2635 W. 7
th
Place, Eugene, Oregon 97402, USA
9
Valid from February 2017
www.grapesolar.com
9 Tel: 1-877-264-1014 (toll free), 1-541-349-9000, Fax: 1-541-343-9000
PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES SAFETY
AND INST
ALLATION MANUAL Rev.
P
VALID IN NORTH AMERICA ONLY
4.
Grounding
4.1
To reduce the possibility of electrical shock and protect the PV system from lightning, all
module frames and mounting racks must be properly earth grounded by using grounding
hardware that has been UL-1703 certified and in accordance with the National Electrical Code
before wiring the circuit.
4.2
If the building at which the PV system is installed is already equipped with exterior lightning
protection system, the PV system installation must be integrated in the lightning protection
system.
4.3
Each PV module has 2 holes on back frame with grounding sign . Grape Solar recommends the
following three methods of grounding the module frame:
4.3.1
Facing the back of the module, attach an ILSCO GBL-4DBT ground lug to either
grounding hole at the back of the module. Place the ground lug on the module frame’s
outer surface and in-line lengthwise. Insert a #8-32 x 0.5” stainless steel screw through
the ground lug and frame, and secure from behind with a #10 stainless steel star washer
and nut. Torque the screw to 25 inch lbs (2.8Nm).
4.3.2
Use the UL-1703 listed grounding and bonding equipment (KDER), e.g. SOLKlip type
1954381-1 by Tyco Electronics Corp (E69905), or WEEB Type, to provide a reliable
grounding connection to the module frame.
4.3.3
Use a set of stainless steel grounding and bonding equipment including bolt/nut/cupped
washer/flat washer/serrated washer to provide a reliable grounding connection to the
module frame (refer to Figure-1). A flat washer is required between serrated washer and
Φ2.5mm grounding wire. A cupped washer is required between grounding wire and the
nut (with torque less than 4N•m). Grounding wire should be directly connected with the
screw.
4.4
The rack must also be grounded unless they are mechanically connected by nuts and bolts to the
grounded PV modules. The array frame shall be grounded in accordance with NEC Article 250.
