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PV submain cables: 712.521.101

Hi all,

To paraphrase the regulation (not a verbatim quote, my emphasis), "Cables on the DC side shall be selected so as to minise risk of faults. This shall be achieved by (i) single-core cables having a non-metallic sheath or (ii) singles in individual conduits. Other types of wiring system providing an equivalent level of safety are not precluded"

So... this appears to be a conflict between a "shall be XX" and "other options are available".

  1. Should this really be read as "This could be achieved by"?
  2. Does a cable construction such as single core two layers of insuation* under a wire/tape armour with non-metallic sheath give you an option for burial of larger DC main/submains? I feel like it strictly does, but isn't what the authors had in mind when drafting the description... but I also think it gives the same degree of safety (or potentially improved)

*No, I don't mean bedding

I note that this is a watered down version of the DFPC that didn't have the opt-out clause.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Parents
  • I promised to get back when I could share a link to a presentation.

    Please see the following presentation on IET TV, which was given at the recent Solar & Storage Live event.

    Wiring systems on the DC side are discussed at around 5:59.

Reply
  • I promised to get back when I could share a link to a presentation.

    Please see the following presentation on IET TV, which was given at the recent Solar & Storage Live event.

    Wiring systems on the DC side are discussed at around 5:59.

Children
  • That makes it clear. Thanks, I should have gone to Solar & Storage.

    Must be tons of multicore SWA used for DC out there but this makes lots of sense. All it takes is for moisture to get to the inside cores, insulation breaks down eventually and you have an unprotected arc. Important consideration.