Rev IM/GN-CM-EN/1.0 Copyright© October, 2020 Canadian Solar Inc. 8
5.2 GROUNDING
For grounding requirements in North America, a module with exposed conductive parts is considered to
comply with UL 61730 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 them to be grounded and that module installation should comply with all applicable local
electrical codes and regulations. 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
(IEC61730-1).
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 relevant hardware should be made of stainless steel,
unless otherwise specified.
Canadian Solar Inc. does not provide grounding hardware.
One grounding method is recommended for Canadian Solar Inc. classic modules, as described below. For
alternative grounding methods, please refer to Annex B (Alternative Grounding Methods) of this
installation manual. It may not be possible to use standard grounding methods for certain module ranges.
Please refer to Annex B for more details.
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 washer. Ensure
that the cup washer is positioned
between the frame and
the wire with the concave side up to prevent galvanic corrosion. Tighten the bolt
securely using the SS toothed nut. A wrench may be used to do this. The tightening torque is 3-7 Nm
(2.2-5.2 ft-lbs).
6.0 MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS
The applicable regulations pertaining to work safety, accident prevention and
securing the construction site must be observed. Workers and third party
personnel shall wear or install fall arrest equipment. Any third party need to
be protected against injuries and damages.
1.
To fix the wire between
the flat washer and cup
washer, place the cup
washer (concave side up)
between the frame and
the wire.
2. Then tighten the bolt
using the toothed nut.
