat

 

[steptoe]

scan them and change the format to jpg.?

:C

 

[NozSpark]

Do you get any webspace with your ISP?

Then you couod upload them and post the link

 

[steptoe]

Ubuntu ONE

System>Preferences> - down near the bottom

 

[kme]

I`ll try that in the morning.

Thanks bud :x

WOW!

Open Ubuntu drawing program; import the PDFs and save em back out as Jpegs . Well slap me with a wet lettuce leaf, and call me Maurice!

So. Attached



Your thoughts please guys.

 

[PaperClip]

Ubuntu ONE System>Preferences> - down near the bottom

Gotta love Ubuntu PaperClip has been partially written on it.