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Electrical
news
Changes to AS/NZS 5033
By Neil Fraser, Executive Manager
Electrical Installations, Licensing
and Equipment Safety
In November 2014, Standards Australia
published the 2014 edition of AS/NZS 5033—
Installation and Safety Requirements for
PhotoVoltaic (PV) arrays.
The revised edition supersedes and replaces
AS/NZS 5033:2012. Compliance with the 2014
edition is mandatory from 6 February 2015, except
those clauses listed in Appendix H, which are
mandatory from 11 July 2015.
The main changes from the 2012 edition are:
»» scope limits application to systems of less
than 240kW. However, the general principles
can be applied to larger systems
»» provision for DC conditioning units added
»» revision to small micro inverter and AC module
installation requirements
»» differing Australian and New Zealand
disconnection requirements included
»» PV cables, cable protection and conduit
requirements altered
»» new signage and commissioning requirements.
Other changes include the option to now use
the output voltages of DC–DC conditioning units
as Voc for calculations and revised definitions of
DC–DC conditioning units, AC modules and micro
inverters within the text of applicable clauses
(Clause 2.1.5, 4.2 and 4.3.12).
Disconnection devices must comply with
the requirements of IEC 60947 and have a
utilisation category of DC21B and operate at
ambient temperatures of 40C or more if exposed
to the sun (Clause 4.3.5).
All equipment exposed to the outdoor
environment shall be at least IP 54. This applies
to the relevant mounting position, to be installed
in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
using only the manufacturer-provided entry points
and glands/conduits designed to be compatible
and maintain the IP rating. Note: Drilling a
drainage hole in the enclosure negates the
IP rating (Clause 4.4.4.6 and 4.3.3).
Revised: Standards Australia has published the 2014 edition of AS/NZS 5033. Photo Clean Energy Council.
AC and DC circuits shall be segregated
and shall be equivalent to double insulation for
the highest voltage value. Circuits must be clearly
identified (Clause 4.4.4.3).
Wiring systems require protection from external
influences. Mechanical protection of DC cables is
required in ceiling spaces, wall cavities and under
floors (Clause 4.4.4.2 and 4.3.6.3.2).
Low-voltage string cables in domestic
systems shall comply to PV1-F or UL4703,
or VDE-AR-E 2283-4 (Clause 4.3.6.3.2).
Changes to signage include labels for AC solar
array de-energisation. Shutdown procedure
labelling is required adjacent to the equipment.
Required documentation can be supplied in an
electronic format (Clause 5.4.1, 5.5.3 and 5.7).
All exposed metal PV module parts and
frames shall be earthed. The earthing decision
tree has been altered (Figure 4.5).
From 11 July 2015, power conditioning
equipment must test resistance to earth before
start up and, if below the limit, the system must
not start and must send an alarm (Clause 4.4.2.1,
3.4.2.2 and 3.4.3).
From 11 July 2015, all grid interactive
inverters must comply with IEC 621109-2
(Clause 3.4.1 and 4.3.11).
Appendix E additional commissioning tests and
Appendix F protection against effects of lighting and
over voltage is now normative, that is it forms part of
the standard and compliance is mandatory.
This is a summary of the changes only.
All installers and inspectors must comply with
all requirements of AS/NZS 5033:2014.
lectricians with queries can
E
phone ESV on (03) 9203 9700
or visit www.esv.vic.gov.au
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