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

Obviously real world generators do not generate at 132kV, they would have stepup transformers; I was not trying to suggest otherwise. But as you have said a medium scale generator (>50MW, by Ofgem's definiton) would likely have multiple sets each with high voltage windings (yes likely each with a trafo etc), and the point is that if trying to claim exemptions (as well as obligations) under ESQCR, the definitions thereuder ought to be applied (in that context) and this specifically says generating at high voltage, not connecting at high voltage.


Irrespective of whether ESQCR gives an exemption, you have yet to say where in BS7671 it says that it is excluded from scope. 1.5kVDC is still Low Voltage, and it's entirely feasible - likely even - that we'll see it on, if not domestics due to physical space, small community buildings, schools etc. To say that this is not anticipated by Section 712 is quite the leap. Given the prevalance of solar parks at the time of the last revision perhaps it would be expected that the authors would have been clearer in this exclusion?


I'm not sure why you think I'm suggesting that the concern is persons off-site, and I don't have a problem per se with IT arrangements suitably protected. It is of course the norm (in the UK) for the PV DC wiring, and is adequately covered by BS7671.


I am not trying to suggest that the installation is suddenly likely to erupt in a ball of flame. But the OP has posed the question of whether a particular arrangement conforms to a particular standard. This is a pretty binary question. It can be answered, and if negative, one can then address whether the arrangement does offer an equivalent level of safety accounting for other measures in place etc, and also consider the contractual implications (if any).


However I have yet to see where the Regs say they do not apply to PV installations larger than XYZ, or to low voltage circuits supplied by a public network at HV via a private HV network (obviously the HV network itself is out of scope), or indeed to "generators" (legal person, not physical plant) as defined by ESQCR.

Obviously real world generators do not generate at 132kV, they would have stepup transformers; I was not trying to suggest otherwise. But as you have said a medium scale generator (>50MW, by Ofgem's definiton) would likely have multiple sets each with high voltage windings (yes likely each with a trafo etc), and the point is that if trying to claim exemptions (as well as obligations) under ESQCR, the definitions thereuder ought to be applied (in that context) and this specifically says generating at high voltage, not connecting at high voltage.


Irrespective of whether ESQCR gives an exemption, you have yet to say where in BS7671 it says that it is excluded from scope. 1.5kVDC is still Low Voltage, and it's entirely feasible - likely even - that we'll see it on, if not domestics due to physical space, small community buildings, schools etc. To say that this is not anticipated by Section 712 is quite the leap. Given the prevalance of solar parks at the time of the last revision perhaps it would be expected that the authors would have been clearer in this exclusion?


I'm not sure why you think I'm suggesting that the concern is persons off-site, and I don't have a problem per se with IT arrangements suitably protected. It is of course the norm (in the UK) for the PV DC wiring, and is adequately covered by BS7671.


I am not trying to suggest that the installation is suddenly likely to erupt in a ball of flame. But the OP has posed the question of whether a particular arrangement conforms to a particular standard. This is a pretty binary question. It can be answered, and if negative, one can then address whether the arrangement does offer an equivalent level of safety accounting for other measures in place etc, and also consider the contractual implications (if any).


However I have yet to see where the Regs say they do not apply to PV installations larger than XYZ, or to low voltage circuits supplied by a public network at HV via a private HV network (obviously the HV network itself is out of scope), or indeed to "generators" (legal person, not physical plant) as defined by ESQCR.