Principios de instalación
Existen ciertos principios importantes que se aplican al diseño y la instalación de un sistema eléctrico independientemente de dónde se instale. Estos principios básicos están incluidos en los códigos eléctricos de todos los países, ya que son importantes para garantizar la seguridad del usuario, prevenir incendios y garantizar que un sistema funcione correctamente. Se presentarán aquí como principios generales con la esperanza de que sirvan como recordatorio durante la instalación del sistema. No obstante, sigue siendo necesario revisar el código eléctrico de cualquier país sobre las prácticas adecuadas para la situación específica o los materiales en cuestión.
- All system equipment should be protected from unauthorized access to prevent children and anyone who lacks sufficient understanding of the system from accessing live equipment or improperly operating the system.
- All components of a PV system should be installed in accordance with the specifications supplied by the manufacturer, their weather rating and certifications. Improper installation of equipment is one of the primary causes of safety and performance issues with PV systems.
- All equipment should be installed with proper clearances to ensure adequate ventilation and safe operation.
- All equipment should be installed and secured in a manner that will ensure that it will not be damaged under normal conditions in the location where it is installed. This includes protection from users, animals and the weather.
- All uninsulated current carrying components of a system (busbars, connections, overcurrent protection device) should be appropriately protected from accidental contact inside an enclosure.
- All connections and fasteners should be properly tightened. Every connection or fastener will have specifications for how tight is appropriate. If lacking appropriate tools for measuring the tightness of fasteners - like a torque wrench or screwdriver - it is ideal to attempt to gain this knowledge from another person or by using these tools in a training context. Connections that are too loose can create resistance, heat and ultimately cause a fire. Connections that are too tight can damage equipment and create similar problems.
- All system equipment should be properly labeled to ensure safety and assist users in the future.
- All wiring should be installed using best practices for wiring.
Example of a system with unprotected equipment and poor wire protection.
Example of an busbar that overheated due to a loose connection.
Example of a connector that failed due to improper installation in a wet location.
Example of a poor connection made in a circuit.
