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Direct Buried cables within a controlled area and what constitutes mechanical protection

Former Community Member
Former Community Member
Hello 


I have a  query raised by a client stating that a PV solar Generation site built on agricultural land is non compliant due to direct buried cables. 

Some of the DC string cable is direct buried roughly at 600 depth laid within  cable sand and protection tape over. 

The cable spec is EU and states is suitable for direct burial. 

The protection system constantly monitors the  insulation resistance and dis engages the inverter upon fault. 

The client has stated a non compliance due that no mechanical protection has been installed underground but all cables above ground are mechanically protected. 

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    I guess they're thinking of reg 522.8.10 of BS 7671 which requires cables buried in the ground to have an earthed metallic sheath or earthed metallic armour or be in a duct or conduit that provides equivalent protection. That might well be a peculiarly UK requirement (I've seen buried cables on the continent without any armour.)


    There is a difficulty for circuits that aren't protected by ADS in that an earthed  armour/sheath then doesn't in fact provide much protection from shock but BS 7671 seems to overlook that.


    If you feel that the arrangement you have provides at least the same level of safety as a compliant one, you always have the option of a 'deviation'.


       - Andy.
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  • 0
    I guess they're thinking of reg 522.8.10 of BS 7671 which requires cables buried in the ground to have an earthed metallic sheath or earthed metallic armour or be in a duct or conduit that provides equivalent protection. That might well be a peculiarly UK requirement (I've seen buried cables on the continent without any armour.)


    There is a difficulty for circuits that aren't protected by ADS in that an earthed  armour/sheath then doesn't in fact provide much protection from shock but BS 7671 seems to overlook that.


    If you feel that the arrangement you have provides at least the same level of safety as a compliant one, you always have the option of a 'deviation'.


       - Andy.
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