1、Designation:E146200 (Reapproved 2006) Designation: E1462 12Standard 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 adoptio
2、n 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 for current leakage bet
3、ween the electrical circuit of a photovoltaicmodule and its external components while a user-specified voltage is applied and (2) for testing for possible module insulationbreakdown (dielectric voltage withstand test).1.2 A procedure is described for measuring the insulation resistance between the e
4、lectrical circuit of a photovoltaic module andits external components (insulation resistance test).1.3 A procedure is provided for verifying that electrical continuity exists between the exposed external conductive surfaces ofthe module, such as the frame, structural members, or edge closures, and i
5、ts grounding point (ground path continuity test).1.4 This test method does not establish pass or fail levels. The determination of acceptable or unacceptable results is beyondthe scope of this test method.1.5There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard.1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be r
6、egarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibilityof the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and de
7、termine the applicability of regulatorylimitations prior to use.2. Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2E772 Terminology of Solar Energy ConversionE1328Terminology Relating to Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion2.2 Underwriters Laboratories Standard:3ANSI/U
8、L 1703 Standard for Safety for Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels3. Terminology3.1 DefinitionsDefinitions of terms used in this test method may be found in Terminologies E772and E1328.3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.2.1 ground path continuityground path continuity, nthe
9、electrical continuity between the external and conductive surfacesof a photovoltaic module and the intended grounding point of the module.3.2.2 insulation resistanceinsulation resistance, nthe electrical resistance of a photovoltaic module insulation, measured at aspecified applied voltage between t
10、he module internal circuitry and its grounding point or mounting structure.3.2.3maximum system voltagethe maximum electrical potential, referenced at the system grounding point, that can begenerated by a photovoltaic power system as specified by the model manufacturer.4. Summary of Test Method4.1 In
11、sulation IntegrityTwo procedures are provided for testing the isolation of the electrically active parts of the module fromthe accessible conductive parts and the exposed nonconductive surfaces. This isolation is necessary to provide for safe insulation,use, and service of a photovoltaic module or s
12、ystem.4.1.1 Dielectric Voltage Withstand ProcedureA ramped voltage is applied between the photovoltaic circuit and the accessible1These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on Solar, Geothermal, and Other Alternative Energy Sources and is the direct responsibility ofSubcommi
13、ttee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion.Current edition approved March 1, 2006.2012. Published March 2006.April 2012. Originally approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 20002006 asE1462-00(2006). DOI: 10.1520/E1462-00R06.10.1520/E1462-12.2For referenced ASTM standards, visi
14、t the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standardsvolume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page on the ASTM website.3Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated, Publication Stock, 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL
15、60062.1This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Becauseit may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult pr
16、ior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current versionof the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.parts and surfaces of the module outside
17、of the photovoltaic circuit while monitoring the current, or by determining whether theleakage current exceeds a predetermined limit. The module is then inspected for evidence of possible arcing.4.1.2 Insulation Resistance ProcedureThe insulation resistance is measured between the photovoltaic circu
18、it and theaccessible parts and surfaces of the module outside of the photovoltaic circuit, using a high-impedance ohmmeter.4.2 Ground Path Continuity ProcedureThis procedure is intended for verification that electrical continuity exists between allof the external conductive components and the module
19、 grounding point specified by the manufacturer. This is accomplished bypassing a current between the grounding terminal or lead and the conductive part in question and calculating the resistance betweenthese two points.5. Significance and Use5.1 The design of a photovoltaic module or system intended
20、 to provide safe conversion of the suns radiant energy into usefulelectricity must take into consideration the possibility of hazard should the user come into contact with the electrical potential ofthe module. These test methods describe procedures for verifying that the design and construction of
21、the module or system arecapable of providing protection from shock through normal installation and use.At no location on the module should this electricalpotential be accessible, with the obvious exception of the intended output leads.5.2 These test methods describe procedures for determining the ab
22、ility of the module to provide protection from electricalhazards.5.3 These procedures may be specified as part of a series of qualification tests involving environmental exposure, mechanicalstress, electrical overload, or accelerated life testing.5.4 These procedures are normally intended for use on
23、 dry modules; however, the test modules may be either wet or dry, asindicated by the appropriate protocol.5.5 These procedures may be used to verify module assembly on a production line.5.6 Insulation resistance and leakage current are strong functions of module dimensions, ambient relative humidity
24、 andabsorbed water vapor, and the ground path continuity procedure is strongly affected by the location of contacts and test leads tothe module frame and grounding points.5.6.1 For these reasons, it is the responsibility of the user of these test methods to specify the maximum acceptable leakagecurr
25、ent for the dielectric voltage withstand test, and the maximum acceptable resistance for the ground path continuity procedure.5.6.2 Fifty A has been commonly used as the maximum acceptable leakage current (see ANSI/UL 1703, Section 26.1), and0.1 V has been commonly used as the maximum acceptable res
26、istance.5.7 Some module designs may not use any external metallic components and thus lack a ground point designated by the modulemanufacturer. In these cases, the ground path continuity test is not applicable.6. Apparatus6.1 Variable d-c Voltage Power SupplyFor the dielectric voltage withstand test
27、, a d-c voltage power supply capable ofproviding the specified test voltage (see 5.6) in a gradual and smooth manner is required. The application of voltage must not allowtransients that may cause the instantaneous voltage to exceed the specified test voltage; nor may the flow of capacitive current,
28、 dueto charging, cause the test to indicate an erroneous leakage current.6.1.1 The power supply must include a means of indicating the test voltage that is applied to the module.6.1.2 The output voltage of the power supply must be continuously adjustable and may have an automatically controlled ramp
29、rate.6.1.3 The power supply must be capable, as a minimum, of detecting a leakage current of 1 A.6.1.4 The power supply may, as an option, include a leakage current limit set-point that will shut down the power supply whenthe leakage current exceeds the set-point. Audible or visual alarms which indi
30、cate that the leakage current has exceeded theset-point are also acceptable.6.2 Ground Path Continuity Tester, for measuring the resistance between any accessible conductive frame or support elementand the module grounding point, with a minimum resolution of 0.01 V.6.2.1 The tester must be capable o
31、f passing a current of twice the module short-circuit current through the module ground pathbeing tested.6.2.2 The tester must be able to limit the power applied to a module ground path to 500 W.6.3 OhmmeterA high-impedance ohmmeter, or similar device, capable of measuring a minimum of 1000 MV, and
32、canprovide a voltage suitable for measuring high-resistances.6.4 Metallic Contact(s), aluminum or other metallic foil, or a rigid metallic plate, placed on the surfaces of modules lacking ametallic frame. The metallic contact(s) function as a substitute for a metallic frame.6.5 Test Stand, for holdi
33、ng modules during testing.7. Procedures7.1 Procedure AInsulation Integrity, Dielectric Voltage Withstand:7.1.1 Mount the module to be tested on the test stand and ensure that the module is not illuminated. This may be accomplishedby placing it face down on the test stand or by shading the face of th
34、e module with an appropriately sized opaque material.E1462 1227.1.2 Short the output leads of the module together.7.1.3 Ensure that the power supply is turned off before any electrical connections are made.7.1.4 Connect the high potential output of the power supply to the module output leads.7.1.5 C
35、onnect the grounded output of the power supply to the module grounding point or specific component being tested.7.1.5.1 The module may contain separate and unconnected metallic components; if so, the procedure must be repeated for eachmetallic component. For example, a junction box not connected to
36、the frame must be tested separately.7.1.5.2 Any connections to metallic components must be made to uninsulated points for the procedure to be valid. For example,an anodized aluminum frame would not qualify unless the anodization was removed at the test point.7.1.5.3 If the module lacks any exterior
37、metallic components, the leakage current connection must be made to an insulatingsurface such as a nonmetallic module frame.Ametallic contact (see 6.4) must be placed in contact with the surface, and connectionis then made to the metallic contact. The contact must be at least the same size as the su
38、rface being tested. The sponsor or userof this procedure must specify acceptable connections in these cases.7.1.6 Determine the test voltage for the dielectric voltage withstand test. The maximum system voltage (see Terminology E772)for which a module is suitable must be specified by the module manu
39、facturer. The test voltage shall be twice the maximum systemvoltage plus 1000 V. For a module with a maximum system voltage of 30 volts or less, the test voltage shall be 500 volts.7.1.7 Increase the voltage, not to exceed a rate of 200 V/s, until the test voltage is achieved.NOTE 1The capacitance o
40、f modules may be large enough to cause large currents to flow while the insulation capacitance is charging. The operatormust be aware of such conditions and allow time for the current to stabilize.7.1.8 Hold the power supply voltage at the test voltage for 1 min.7.1.9 Record the maximum leakage curr
41、ent, or the voltage at which the leakage current set-point was exceeded.7.1.9.1 If the equipment has the current limit set-point capability described in 6.1.4 and the power supply shuts down or thealarms are triggered, the maximum current leakage has been exceeded.7.1.10 Observe and listen to the mo
42、dule during the test for evidence of arcing or flash-over.7.1.11 Turn off the power supply.7.1.12 Reverse the power supply-to-module connection polarity (see 7.1.4 and 7.1.5) and repeat 7.1.7 through 7.1.11.7.1.13 Disconnect the test module.7.1.14 Inspect the module for any visual evidence of arcing
43、 or flash-over.7.2 Procedure BInsulation Integrity, Insulation Resistance:7.2.1 Mount the module as specified in 7.1.1 and 7.1.2.7.2.2 Connect the ohmmeter to the module as specified in 7.1.3-7.1.5 with references to the power supply replaced with theohmmeter.7.2.3 Measure and record the insulation
44、resistance indicated by the ohmmeter.7.3 Procedure CGround Path Continuity:7.3.1 Determine the necessary current to pass through any module ground paths. This current is equal to twice the moduleshort-circuit current.7.3.2 Determine the location of the grounding point and all accessible conductive p
45、arts of the module. Establish the contact size,location, and attachment method necessary to perform the ground path continuity test.7.3.2.1 A conductive part is considered accessible unless it is insulated with a material that has been evaluated for its insulationproperties in the intended applicati
46、on or it is physically inaccessible according to the definition in ANSI/UL 1703, Section 14.7.3.2.2 If the module has more than one accessible conductive part, each must be tested separately.7.3.3 Connect the grounded lead of the continuity tester to the module grounding point identified by the modu
47、le manufacturer.7.3.4 Connect the the high potential lead of the continuity tester to an accessible conductive part of the module.7.3.5 Increase the voltage applied by the continuity tester from zero until a current of twice the module short-circuit current ispassing through the grounding path under
48、 test, or until the maximum wattage indicated in 6.2.2 is reached.7.3.6 Compute and record the resistance from the voltage drop across the continuity tester leads at the points at which theyconnect to the module.7.3.7 Repeat 7.3.4-7.3.6 for each ground path identified in 7.3.2.8. Report8.1 Report th
49、e following items at the minimum:8.1.1 The manufacturer and a complete test specimen identification,8.1.2 A description of the module construction,8.1.3 A description of the measurement equipment and measurement conditions or parameters,8.1.4 A description of any apparent changes due to testing, with any sketches or photographs providing clarification,8.1.5 The actual maximum leakage current observed (7.1.9) or the applied voltage at which the maximum current leakage wasexceeded (7.1.9.1),8.1.6 Observations or indications of arcing or flash-over,8.1.7 The insulation
