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EN-Rev IM/GN-ADM-EU/1.1 Copyright © April 2019. Canadian Solar Inc.
and proper actions should be taken to avoid dust and
moisture penetration inside the connectors.
CORRECT CONNECTION OF PLUG CONNECTORS
· Make sure that all connections are safe and properly
mated. The PV connector should not be subjected to
stress from the exterior. Connectors should only be used
to connect the circuit. They should never be used to turn
the circuit on and off.
· Connectors are not waterproof when unmated. When
installing modules, connector should be connected to
each other as soon as possible or appropriate measures
should be taken to avoid moisture and dust penetrating
into the connector.
USE OF SUITABLE MATERIALS
· Only use dedicated solar cable and suitable connectors
(wiring should be sheathed in a sunlight-resistant
conduit or, if exposed, should itself be sunlight-resistant)
that meet local fire, building and electrical regulations.
Please ensure that all wiring is in perfect electrical and
mechanical condition.
· Installers may only use single-conductor cable listed
and labeled as USE-2 or PV Wire which is 90°C wet rated
in North America, and single conductor cable, 2.5-16
mm
2
(5-14 AWG), 90°C wet rated in other areas (i.e. TUV
2PfG1169 or EN50618 approved), with proper insulation
which is able to withstand the maximum possible system
open-circuit voltage.
· Only copper conductor material should be used. Select a
suitable conductor gauge to minimize voltage drop and
ensure that the conductor ampacity complies with local
regulations (i.e. NEC 690.8(D)).
CABLE AND CONNECTOR PROTECTION
· Secure the cables to the mounting system using UV-
resistant cable ties. Protect exposed cables from
damage by taking appropriate precautions (e.g. placing
them inside a metallic raceway like EMT conduit). Avoid
exposure to direct sunlight.
· A minimum bending radius of 60 mm (2.36 in) is required
when securing the junction box cables to the racking
system.
· Do not place connectors in locations where water could
easily accumulate.
5.2
GROUNDING
·
For grounding requirements in North America, a module
with exposed conductive parts is considered to comply
with UL 1703 only when it is electrically grounded in
accordance with both the instructions presented below
and the requirements of the National Electrical Code.
Any grounding means used with Canadian Solar Inc.
modules should be NRTL certified to UL 467 and UL 2703
standards. Please consult our technical service team for
the formal approval process.
·
For grounding requirements in other areas, although the
modules are certified to Safety Class II, we recommend
that they be grounded and that module installation
should comply with all local electrical codes and regula-
tions. Grounding connections should be installed by a
qualified electrician. Connect module frames together
using adequate grounding cables: we recommend using
4-14 mm² (AWG 6-12) copper wire. Holes provided for
this purpose are identified with a grounding symbol .
All conductive connection junctions must be firmly fixed.
·
Do not drill any extra ground holes for convenience this
will void the modules warranty.
·
All bolts, nuts, flat washers, lock washers and other rele-
vant hardware should be made of stainless steel, unless
otherwise specified.
·
Canadian Solar Inc. does not provide grounding hard-
ware.
·
One grounding method is recommended for Canadian
Solar Inc. standard modules, as described below. For
alternative grounding methods, please refer to Annex B
(Alternative Grounding Methods) on the website (www.
canadiansolar.com).
GROUNDING METHOD:
BOLT + TOOTHED NUT + CUP WASHER
· A grounding kit containing an M5 (3/16") SS cap bolt, an
M5 (3/16") SS flat washer, an M5 (3/16") SS cup washer,
and an M5 (3/16") SS nut (with teeth) is used to attach
copper grounding wire to a pre-drilled grounding hole
on the frame (see image above).
· Place the wire between the flat washer and the cup was-
her. Ensure that the cup washer is positioned between
the frame and the wire with the concave side up to pre-
vent galvanic corrosion. Tighten the bolt securely using
