PV arrays standard open for public comment

Standards Australia has released a revised version of ‘AS/NZS 5033 Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays’ for public comment. Standards Australia CEO Colin Blair said the revised standard is intended to “improve the safety of photovoltaic (PV) arrays”.

The standard sets out general installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays, including wiring, electrical protection devices, switching and earthing. The revision provides greater clarity on a number of issues with the original standard, published in July 2012.

Some of the major changes which require feedback from stakeholders include:

• the addition of DC to DC conditioning units;
• new provisions for micro inverters;
• PV module frame earthing requirements;
• clarification regarding cable protection and cable routing through buildings.

“The public comment process is fundamental to the integrity of Australian Standards,” said Blair. “We would encourage interested stakeholders and technical experts to contribute to the public comment process.”

The revised standard can be found here and is open for public comment until 28 October 2013.