Electrical installation for photovoltaic systems

DIN VDE 0100-712 requires that, at the transition point of the electrical system (house connection box or main distributor), a standardised information sign must be attached. The information sign is also known as a fire brigade sign and helps fire brigades to recognise the PV system. 

Accordingly, the extinguishing measures are then carried out whilst maintaining the safety spacings according to DIN VDE 0312.  

In addition, safe routing of the DC cables must be ensured. They must be safely routed to avoid damage to the insulation, in order to guarantee the safe rescue of people in the event of fire. 

According to VDE-AR-2100-712, protection is possible using suitable separation or a fire protection duct, such as the PYROLINE® Sun PV.

Primarily: Good planning. In addition, the following are required for the reliable external lightning protection of PV systems: Round wire/flat conductor, routing blocks, air-termination rods, connectors, holders, expansion pieces and other system-relevant components. You can find additional information on the external lightning protection of PV systems here.

Always include the PV system in the planning of the lightning protection system, meaning that you can ensure that the lightning protection system does not cast a shadow on the PV system as the yield could otherwise be reduced. The installation itself is then the same as for any other lightning protection system.

The separation spacings for the lightning protection system are determined according to VDE 0185-305-3. If these spacings cannot be maintained with a conventional lightning protection system, then the separation spacing can be reduced by up to 90 cm through the use of the different OBO isCon conductors. 

You can find additional information on our isCon system here.

There are various options for creating a safe vertical supply. However, it is essential that cables are fastened with suitable measures at specific distances if it is clear that their routing type is not continually supported.

Vertical ladder systems are the optimum solution for vertical routing. A further option is routing directly on the wall. Profile rails with the appropriate clamp clips or individual clips are fastened directly on the wall or on to a steel structure.

To offer optimum protection to the inverter of the PV system, a surge protective device should always be used on the DC side. On the AC side, at least one surge protective device must be used at the supply point of the electrical system. If the inverter is more than a 10 m cable length away from the supply point, then the surge protection should be repeated on the AC side, directly before the inverter.

In the case of an electrical system and an external lightning protection system, an arrester, type 1(+2), should always be used on the AC side. A type 1(+2) arrester is required on the DC side if the PV system is electrically integrated into the external lightning protection system. In all other cases, SPDs of type 2 are sufficient.

If the installations are in escape and rescue routes, then the PV DC cables must be routed in encapsulated form. The construction requirements can be found in the state construction regulations.

The PYROLINE® Sun PV fire protection duct is the ideal solution for the fireproof routing of photovoltaic DC cables. This duct fulfils the requirements as an I duct according to DIN 4102 Part 11 for cable installations in emergency and escape routes. In addition, it meets the requirements of the VDE application rule AR 2100-712. The duct is made of water- and frost-resistant glass fibre lightweight concrete fire protection plates (non-combustible, material class A1), meaning that it can also be routed in external areas.