BS EN IEC 61730-1:2018

What is BS EN IEC 61730-1- Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification about? 

The BS EN IEC 61730 series discusses photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification.  

BS EN IEC 61730-1 is the first part of the series that specifies and describes the fundamental construction requirements for PV modules in order to provide safe electrical and mechanical operation.  

BS EN IEC 61730-1 lays down IEC requirements of terrestrial photovoltaic modules suitable for long-term operation in open-air climates. BS EN IEC 61730-1 is intended to apply to all terrestrial flat plate module materials such as crystalline silicon module types as well as thin-film modules. 

Who is BS EN IEC 61730-1- PV module safety qualification for? 

BS EN IEC 61730-1 on PV module safety qualification is applicable to: 

• PV module manufacturers  
• PV power system manufacturers 
• Photoelectric device manufacturers 
• Solar energy engineering industry 
• Product designers 
• Quality assurance and testing personnel 
• Fire safety authorities 

Why should you use BS EN IEC 61730-1- PV module safety qualification? 

PV module safety should be considered during construction as they can fail due to unavoidable factors such as thermal cycling, damp heat, humidity freeze, and UV exposure. 

Guidance in BS EN IEC 61730-1 assists you with the prevention of electrical shock, fire hazards, and personal injury due to mechanical and environmental stresses. BS EN IEC 61730-1 is concerned with the specific safety standards of construction which ensure safe design and reliability in PV modules. 

Requirements in BS EN IEC 61730-1 help you minimize incidents of misapplication and misuse of PV modules or the failure of their components which could result in fire, electric shock, and personal injury. 

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN IEC 61730-1:2018 supersedes BS EN 61730‑1:2007+A11:2014, which is withdrawn. BS EN IEC 61730-1 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to BS EN 61730‑1:2007+A11:2014: 

• Adaption of horizontal standards and inclusion of IEC 60664 and IEC 61140
• Implementation of insulation coordination, overvoltage category, classes, pollution degree (PD), and material groups (MG) 
• Implementation of component qualification 
• IEC Guide 108 Guidelines for ensuring the coherency of IEC publications – Application of horizontal standards 
• Definition of creepage (cr), clearance (cl) and distance through insulation