Photovoltaic installations are a solution that more and more people are opting for. They are not only among the most environmentally friendly solutions, but also among the safest sources of electricity. The dynamic development of photovoltaics also entails an increase in all kinds of specific requirements in terms of safety and proper functioning of the devices. Thus, when installing this type of construction, it is important to remember to use appropriate surge arrestors, mainly to protect the installation against lightning, for example.

Adequate fire protection for photovoltaic installations is a prerequisite for their safe operation. Correctly installed photovoltaic systems must therefore be protected against lightning. What other safeguards should be borne in mind

Table of contents:

  1. Fire safety in photovoltaics - what do you need to know?
  2. Effective protection for photovoltaic installations
  3. Obligation to have a circuit breaker

Fire precautions for photovoltaic installation - what do you need to know?

The photovoltaic installation must be equipped with safeguards that will directly affect both the relevant fire sources and the spread of fire. Thus, the installation, but also the entire building, will be protected. The use of the necessary safeguards affects the durability of photovoltaic installations. In the event of a windstorm, cables may break, which will impair the proper functioning of the device and expose the owner to considerable costs.

The use of professional fire protection, especially for high-build installations, is a very important aspect, protecting both the installations themselves and the buildings and occupants from possible failures.

An excellent solution that adequately protects the photovoltaic installation is the use of power optimisers. In addition, earthing can also be done, which will be directly connected to the building's equipotential rail. However, any methods used must be installed in easily accessible locations, which will also be suitably marked as fire-proof, among other things.

Photovoltaic panels - effective plant protection

The application of fire regulations to photovoltaics still does not have clear guidelines that specifically define the safety measures for a photovoltaic installation. Thus, the most common way is to rely on the opinion of fire protection experts and also to support the applicable standards. However, in order for any photovoltaic installation to have an adequate level of safety in terms of fire, short-circuit or other hazards, rules such as:

-     Carrying out various electrical measurements, including thermal imaging surveys.

-     Making connections when using components from the same manufacturer.

-     Careful bolting of all components.

-     Location of panels on the roofs of buildings.

-     Use of leak-proof protection for cables and wires.

-     Using only dedicated tools for assembly.

-     Accurate marking of the photovoltaic installation.

-     Regular maintenance.

Following the above principles will not only improve safety levels, but will also help to deal with potential breakdowns more easily.

Photovoltaic panels - power switch

The obligation to use a fire circuit breaker for photovoltaic installations applies to buildings with a volume of more than 1,000 cubic metres. This type of circuit breaker is nothing more than the ability to cut off from the main power supply all equipment connected to it which, for example, cannot operate during a fire outbreak. Installing a circuit breaker will not prevent the fire itself, but it will help to limit its spread.

Not all photovoltaic installations are non-combustible. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that a fire is not only associated with a high risk, but also with potentially high losses. The use of necessary safety devices, such as a circuit breaker, will benefit the safety level of the entire installation.

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