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© 2011-2013 Silfab Ontario Inc. - Specifications in this manual are subject to revisions without notice
SAFETY AND INSTALLATION MANUAL FOR
PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES
6. Safety Precautions
Installation should be performed only by
authorized personnel!
Module installation must be performed in
compliance with the latest U.S. National
Electrical Code (NEC) in the USA or with the
latest Canadian Electrical Code and any
applicable local codes.
Within the modules there are no user
serviceable parts. Do not attempt to repair any
part of the modules. Contact your module
supplier if maintenance is necessary.
In order to reduce the risk of electric shock,
prior to installing the modules, remove
metallic jewelry and use insulated tools during
installation.
Modules produce voltage even when not
connected to an electrical circuit or load and
have no on/off switch. Modules can be
rendered inoperative only by removing them
from sunlight, or by fully covering their front
surface with cloth, cardboard, or other
completely opaque material, or by working
with them face down on a smooth, flat
surface.
Do not expose the modules to artificially
concentrated sunlight!
Do not stand on, drop, scratch, or allow
objects to fall on the modules.
Do not lift the modules at the connectors or
junction box!
Do not install or handle the modules when they
are wet or during periods of high winds.
Do not use oil based lubricants on any part of
the junction box as this can cause long term
damage to the plastics.
Ensure that wire cable connections are routed
in accordance with the junction box
manufacturer’s recommendations. Incorrect
routing of the wire cable can lead to stress
damage to the junction box.
Do not leave cable connectors exposed in
adverse climatic conditions. Water and dust
deposits inside the cable connectors can cause
long term damage.
Broken module glass, a torn backsheet, a
broken junction box or broken connectors are
electrical safety hazards; consequently,
contact with a damaged module can cause
electric shock.
The total voltage of modules connected in
series corresponds to the sum of the voltages
of the single modules; whereas connecting the
modules in parallel results in adding up the
currents. Consequently, strings of inter-
connected modules can produce high voltages
and high currents and constitute an increased
risk of electric shock and may cause injury or
death.
For installation, maintenance, or before
making any electrical connection or
disconnection,
ensure all modules in the PV
array are exposed to a light intensity that is
less than 400 W/m
2
!! Follow the Isc
measurement instructions in section 8b to
determine the value of the solar irradiance
(E).
•
Methods to ensure a low solar irradiance
when making electrical connections or
disconnections include:
o
Covering the modules with an opaque
cloth or other material in order to
shield them from exposure to light
