EN 61730-2:2007

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-januar-2008
Varnostne zahteve fotonapetostnih (PV) modulov - 2. del: Zahteve za preskušanje
(IEC 61730-2:2004)
Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification - Part 2: Requirements for testing
Photovoltaik (PV) - Module - Sicherheitsqualifikation - Teil 2: Anforderungen an die
Prüfung
Qualification pour la sureté de fonctionnement des modules photovoltaiques (PV) - Partie
2: Exigences pour les essais
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 61730-2:2007
ICS:
27.160 6RQþQDHQHUJLMD Solar energy engineering
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 61730-2
NORME EUROPÉENNE
May 2007
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 27.160
English version
Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification –
Part 2: Requirements for testing
(IEC 61730-2:2004, modified)
Qualification pour la sûreté de Photovoltaik (PV) -Module –
fonctionnement des modules Sicherheitsqualifikation –
photovoltaïques (PV) – Teil 2: Anforderungen an die Prüfung
Partie 2: Exigences pour les essais (IEC 61730-2:2004, modifiziert)
(CEI 61730-2:2004, modifiée)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2006-12-01. CENELEC members are bound to comply
with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard
the status of a national standard without any alteration.

Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified
to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the
Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 35, B - 1050 Brussels

© 2007 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 61730-2:2007 E
Foreword
The text of the International Standard IEC 61730-2:2004, prepared by IEC TC 82, Solar photovoltaic energy
systems, together with the common modifications prepared by the Technical Committee CENELEC TC 82,
Solar photovoltaic energy systems, was submitted to the formal vote and was approved by CENELEC as
EN 61730-2 on 2006-12-01.
The following dates were fixed:
– latest date by which the EN has to be implemented
at national level by publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2008-02-01
– latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the EN have to be withdrawn (dow) 2010-02-01
Annex ZA has been added by CENELEC.
__________
- 3 - EN 61730-2:2007
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 61730-2:2004 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard with agreed common modifications as given below.
COMMON MODIFICATIONS
General
Replace all references to "IEC 61730-1", "IEC 61730-2" and "this part of IEC 61730" by "EN 61730-1",
"EN 61730-2" and "this part of EN 61730".

2 Normative references
Replace the entire clause by:
See Annex ZA.
3 Application classes
3.2 Class A: General access, hazardous voltage, hazardous power applications
Replace the text by:
Modules rated for use in this application class may be used in systems operating at greater than 120 V DC.
Modules qualified for safety through EN 61730-1 and this part of EN 61730 within this application class are
considered to meet the requirements for safety class II.

3.4 Class C: Limited voltage
Change the title of the subclause as given above.
Replace the text by:
Modules rated for use in this application class are restricted to systems operating at less than 120 V DC.
Modules qualified for safety through EN 61730-1 and this part of EN 61730 within this application class are
considered to meet the requirements for safety class III.
NOTE Safety classes are defined within EN 61140.

5 Application classes and their necessary test procedures
Table 7 Delete "MST 23" from the row referring to "Fire test" and replace the content of footnote ** by:
** A European fire test is under consideration.

8 Testing
Figure 1 Delete "MST 23" from the box referring to "Fire test" and add "*" referring to a footnote reading:
* A European fire test is under consideration.

10 Test procedures
10.4.2 Apparatus
Renumber the note into NOTE 1.
Add the following notes:
NOTE 2 The maximum over-current protection rating of a module can be interpreted as the module series fuse rating. A series fuse
may be required in the installation of PV arrays. According to Subclause 12.2 of EN 61730-1 the maximum over-current protection rating
has to be provided by the manufacturer.
NOTE 3 A procedure for determination of maximum reverse current is described in EN 50380.

10.8 Replace the entire subclause by:
10.8 Fire test
Under consideration.
10.9.2 Procedure
Renumber the note into NOTE 1.
Add the following note:
NOTE 2 The maximum over-current protection rating of a module can be interpreted as the module series fuse rating. A series fuse
may be required in the design of PV arrays. According to Subclause 12.2 of EN 61730-1 the maximum over-current protection rating
has to be provided by the manufacturer.

10.10 Module breakage test MST 32
Add the following note:
NOTE  If the glass is qualified in accordance with EN 12150-1 this test can be omitted.

11.1.2 Preconditioning
Replace the text by:
It is advisable to perform the partial discharge-test before using the back sheet foil in the PV module
construction.
NOTE In order to achieve a certain statistical relevance 10 pieces should undergo the test. The size of the specimen depends on
requirement originating from the test apparatus.

11.1.3 Apparatus
Add the following sentence:
The geometry of the electrodes shall be in conformance with EN 60243-1.

- 5 - EN 61730-2:2007
11.1.4 Procedure
In item a) add the following notes:
NOTE 1 Any voltage below maximum systems voltage can be used but the test should start at zero voltage because it may happen
that maximum systems voltage is not stated or unknown.
NOTE 2 When increasing the test voltage partial discharges may appear periodically. In that case, the inception voltage is the test
voltage at which permanent discharges occur for a duration of at least 60 s.
In item b) add the following note:
NOTE 3 Because partial discharges can disappear periodically, partial discharges at extinction voltage should stay below 1 pC for a
minimum of 60 s.
In item e) replace "U " by "V ".
OC OC
Annex A
Delete the annex.
Bibliography
Add the following notes for the standards indicated:
IEC 60068-2-21 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60068-2-21:1999 (not modified).
IEC 60364-1 NOTE Superseded by IEC 60364-1:2005, which is at draft stage for harmonization as HD 60364-1
(modified).
IEC 60529 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60529:1991 (not modified).
IEC 61345 NOTE Harmonized as EN 61345:1998 (not modified).

Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.

NOTE  When an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant EN/HD applies.

Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
1)
– – Glass in building - Thermally toughened soda EN 12150-1 –
lime silicate safety glass –
Part 1: Definition and description

– – Datasheet and nameplate information for EN 50380 2003
photovoltaic modules
1) 2)
IEC 60060-1 – High-voltage test techniques – HD 588.1 S1 1999
Part 1: General definitions and test requirements

1) 2)
IEC 60068-1 – Environmental testing – EN 60068-1 1994
Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 60243-1 1998 Electrical strength of insulating materials - Test EN 60243-1 1998
methods –
Part 1: Tests at power frequencies

1)
IEC 60410 – Sampling plans and procedures for inspection – –
by attributes
IEC 60664-1 1992 Insulation coordination for equipment within low-
+ A1 2000 voltage systems –
+ A2 2002 Part 1: Principles, requirements and tests EN 60664-1 2003

1)
IEC 60904-2 – Photovoltaic devices – EN 60904-2 2007
Part 2: Requirements for reference solar devices

IEC 61032 1997 Protection of persons and equipment by EN 61032 1998
enclosures - Probes for verification

1) 2)
IEC 61140 – Protection against electric shock - Common EN 61140 2002
aspects for installation and equipment

IEC 61215 2005 Crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) EN 61215 2005
modules - Design qualification and type
approval
IEC 61646 1996 Thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - EN 61646 1997
Design qualification and type approval

IEC 61730-1 (mod) 2004 Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification– EN 61730-1 2007
Part 1: Requirements for construction

1) 2)
ISO/IEC 17025 – General requirements for the competence of EN ISO/IEC 17025 2005
testing and calibration laboratories

1)
Undated reference.
2)
Valid edition at date of issue.

- 7 - EN 61730-2:2007
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
1)
ANSI/UL 514C – Non-metallic outlet boxes, flush device boxes – –
and covers
1)
ANSI/UL 790 – Tests for Fire Resistance of Roof Covering – –
Materials
1)
ANSI/UL 1703 – Flat – Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels – –

1)
ANSI Z97.1 – American National Standard for Safety Glazing – –
Materials Used in Buildings - Safety
Performance Specifications and Methods of
Test
NORME CEI
INTERNATIONALE
IEC
61730-2
INTERNATIONAL
Première édition
STANDARD
First edition
2004-10
Qualification pour la sûreté de fonctionnement
des modules photovoltaïques (PV) –
Partie 2:
Exigences pour les essais
Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification –
Part 2:
Requirements for testing
© IEC 2004 Droits de reproduction réservés ⎯ Copyright - all rights reserved
Aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite ni No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any
utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie et les photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
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МеждународнаяЭлектротехническаяКомиссия
Pour prix, voir catalogue en vigueur
For price, see current catalogue

61730-2 © IEC:2004 – 3 –
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.7
1 Scope and object.11
2 Normative references .13
3 Application classes.15
3.1 General .15
3.2 Class A: General access, hazardous voltage, hazardous power applications.15
3.3 Class B: Restricted access, hazardous voltage, hazardous power
applications .15
3.4 Class C: Limited voltage, limited power applications.15
4 Test categories.15
4.1 General .15
4.2 Preconditioning tests .17
4.3 General inspection .17
4.4 Electrical shock hazard tests .17
4.5 Fire hazard tests .17
4.6 Mechanical stress tests .19
4.7 Component tests .19
5 Application classes and their necessary test procedures .19
6 Sampling .23
7 Test report.23
8 Testing .25
9 Pass criteria .29
10 Test procedures .29
10.1 Visual inspection MST 01 .29
10.2 Accessibility test MST 11 .29
10.3 Cut susceptibility test MST 12 .31
10.4 Ground continuity test MST 13 .37
10.5 Impulse voltage test MST 14 .37
10.6 Dielectric withstand test MST 16 .41
10.7 Temperature test MST 21.43
10.8 Fire test MST 23.47
10.9 Reverse current overload Test MST 26 .47
10.10 Module breakage test MST 32 .49
11 Component tests .59
11.1 Partial discharge-test MST 15 .59
11.2 Conduit bending test MST 33 .61
11.3 Terminal box knockout tests MST 44 .63

Annex A (normative) Fire tests, spread-of-flame and burning-brand tests .65

Bibliography.77

61730-2 © IEC:2004 – 5 –
Figure 1 – Test sequences.27
Figure 2 – Cut susceptibility test .35
Figure 3 – Wave-form of the impulse voltage according to IEC 60060-1.41
Figure 4 – Impactor.53
Figure 5 – Impact test frame 1 .55
Figure 6 – Impact test frame 2 .57
Figure 7 – Test fixture assembly .61
Figure A.1 – Test apparatus for fire test.67
Figure A.2 – Burning brand construction .73

Table 1 – Preconditioning tests.17
Table 2 – General inspection test.17
Table 3 – Electrical shock hazard tests .17
Table 4 – Fire hazard tests .19
Table 5 – Mechanical stress tests .19
Table 6 – Component tests .19
Table 7 – Required tests, depending on the application class .21
Table 8 – Impulse voltage versus maximum system voltage.39
Table 9 – Component temperature limits.45
Table 10 – Bending loads .61

61730-2 © IEC:2004 – 7 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULE SAFETY QUALIFICATION –

Part 2: Requirements for testing

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 61730-2 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 82: Solar
photovoltaic energy systems.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
82/357/FDIS 82/366/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

61730-2 © IEC:2004 – 9 –
IEC 61730 consists of the following parts, under the general title Photovoltaic (PV) module
safety qualification:
Part 1: Requirements for construction
Part 2: Requirements for testing
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in
the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed;
• withdrawn;
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
61730-2 © IEC:2004 – 11 –
PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULE SAFETY QUALIFICATION –

Part 2: Requirements for testing

1 Scope and object
This part of IEC 61730 describes the testing requirements for photovoltaic (PV) modules in
order to provide safe electrical and mechanical operation during their expected lifetime.
Specific topics are provided to assess the prevention of electrical shock, fire hazards, and
personal injury due to mechanical and environmental stresses. IEC 61730-1 pertains to the
particular requirements of construction. This part of IEC 61730 outlines the requirements of
testing.
This standard attempts to define the basic requirements for various application classes of
photovoltaic modules, but it cannot be considered to encompass all national or regional
building codes. The specific requirements for marine and vehicle applications are not covered.
This standard is not applicable to modules with integrated AC inverters (AC modules).
This standard is designed so that its test sequence can co-ordinate with those of IEC 61215
or IEC 61646, so that a single set of samples may be used to perform both the safety and
performance evaluation of a photovoltaic module design.
The test-sequences of this standard are arranged in an optimal way so that tests of
IEC 61215 or IEC 61646 can be used as basic preconditioning tests.
NOTE 1 The sequence of tests required in this standard may not test for all possible safety aspects associated
with the use of PV modules in all possible applications. This standard utilizes the best sequence of tests available
at the time of its writing. There are some issues, such as the potential danger of electric shock posed by a broken
module in a high voltage system, that should be addressed by the systems design, location, restrictions on access
and maintenance procedures.
The object of this document is to provide the testing sequence intended to verify the safety of
PV modules whose construction has been assessed by IEC 61730-1. The test sequence and
pass criteria are designed to detect the potential breakdown of internal and external
components of PV modules that would result in fire, electric shock and personal injury. The
standard defines the basic safety test requirements and additional tests that are a function of
the module end-use applications.
Test categories include general inspection, electrical shock hazard, fire hazard, mechanical
stress, and environmental stress.
NOTE 2 The additional testing requirements outlined in relevant ISO standards, or the national or local codes
which govern the installation and use of these modules in their intended locations, should be considered in addition
to the requirements contained within this document.

61730-2 © IEC:2004 – 13 –
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 60060-1, High-voltage test techniques – Part 1: General definitions and test requirements
IEC 60068-1, Environmental testing – Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 60410, Sampling plans and procedures for inspection by attributes
IEC 60664-1:1992, Insulation co-ordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 1
Principles, requirements and tests
Amendment 2 (2002)
IEC 60904-2, Photovoltaic devices – Part 2: Requirements for reference solar cells
IEC 60904-6, Photovoltaic devices – Part 6: Requirements for reference solar modules
IEC 61032:1997, Protection of persons and equipment by enclosures – Probes for verification
IEC 61140, Protection against electric shock – Common aspects for installation and
equipment
IEC 61215:2004, Crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design
qualification and type approval
IEC 61646:1996, Thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and
type approval
IEC 61730-1:2004, Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification – Part 1: Requirements for
construction
ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration
laboratories
ANSI/UL 514C, Non-metallic outlet boxes, flush device boxes and covers
ANSI/UL 790, Tests for Fire Resistance of Roof Covering Materials
ANSI/UL 1703, Flat – Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels
ANSI Z97.1, American National Standard for Safety Glazing Materials Used in Buildings –
Safety Performance Specifications and Methods of Test

61730-2 © IEC:2004 – 15 –
3 Application classes
3.1 General
Photovoltaic modules may be installed in many different applications. Therefore, it is
important to evaluate the potential hazards associated with those applications and to evaluate
the construction of the module accordingly.
Relevant safety requirements and necessary tests shall be performed to verify the
conformance to the requirements of that application class. This clause defines those
application classes and construction qualities required for each class.
Application classes for PV-modules are defined as follows:
3.2 Class A: General access, hazardous voltage, hazardous power applications
Modules rated for use in this application class may be used in systems operating at greater
than 50 V DC or 240 W, where general contact access is anticipated. Modules qualified for
safety through IEC 61730-1 and this part of IEC 61730 within this application class are
considered to meet the requirements for safety class II.
3.3 Class B: Restricted access, hazardous voltage, hazardous power applications
Modules rated for use in this application class are restricted to systems protected from public
access by fences, location, etc. Modules evaluated within this application class provide
protection by basic insulation, are considered to meet the requirements for safety class 0.
3.4 Class C: Limited voltage, limited power applications
Modules rated for use in this application class are restricted to systems operating at less than
50 V DC and 240 W, where general contact access is anticipated. Modules qualified for safety
through IEC 61730-1 and this part of IEC 61730 within this application class are considered to
meet the requirements for safety class III.
NOTE Safety classes are defined within IEC 61140.
4 Test categories
4.1 General
The following hazards might influence the lifetime and the safety of PV modules. In
accordance with these hazards, test procedures and criteria are described. The specific tests
to which a module will be subjected will depend on the end use application for which the
minimum tests are specified in Clause 5.
NOTE Module safety tests are labelled MST.
Tables 1 to 6 show the origin of the required tests. For some tests, the third column shows for
information the origin of the tests, but the appropriate test requirements are given in Clauses
10 and 11. The rest of the tests are based on or identical to IEC 61215/IEC 61646, and
references to the relevant Clauses are given in the last two columns. Some of the
IEC 61215/IEC 61646-based tests were modified for IEC 61730-2 and are included in Clauses
10 and 11.
61730-2 © IEC:2004 – 17 –
4.2 Preconditioning tests
Table 1 – Preconditioning tests
According to
References in
Test Title
Standards
IEC 61215 IEC 61646
MST 51 Thermal cycling (TC50 or TC200) 10.11 10.11
MST 52 Humidity freeze (HF10) 10.12 10.12
MST 53 Damp heat (DH1000) 10.13 10.13
MST 54 UV preconditioning test  10.10 10.10

4.3 General inspection
Table 2 – General inspection test
According to
References in
Test Title
Standards
IEC 61215 IEC 61646
MST 01 Visual inspection 10.1 10.1

4.4 Electrical shock hazard tests
These tests are designed to assess the risk to personnel due to shock or injury because of
contact with parts of a module that are electrically energised as a result of design,
construction, or faults caused by environment or operation.
Table 3 – Electrical shock hazard tests
According to
References in
Test Title
Standards
IEC 61215 IEC 61646
MST 11 Accessibility test ANSI/UL 1703
MST 12 Cut susceptibility test (not required for glass ANSI/UL 1703
surfaces)
MST 13 Ground continuity test ANSI/UL 1703
(not required unless metal framed)
MST 14 Impulse voltage test IEC 60664-1
MST 16 Dielectric withstand test 10.3* 10.3*
MST 17 Wet leakage current test 10.15 10.20
MST 42 Robustness of terminations test 10.14 10.14
* The pass/fail criteria differ from those given in IEC 61215 and IEC 61646.

4.5 Fire hazard tests
These tests assess the potential fire hazard due to the operation of a module or failure of its
components.
61730-2 © IEC:2004 – 19 –
Table 4 – Fire hazard tests
According to
References in
Test Title
Standards
IEC 61215 IEC 61646
MST 21 Temperature test ANSI/UL 1703
MST 22 Hot-spot test 10.9 10.9
MST 23 Fire test ANSI/UL 790
MST 25 Bypass diode thermal test  10.18
MST 26 Reverse current overload test ANSI/UL 1703

4.6 Mechanical stress tests
These tests are to minimise potential injury due to mechanical failure.
Table 5 – Mechanical stress tests
According to
References in
Test Title
Standards
IEC 61215 IEC 61646
MST 32 Module breakage test ANSI Z97.1
MST 34 Mechanical load test 10.16 10.16

4.7 Component tests
Table 6 – Component tests
According to
References in
Test Title
Standards
IEC 61215 IEC 61646
MST 15 Partial discharge test IEC 60664-1
MST 33 Conduit bending ANSI/UL 514C
MST 44 Terminal box knock out test ANSI/UL 514C

5 Application classes and their necessary test procedures
The specific tests to which a module will be subjected, depending on the application class
defined in IEC 61730-1, is described in Table 7. The order in which the tests are carried out
shall be in accordance with Figure 1.
Some tests shall be carried out as preconditioning tests.
NOTE This test sequence has been designed so that IEC 61730-2 can be performed in conjunction with
IEC 61215 or IEC 61646. In this way, the environmental stress tests in IEC 61215 or IEC 61646 can serve as the
preconditioning tests for IEC 61730-2.

61730-2 © IEC:2004 – 21 –
Table 7 – Required tests, depending on the application class
Application class
Tests
A B C
Preconditioning tests:
X X X MST 51 Thermal cycling (T50 or T200)
X X X MST 52 Humidity freeze (10HF)
X X X MST 53 Damp heat (DH1000)
X X X MST 54 UV resistance
General inspection test:
X X X MST 01 Visual inspection
Electrical shock hazard tests:
X X - MST 11 Accessibility test
X X - MST 12 Cut susceptibility test
X X X MST 13 Ground continuity test
X X* - MST 14 Impulse voltage test
X X* - MST 16 Dielectric withstand test
X X - MST 17 Wet leakage current test
X X X MST 42 Robustness of terminations test
Fire hazard tests:
X X X MST 21 Temperature test
X X X MST 22 Hot spot test
X** - - MST 23 Fire test
X X - MST 26 Reverse current overload test
Mechanical stress tests:
X - X MST 32 Module breakage test
X X X MST 34 Mechanical load test
Component tests:
X - - MST 15 Partial discharge test
X X - MST 33 Conduit bending
X X X MST 44 Terminal box knockout test
X Test required.
- Test needs not be carried out.
* Different test levels for application classes A and B.
** Minimum fire resistance class C is necessary for building roof-mounted modules.

61730-2 © IEC:2004 – 23 –
6 Sampling
Six modules and a laminate (a module without frame) for safety testing (plus spares as
desired) and additional modules as required for the fire-test shall be taken at random from a
production batch or batches, in accordance with the procedure given in IEC 60410. The
modules shall have been manufactured from specified materials and components in
accordance with the relevant drawings and process sheets and have been subjected to the
manufacturer's normal inspection, quality control and production acceptance procedures. The
modules shall be complete in every detail and shall be accompanied by the manufacturer's
handling, mounting and connection instructions, including the maximum permissible system
voltage.
When the modules to be tested are prototypes of a new design and not from production, this
fact shall be noted in the test report (see Clause 7).
7 Test report
The results shall be laid down in a test report according to ISO/IEC 17025. The results shall
be reported, normally in a test report and shall include all the information requested by the
client and necessary to the interpretation of the test and all information required by the
method used:
a) a title;
b) name and address of the test laboratory and location where the tests were carried out;
c) unique identification of the certification or report and of each page;
d) name and address of client, where appropriate;
e) description and identification of the item tested;
f) characterization and condition of the test item;
g) date of receipt of test item and date(s) of test, where appropriate;
h) identification of test method used;
i) reference to sampling procedure, where relevant;
j) any deviations from, additions to or exclusions from the test method, and any other
information relevant to a specific tests, such as environmental conditions;
k) measurements, examinations and derived results supported by tables, graphs, sketches
and photographs as appropriate including maximum systems voltage, safety class,
mounting technique and any failures observed;
l) a statement indicating whether the impulse voltage test was performed on module or
laminate;
m) a statement of the estimated uncertainty of the test results (where relevant);
n) a signature and title, or equivalent identification of the person(s) accepting responsibility
for the content of the certificate or report, and the date of issue;
o) where relevant, a statement to the effect that the results relate only to the items tested;
p) a statement that the certificate or report shall not be reproduced except in full, without the
written approval of the laboratory.
A copy of this report shall be kept by the manufacturer for reference purposes.
—————————
If the module is only used with frame and the frame is an essential part to fulfil the isolation requirement, the
laminate can be replaced by a module.

61730-2 © IEC:2004 – 25 –
8 Testing
The modules shall be divided into groups and subjected to the safety tests shown in Figure 1,
carried out in the order specified. The modules shall be selected such that the preconditioning
tests of 4.2 are met. Each box in Figure 1 refers to the corresponding subclause in this part of
IEC 61730.
NOTE Spare modules may be included in the safety test program provided that they have been appropriately
environmentally tested to meet the necessary prerequisites.
Test procedures and criteria, including initial and final measurements where necessary, are
detailed in Clauses 10 and 11. Some tests are identical to tests in IEC 61215/IEC 61646 and
are detailed in Clause 4 instead. In carrying out these tests, the tester shall strictly observe
the manufacturer's handling, mounting, and connection instructions.

61730-2 © IEC:2004 – 27 –
Module safety test MST
IEC 61730
7 modules or
6 modules and 1 laminate
IEC 61215
Module performance test MPT
IEC 61646
The numbers in each box are references to final
Visual inspection
10.2 17
measurements, that are to be performed after
MST 01
MST or MPT (if required). In this example:
01  = Module safety test MST 01
10.2 = Performance test (IEC 61215, IEC 61646)
Component tests
17  = Module safety test MST 17 Performance test
10.2 (IEC 61215,
IEC 61646)
11 pieces
of foil
1 module 1 module 3 modules
Number of 1 module
1 laminate
modules depends
1 piece
on the module size
of
Dielectric withstand
junction
Control
test
box
MST 16
Test on
Ground continuity 6 knock
test
outs
MST 13
Partial discharge
test
Fire test Module breakage test
Accessibility
MSTMST 1 155
MST 23
MST 32
test
MST 11
Conduit bending
test
Wet leakage current
MSTMST 3 333
test
MST 17
Terminal box
knock out test
1 m1 modulodulee 1 m1 modulodulee
1 module
MSTMST 4 444
1 laminate (module)
DDamampp heat Heat t Teestst Thermal cycling test
UV-resistance test
1000 h1 000 h 200 cycles
MST 54
MSTMST 5 533 MST 51a
01 10.2 16
01 10.2 16 01 10.2 16
Thermal cycling test Wet leakage current
Bypass diode
test
50 cycles
thermal test
MST 17
MST 51b
MST 25
01 10.2 16
17 17
0101  1616
Mechanical load
Humidity freeze test laminate
Temperature
test (module)
MST 52
MST 34 test
MSTMST 2 211
01 10.2 17
01 10.2 16
Robustness of Hot-spot Impulse voltage Reverse current
terminations test test test overload test
MST 42
MST 22 MSTMST 1 144 MSTMST 2 266
01 10.2 16 17 01 16 17
01 16
Cut susceptibility
test
MST 12
01 13 17
Accessibility test
MST 11
Visual inspection
MST 01
IEC  1357/04
Figure 1 – Test sequences
61730-2 © IEC:2004 – 29 –
9 Pass criteria
The module product under evaluation shall be judged to have passed the safety qualification
test, if the test samples meet all of the criteria of each individual test.
If any module does not meet these test criteria, the module product under evaluation shall be
deemed not to have met the safety test requirements.
NOTE The nature of the failure will determine the extent of re-testing requirements.
10 Test procedures
10.1 Visual inspection MST 01
10.1.1 Purpose
To detect any visual defects in the module.
10.1.2 Procedure
This test is identical with 10.1 from IEC 61215/IEC 61646 with the additional inspection
criteria of
– any other conditions which may affect safety;
– markings not consistent with Clause 11 of IEC 61730-1.
Make note of and/or photograph the nature and position of any cracks, bubbles or
delaminations, etc. which may worsen and adversely affect the module safety in subsequent
tests. Visual conditions other than the major defects listed below are acceptable for the
purpose of safety test approval.
10.1.3 Pass criteria
For the purpose of the safety test approval, the following are considered to be major visual
defects:
a) broken, cracked, or torn external surfaces;
b) bent or misaligned external surfaces, including superstrates, substrates, frames and
junction boxes to the extent that the safety of the module would be impaired;
c) bubbles or delaminations forming a continuous path between any part of the electrical
circuit and the edge of the module, or which exhibited significant growth during the testing
and would, if testing were continued, reach such a condition;
d) evidence of any molten or burned encapsulant, back sheet, diode or active PV component;
e) loss of mechanical integrity to the extent that the safety of the installation and operation of
the module would be impaired;
f) markings not complying with Clause 12 of IEC 61730-1.
10.2 Accessibility test MST 11
10.2.1 Purpose
To determine if uninsulated electrical connections represent a shock hazard to personnel.

61730-2 © IEC:2004 – 31 –
10.2.2 Apparatus
The apparatus is as follows:
a) A cylindrical test fixture Type 11 according to Figure 7 of IEC 61032.
b) An ohmmeter or continuity tester.
10.2.3 Procedure
The procedure is as follows:
a) Mount and wire the test module as recommended by the manufacturer.
b) Attach the ohmmeter or continuity tester to the module electric circuit and to the test
fixture.
c) Remove all covers, plugs and connections from the module that can be removed without
using a tool.
d) Probe with the test fixture in and around all electrical connectors, plugs, junction boxes
and any other areas where the electrical circuit of the module may be accessible.
e) Monitor the ohmmeter or continuity tester during the probing to determine if the test fixture
makes electrical contact to the module electric circuitry.
10.2.4 Final measurements
None.
10.2.5 Requirements
At no time during the test shall there be less than 1 MΩ resistance between the test fixture
and the module electric circuit.
10.2.6 Pass cri
...