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EN-Rev IM/GN-EN/1.2 Copyright © April, 2023. CSI Solar Co., Ltd.
the requirements of the National Electrical Code. Any
grounding means used with Canadian Solar 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. Minimum size of equipment grounding
conductors for ground raceway and equipment from NEC
690.8(D) should be considered. 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
(IEC 61730-1). All conductive
connection junctions must be firmly fixed.
Do not drill any extra ground holes for convenience as this
will void the module’s warranty.
All bolts, nuts, flat washers, lock washers and other
relevant hardware should be made of stainless steel,
unless otherwise specified.
Canadian Solar does not provide grounding hardware.
Canadian Solar material selection substantially limits
potential induced degradation (PID) . Should further PID
suppression be desired for the project, negative grounding
is still an optional measure for PID mitigation and for
optimal performance.
The grounding method described below is recommended
for Canadian Solar.
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).
For bifacial modules, mounting rail designs should be such
to allow easy access to the grounding holes located on the
long side of the frame, in order to enable the equipment
grounding function when required.
6 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.
The mounting design must be certified by a registered
professional engineer. The mounting design and
procedures must comply with all applicable local codes and
requirements from all relevant authorities.
The module is considered to be in compliance with UL
61730 and IEC 61215/61730 only when the module is
mounted in the manner specified by the mounting
instructions included in this installation manual or when
specially approved by Canadian Solar in writing.
To fix the wire between the
flat washer and cup washer,
place
the
cup
washer
(concave side up) between
the frame and the wire.
Then tighten the bolt using
the toothed nut.
