AS/NZS 5033:2012
Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays
Sets out general installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays, including d.c. array wiring, electrical protection devices, switching and earthing up to but not including energy storage devices, power conversion equipment or loads. The safety requirements of this Standard are critically dependent on the inverters associated with PV arrays complying with the requirements of IEC 62109-1 and IEC 62109-2 and all power conditioning equipment complying with IEC 62109 series standards. PV arrays of less than 240 W and less than 50 V open circuit voltage at Standard Test Condition (STC) are not covered by this Standard.
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AS/NZS 5033:2012 INSTALLATION AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) ARRAYS
PREFACE
CONTENTS
SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL
1.1 SCOPE AND APPLICATION
1.1.1 Scope
1.1.2 Application
1.2 OBJECTIVE
1.3 NORMATIVE REFERENCES
1.4 DEFINITIONS
1.4.1 Application classes for PV-modules (adapted from IEC 61730-1)
1.4.2 A.C. module
1.4.3 A.C. module inverter
1.4.4 Available, readily
1.4.5 Basic insulation
1.4.6 Blocking diode
1.4.7 Bonding conductor
1.4.8 Bypass diode
1.4.9 Cable
1.4.10 Cable core
1.4.11 Class 0
1.4.12 Disconnector
1.4.13 Double insulation
1.4.14 Earth
1.4.15 Equipotential bonding
1.4.16 External LPS isolated from the structure to be protected
1.4.17 External LPS not isolated from the structure to be protected
1.4.18 Extra-low voltage (ELV)
1.4.19 Functional earthing
1.4.20 IMOD MAX OCPR
1.4.21 In
1.4.22 ISC ARRAY
1.4.23 ISC S-ARRAY
1.4.24 ISC MOD
1.4.25 Irradiance
1.4.26 Junction box
1.4.27 Lightning equipotential bonding
1.4.28 Lightning flash density (Ng)
1.4.29 Lightning protection system (LPS)
1.4.30 Lightning protection system-external
1.4.31 Lightning protection system-internal
1.4.32 Low voltage (LV)
1.4.33 Main earthing terminal
1.4.34 Manual operation
1.4.35 Maximum power point tracking (MPPT)
1.4.36 Maximum power voltage (Vmp)
1.4.37 Micro inverter
1.4.38 PEL conductor
1.4.39 PEN conductor
1.4.40 Power conversion equipment (PCE)
1.4.41 Power conversion equipment, non-separated
1.4.42 Power conversion equipment, separated
1.4.43 Protective bonding conductor
1.4.44 Protective earthing
1.4.45 Protective equipotential bonding
1.4.46 Protective extra-low voltage (PELV)
1.4.47 PV array
1.4.48 PV array cable
1.4.49 PV array combiner box
1.4.50 PV array junction box
1.4.51 PV array maximum voltage
1.4.52 PV cell
1.4.53 PV module
1.4.54 PV module junction box
1.4.55 PV string
1.4.56 PV string cable
1.4.57 PV string combiner box
1.4.58 PV string junction box
1.4.59 PV sub-array
1.4.60 PV sub-array cable
1.4.61 Restricted access
1.4.62 Ripple-free d.c.
1.4.63 SA
1.4.64 Separated extra-low voltage (SELV)
1.4.65 Shall
1.4.66 Shield (of a cable)
1.4.67 Should
1.4.68 Simple separation
1.4.69 Simultaneously accessible parts
1.4.70 SPD-disconnector
1.4.71 SSA
1.4.72 Standard test conditions (STC)
1.4.73 Surge protective device (SPD)
1.4.74 Switch-disconnector
1.4.75 The open circuit voltage of a PV module (VOC MOD)
1.4.76 The open circuit voltage of a PV array (VOC ARRAY)
SECTION 2 PV ARRAY SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
2.1 CONFIGURATION
2.1.1 General
2.1.2 PV system architectures
2.1.3 Array electrical diagrams
2.1.4 Use of PCE with multiple d.c. inputs
2.1.5 Series-parallel configuration
2.1.6 Batteries connected to systems
2.1.7 Considerations due to prospective fault conditions within a PV array
2.1.8 Considerations due to operating temperature
2.1.9 Performance issues
2.2 MECHANICAL DESIGN
2.2.1 General
2.2.2 Thermal aspects
2.2.3 Mechanical loads on PV structures
2.2.4 Mechanical loads-New Zealand only
2.2.5 Wind
2.2.6 Snow/ice accumulation
2.2.7 Corrosion
SECTION 3 SAFETY ISSUES
3.1 GENERAL
3.2 PROTECTION AGAINST ELECTRIC SHOCK
3.3 PROTECTION AGAINST OVERCURRENT
3.3.1 General
3.3.2 Requirement for overcurrent protection
3.3.3 Overcurrent protection in PV systems connected to batteries
3.3.4 String overcurrent protection
3.3.5 Overcurrent protection sizing
3.3.6 Overcurrent protection location
3.4 PROTECTION AGAINST EARTH FAULTS
3.4.1 General
3.4.2 Systems with direct functional earthing of the PV array
3.4.3 Earth fault alarm (see Appendix H, Table H1)
3.5 PROTECTION AGAINST EFFECTS OF LIGHTNING AND OVERVOLTAGE
3.5.1 General
3.5.2 Protection against overvoltage
3.5.3 Surge protection devices (SPDs)
SECTION 4 SELECTION AND INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
4.1 GENERAL
4.2 PV ARRAY MAXIMUM VOLTAGE
4.3 COMPONENT REQUIREMENTS
4.3.1 General
4.3.2 PV modules
4.3.3 PV array and PV equipment
4.3.4 Circuit breakers
4.3.5 Disconnecting devices
4.3.6 Cables
4.3.7 Plugs, sockets and connectors
4.3.8 Wiring in enclosures
4.3.9 Fuses
4.3.10 Bypass diodes
4.3.11 Blocking diodes
4.3.12 Power conversion equipment (PCE)
4.4 LOCATION AND INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
4.4.1 Disconnecting means
4.4.2 Earthing and bonding arrangements
4.4.3 Functional Earthing of PV arrays
4.4.4 Wiring system
4.5 Commissioning
SECTION 5 MARKING AND DOCUMENTATION
5.1 EQUIPMENT MARKING
5.2 REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGNS
5.3 LABELLING/SIGNS FOR PV CABLES AND ENCLOSURES
5.3.1 Wiring identification
5.3.2 Signs for PV array and PV string junction boxes
5.4 FIRE EMERGENCY INFORMATION
5.5 LABELLING/SIGNS FOR DISCONNECTION DEVICES
5.5.1 General
5.5.2 PV array disconnecting device
5.5.3 Sign for systems over 600 V
5.6 LABELLING OF FUSE HOLDERS
5.7 DOCUMENTATION
APPENDIX A - EXAMPLES OF SIGNS
APPENDIX B - EARTHING AND D.C. ISOLATION
B1 EXAMPLES OF EARTHING SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS
B2 D.C. SWITCH-DISCONNECTOR VOLTAGE RATING REQUIREMENTS
APPENDIX C - MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS
C1 SAFETY
C2 PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
C3 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
APPENDIX D - TESTING AND COMMISSIONING
D1 GENERAL
D2 COMMISSIONING TESTS
D3 PV ARRAY-D.C. VOLTAGE-SAMPLE COMMISSIONING SHEET
D3.1 General
D4 INSULATION RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT
D5 SAMPLE-PV ARRAY-COMMISSIONING SHEET
APPENDIX E - ADDITIONAL COMMISSIONING TESTS
E1 GENERAL
E2 OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS
E2.1 General
E2.2 Procedure
E2.3 PV arrays and PV sub-arrays measurement
E2.4 Records
E3 SHORT CIRCUIT CURRENT
E3.1 General
E3.2 Procedure
E3.3 Records
E4 INFRARED SCAN
E5 PV ARRAY TRACKER OPERATION TEST (IF RELEVANT)
E6 PV ARRAY I-V CURVE
E7 EARTH FAULT PROTECTION TEST (IF RELEVANT)
E7.1 General
E7.2 Measurements
E7.3 Procedure
APPENDIX F - PROTECTION AGAINST EFFECTS OF LIGHTNING AND OVERVOLTAGE
F1 LIGHTNING PROTECTION
F2 APPLICATION OF AN EXTERNAL LPS
F3 CHOICE OF EXTERNAL LPS
F4 EXTERNAL LPS
F5 EARTHING OF EXTERNAL LPS
F5.1 General principle
F5.2 Earth resistance value
F6 INTERNAL LPS-SURGE PROTECTION
F7 SELECTION OF SPDs INSTALLED AT THE D.C. SIDE OF THE PV-SYSTEM
F7.1 General
F7.2 SELECTION OF MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS OPERATING VOLTAGE VC
F8 SELECTION OF SPDs APPERTAINING TO PROTECTION LEVEL VP AND SYSTEM IMMUNITY
F9 EARTHING OF SPDs
F10 SCREENING AND SHIELDING
APPENDIX G - FLASH DENSITY MAPS
APPENDIX H - TRANSITIONAL PERIOD
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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Related Information
Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010
Ministry: WorkSafe New Zealand: Energy Safety
Section: 60(3)
Citation context:Refers to 5033:2012(AS/NZS)A1. If a person installs any of the following so that it complies with Part 2 of AS/NZS 3000, the person must also ensure that the installation complies with the standards indicated:... ...(d) a photovoltaic array: AS/NZS 5033:...
Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010
Ministry: WorkSafe New Zealand: Energy Safety
Section: 60(3)
Citation context:If a person installs any of the following so that it complies with Part 2 of AS/NZS 3000, the person must also ensure that the installation complies with the standards indicated:... ...(d) a photovoltaic array: AS/NZS 5033:...
Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010
Ministry: WorkSafe New Zealand: Energy Safety
Section: Schedule 2
Citation context:Refers to 5033:2012(AS/NZS)A1. AS/NZS 5033:2012: Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays: including Amendments 1 and 2, subject to the following modification: In clause 4.4.1.5(c), after “metallic”, insert “high density PVC”.
Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010
Ministry: WorkSafe New Zealand: Energy Safety
Section: Schedule 2
Citation context:AS/NZS 5033:2012: Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays: including Amendments 1 and 2, subject to the following modification: In clause 4.4.1.5(c), after “metallic”, insert “high density PVC”.
Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010
Ministry: WorkSafe New Zealand: Energy Safety
Section: 60(3)
Citation context:Refers to 5033:2012(AS/NZS)A2. If a person installs any of the following so that it complies with Part 2 of AS/NZS 3000, the person must also ensure that the installation complies with the standards indicated:... ...(d) a photovoltaic array: AS/NZS 5033:...
Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010
Ministry: WorkSafe New Zealand: Energy Safety
Section: Schedule 2
Citation context:Refers to 5033:2012(AS/NZS)A2. AS/NZS 5033:2012: Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays: including Amendments 1 and 2, subject to the following modification: In clause 4.4.1.5(c), after “metallic”, insert “high density PVC”.
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AS/NZS 5033:2012 INSTALLATION AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) ARRAYS
PREFACE
CONTENTS
SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL
1.1 SCOPE AND APPLICATION
1.1.1 Scope
1.1.2 Application
1.2 OBJECTIVE
1.3 NORMATIVE REFERENCES
1.4 DEFINITIONS
1.4.1 Application classes for PV-modules (adapted from IEC 61730-1)
1.4.2 A.C. module
1.4.3 A.C. module inverter
1.4.4 Available, readily
1.4.5 Basic insulation
1.4.6 Blocking diode
1.4.7 Bonding conductor
1.4.8 Bypass diode
1.4.9 Cable
1.4.10 Cable core
1.4.11 Class 0
1.4.12 Disconnector
1.4.13 Double insulation
1.4.14 Earth
1.4.15 Equipotential bonding
1.4.16 External LPS isolated from the structure to be protected
1.4.17 External LPS not isolated from the structure to be protected
1.4.18 Extra-low voltage (ELV)
1.4.19 Functional earthing
1.4.20 IMOD MAX OCPR
1.4.21 In
1.4.22 ISC ARRAY
1.4.23 ISC S-ARRAY
1.4.24 ISC MOD
1.4.25 Irradiance
1.4.26 Junction box
1.4.27 Lightning equipotential bonding
1.4.28 Lightning flash density (Ng)
1.4.29 Lightning protection system (LPS)
1.4.30 Lightning protection system-external
1.4.31 Lightning protection system-internal
1.4.32 Low voltage (LV)
1.4.33 Main earthing terminal
1.4.34 Manual operation
1.4.35 Maximum power point tracking (MPPT)
1.4.36 Maximum power voltage (Vmp)
1.4.37 Micro inverter
1.4.38 PEL conductor
1.4.39 PEN conductor
1.4.40 Power conversion equipment (PCE)
1.4.41 Power conversion equipment, non-separated
1.4.42 Power conversion equipment, separated
1.4.43 Protective bonding conductor
1.4.44 Protective earthing
1.4.45 Protective equipotential bonding
1.4.46 Protective extra-low voltage (PELV)
1.4.47 PV array
1.4.48 PV array cable
1.4.49 PV array combiner box
1.4.50 PV array junction box
1.4.51 PV array maximum voltage
1.4.52 PV cell
1.4.53 PV module
1.4.54 PV module junction box
1.4.55 PV string
1.4.56 PV string cable
1.4.57 PV string combiner box
1.4.58 PV string junction box
1.4.59 PV sub-array
1.4.60 PV sub-array cable
1.4.61 Restricted access
1.4.62 Ripple-free d.c.
1.4.63 SA
1.4.64 Separated extra-low voltage (SELV)
1.4.65 Shall
1.4.66 Shield (of a cable)
1.4.67 Should
1.4.68 Simple separation
1.4.69 Simultaneously accessible parts
1.4.70 SPD-disconnector
1.4.71 SSA
1.4.72 Standard test conditions (STC)
1.4.73 Surge protective device (SPD)
1.4.74 Switch-disconnector
1.4.75 The open circuit voltage of a PV module (VOC MOD)
1.4.76 The open circuit voltage of a PV array (VOC ARRAY)
SECTION 2 PV ARRAY SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
2.1 CONFIGURATION
2.1.1 General
2.1.2 PV system architectures
2.1.3 Array electrical diagrams
2.1.4 Use of PCE with multiple d.c. inputs
2.1.5 Series-parallel configuration
2.1.6 Batteries connected to systems
2.1.7 Considerations due to prospective fault conditions within a PV array
2.1.8 Considerations due to operating temperature
2.1.9 Performance issues
2.2 MECHANICAL DESIGN
2.2.1 General
2.2.2 Thermal aspects
2.2.3 Mechanical loads on PV structures
2.2.4 Mechanical loads-New Zealand only
2.2.5 Wind
2.2.6 Snow/ice accumulation
2.2.7 Corrosion
SECTION 3 SAFETY ISSUES
3.1 GENERAL
3.2 PROTECTION AGAINST ELECTRIC SHOCK
3.3 PROTECTION AGAINST OVERCURRENT
3.3.1 General
3.3.2 Requirement for overcurrent protection
3.3.3 Overcurrent protection in PV systems connected to batteries
3.3.4 String overcurrent protection
3.3.5 Overcurrent protection sizing
3.3.6 Overcurrent protection location
3.4 PROTECTION AGAINST EARTH FAULTS
3.4.1 General
3.4.2 Systems with direct functional earthing of the PV array
3.4.3 Earth fault alarm (see Appendix H, Table H1)
3.5 PROTECTION AGAINST EFFECTS OF LIGHTNING AND OVERVOLTAGE
3.5.1 General
3.5.2 Protection against overvoltage
3.5.3 Surge protection devices (SPDs)
SECTION 4 SELECTION AND INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
4.1 GENERAL
4.2 PV ARRAY MAXIMUM VOLTAGE
4.3 COMPONENT REQUIREMENTS
4.3.1 General
4.3.2 PV modules
4.3.3 PV array and PV equipment
4.3.4 Circuit breakers
4.3.5 Disconnecting devices
4.3.6 Cables
4.3.7 Plugs, sockets and connectors
4.3.8 Wiring in enclosures
4.3.9 Fuses
4.3.10 Bypass diodes
4.3.11 Blocking diodes
4.3.12 Power conversion equipment (PCE)
4.4 LOCATION AND INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
4.4.1 Disconnecting means
4.4.2 Earthing and bonding arrangements
4.4.3 Functional Earthing of PV arrays
4.4.4 Wiring system
4.5 Commissioning
SECTION 5 MARKING AND DOCUMENTATION
5.1 EQUIPMENT MARKING
5.2 REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGNS
5.3 LABELLING/SIGNS FOR PV CABLES AND ENCLOSURES
5.3.1 Wiring identification
5.3.2 Signs for PV array and PV string junction boxes
5.4 FIRE EMERGENCY INFORMATION
5.5 LABELLING/SIGNS FOR DISCONNECTION DEVICES
5.5.1 General
5.5.2 PV array disconnecting device
5.5.3 Sign for systems over 600 V
5.6 LABELLING OF FUSE HOLDERS
5.7 DOCUMENTATION
APPENDIX A - EXAMPLES OF SIGNS
APPENDIX B - EARTHING AND D.C. ISOLATION
B1 EXAMPLES OF EARTHING SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS
B2 D.C. SWITCH-DISCONNECTOR VOLTAGE RATING REQUIREMENTS
APPENDIX C - MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS
C1 SAFETY
C2 PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
C3 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
APPENDIX D - TESTING AND COMMISSIONING
D1 GENERAL
D2 COMMISSIONING TESTS
D3 PV ARRAY-D.C. VOLTAGE-SAMPLE COMMISSIONING SHEET
D3.1 General
D4 INSULATION RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT
D5 SAMPLE-PV ARRAY-COMMISSIONING SHEET
APPENDIX E - ADDITIONAL COMMISSIONING TESTS
E1 GENERAL
E2 OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS
E2.1 General
E2.2 Procedure
E2.3 PV arrays and PV sub-arrays measurement
E2.4 Records
E3 SHORT CIRCUIT CURRENT
E3.1 General
E3.2 Procedure
E3.3 Records
E4 INFRARED SCAN
E5 PV ARRAY TRACKER OPERATION TEST (IF RELEVANT)
E6 PV ARRAY I-V CURVE
E7 EARTH FAULT PROTECTION TEST (IF RELEVANT)
E7.1 General
E7.2 Measurements
E7.3 Procedure
APPENDIX F - PROTECTION AGAINST EFFECTS OF LIGHTNING AND OVERVOLTAGE
F1 LIGHTNING PROTECTION
F2 APPLICATION OF AN EXTERNAL LPS
F3 CHOICE OF EXTERNAL LPS
F4 EXTERNAL LPS
F5 EARTHING OF EXTERNAL LPS
F5.1 General principle
F5.2 Earth resistance value
F6 INTERNAL LPS-SURGE PROTECTION
F7 SELECTION OF SPDs INSTALLED AT THE D.C. SIDE OF THE PV-SYSTEM
F7.1 General
F7.2 SELECTION OF MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS OPERATING VOLTAGE VC
F8 SELECTION OF SPDs APPERTAINING TO PROTECTION LEVEL VP AND SYSTEM IMMUNITY
F9 EARTHING OF SPDs
F10 SCREENING AND SHIELDING
APPENDIX G - FLASH DENSITY MAPS
APPENDIX H - TRANSITIONAL PERIOD
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Previous versions
AS/NZS 5033:2012
Online Library subscription pricing
The cost of your subscription will depend on which standards you want to access, and how many people in your organisation need to be able to access the Online Library subscription at the same time (concurrent users). During your subscription period, we are also able to make any necessary changes and ensure you are aware of any pricing changes that result. For a quote, contact our Online Library team by emailing onlinelibrary@standards.govt.nz.