FprEN IEC 61439-8:2025

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN IEC 61439-8:2025
01-junij-2025
Sestavi nizkonapetostnih stikalnih in krmilnih naprav - 8. del: Sestavi za uporabo v
fotonapetostnih inštalacijah
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Part 8: Assemblies for use in
photovoltaic installations
Niederspannungs-Schaltgerätekombinationen – Teil 8: Schaltgerätekombinationen für
den Einsatz in Photovoltaik-Anlagen
Ensembles d'appareillage à basse tension - Partie 8: Ensembles destinés aux
installations photovoltaïques
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN IEC 61439-8:2025
ICS:
27.160 Sončna energija Solar energy engineering
29.130.20 Nizkonapetostne stikalne in Low voltage switchgear and
krmilne naprave controlgear
oSIST prEN IEC 61439-8:2025 en
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

oSIST prEN IEC 61439-8:2025
oSIST prEN IEC 61439-8:2025
121B/213/CDV
COMMITTEE DRAFT FOR VOTE (CDV)
PROJECT NUMBER:
IEC 61439-8 ED1
DATE OF CIRCULATION: CLOSING DATE FOR VOTING:
2025-04-18 2025-06-13
SUPERSEDES DOCUMENTS:
121B/199/CDV, 121B/211/RVC
IEC SC 121B : LOW-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR ASSEMBLIES
SECRETARIAT: SECRETARY:
Germany Mr Jörg Hußmann
OF INTEREST TO THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEES: HORIZONTAL FUNCTION(S):
TC 23, SC 23E, TC 64, TC 82, SC 121A
ASPECTS CONCERNED:
Electromagnetic Compatibility, Safety
SUBMITTED FOR CENELEC PARALLEL VOTING NOT SUBMITTED FOR CENELEC PARALLEL VOTING
Attention IEC-CENELEC parallel voting
The attention of IEC National Committees, members of CENELEC,
is drawn to the fact that this Committee Draft for Vote (CDV) is
submitted for parallel voting.
The CENELEC members are invited to vote through the CENELEC
online voting system.
This document is still under study and subject to change. It should not be used for reference purposes.
Recipients of this document are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are aware
and to provide supporting documentation.
Recipients of this document are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant “In Some Countries” clau ses to be
included should this proposal proceed. Recipients are reminded that the CDV stage is the final stage for submitting ISC c lauses. (SEE
AC/22/2007 OR NEW GUIDANCE DOC).

TITLE:
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies – Part 8: Assemblies for use in photovoltaic installations

PROPOSED STABILITY DATE: 2028
NOTE FROM TC/SC OFFICERS:
electronic file, to make a copy and to print out the content for the sole purpose of preparing National Committee positions.
You may not copy or "mirror" the file or printed version of the document, or any part of it, for any other purpose without
permission in writing from IEC.

oSIST prEN IEC 61439-8:2025
121B/213/CDV – 2 – IEC CDV 61439-8 © IEC 2025
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION . 8
1 Scope . 9
2 Normative references . 10
3 Terms and definitions . 11
3.1 General terms . 11
3.2Constructional units of assemblies . 12
3.2 Constructional units of PVAs . 12
3.4 Structural parts of assemblies . 12
3.4 Structural parts of PVA . 12
3.5 Conditions of installation of PVA . 13
3.5.101 PVA location with restricted access . 13
3.5.102 PVA location with non-restricted access . 13
3.5.103 base . 13
3.5.104 fixing mean . 13
3.103 Electrical connections of functional units . 13
4 Symbols and abbreviations . 14
5 Interface characteristics . 14
5.1 General . 14
5.2 Voltage ratings . 14
5.2.2 Rated operational voltage (U ) (of a circuit of a PVA) . 14
e
5.3 Current ratings . 14
5.3.1 Rated current of the assembly (I ) . 14
nA
5.3.2 Group rated current of an incoming circuit (I ) . 14
ng
5.3.3 Maximum short-circuit current (I ) . 15
SC MAX
5.6 Other characteristics . 15
6 Information . 15
6.1Assembly designation marking . 15
6.1 PVA designation marking . 15
6.2 Documentation . 16
6.2.2 Instructions for handling, installation, operation and maintenance . 16
7 Service conditions . 16
7.101 PVA under solar radiation conditions . 16
7.2 Special service conditions . 16
8 Constructional requirements . 16
8.2 Degree of protection provided by an assembly enclosure . 16
8.2.1 Mechanical strength of PVA for PVA enclosure . 17
8.2.2 Protection against contact with live parts, ingress of solid foreign bodies
and water (IP code) . 17
8.2.101 PVA with withdrawable parts. 17
8.3 Clearances and creepage distances. 18
8.3.2 Clearances . 18
8.4 Protection against electric shock . 18
8.4.1 General . 18
8.4.3 Fault protection . 18

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8.4.3.2.2 Requirements for earth continuity providing protection against the
consequences of faults within the Class I assembly . 18
8.4.5 Limitation of steady-state touch currents and charge . 18
8.4.6 Operating and servicing condition . 18
8.5 Incorporation of switching devices and components . 19
8.5.2 Removable parts . 19
8.5.2 Removable and withdrawable parts . 19
8.5.3 Selection of switching devices and components . 19
8.5.4 Installation of switching devices and components . 20
8.101 Internal separation of PVA . 20
8.102 Thermal cycling durability . 21
8.103 Climatic durability . 21
9 Performance requirements . 21
9.1 Dielectric properties . 21
9.1.3 Impulse withstand voltage . 21
9.2 Temperature-rise limits . 21
9.2.1 General . 21
9.3 Short-circuit protection and short-circuit withstand strength . 21
9.3.1 General . 21
10 Design verification . 22
10.1 General . 22
10.2 Strength of materials and parts . 22
10.2.2 Resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation . 22
10.2.6 Verification of protection against mechanical impact (IK code) . 22
10.2.701 Verification of mechanical strength for PVA . 22
10.2.8 Mechanical operation . 30
10.3 Degree of protection of PVA (IP Code) . 30
10.9 Dielectric properties . 31
10.9.3 Impulse withstand voltage . 31
10.10 Temperature-rise . 31
10.10.1 General . 31
10.10.2 Verification by testing . 31
10.10.4 Verification assessment . 33
10.11 Short-circuit withstand strength . 35
10.11.5 Verification by test . 35
10.101 Thermal cycling test . 35
10.102 Climatic test . 36
11 Routine verification . 36
11.8 Mechanical operation . 36
Annexes . 42
Annex AA (informative) Items subject to agreement between the assembly
manufacturer and the user . 43
Annex BB (informative) Forms of internal separation (see 8.101) . 47
Annex CC (informative) Determining power loss by measurement for circuits
exceeding 1 600 A in a reference design . 52
CC.1General . 52
CC.2Method of measurement. 52
CC.2.1Power loss measurement for AC circuits . 52

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CC.2.2Power loss measurement for DC circuits . 52
Annex DD (informative) Design verification (PVA only) . 54
Annex EE (informative) List of notes concerning certain countries . 56
Annex FF (informative) Examples of PV installations . 57
FF.1 Examples of PV installation . 57
Bibliography . 58

Figure 101 – Example of a large scale-utility PV installation . 8
Figure 702 – Diagram of test to verify the mechanical strength of doors . 25
Figure 703 – Sandbag for test to verify the resistance to shock load . 26
Figure 704 – Diagram of test to verify resistance to shock load . 27
Figure 705 – Diagram of test to verify resistance to torsional stress . 30
Figure 102 – Indicative arrangement of radiant heat lamps for temperature-rise test
with simulated solar radiation . 32
Figure BB.1 – Symbols used in Figure BB.2, Figure BB.3 and Figure BB.4 . 47
Figure BB.2 – Forms 1 and 2 . 49
Figure BB.3 – Form 3 . 50
Figure BB.4 – Form 4 . 51
Figure CC.1 – Power loss measurement of e.g of one pole/line . 53
Figure FF.1 – PV array combiner box with a single string of modules . 57
Figure FF.2 – PV array combiner box with several module strings in parallel . 57

Table 101 – Solar radiation conditions . 16
Table 102 – Mechanical tests. 37
Table 103 – Test voltages across the open contacts of equipment suitable for isolation . 38
Table 104 – Electrical conditions for the different positions of withdrawable parts . 39
Table 105 – Forms of internal separation . 41
Table AA.1 – Items subject to agreement between the assembly manufacturer and the
user 43
Table DD.1 – List of design verifications to be performed on PVA . 54

oSIST prEN IEC 61439-8:2025
IEC CDV 61439-8 © IEC 2025 – 5 – 121B/213/CDV
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
LOW-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR ASSEMBLIES –

Part 8: Assemblies for use in photovoltaic installations

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
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3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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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
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expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
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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) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). IEC takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights in
respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, IEC [had/had not] received notice of (a) patent(s),
which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not
represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
https://patents.iec.ch. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 61439-8 has been prepared by subcommittee 121B: Low-voltage switchgear and
controlgear assemblies, of IEC technical committee 121: Switchgear and controlgear and their
assemblies for low voltage. It is an International Standard.
This first edition will replace Annex DD, Annex EE and Annex FF from IEC 61439-2 edition 3
published in 2020 to create IEC 61439-8 as a standalone document. It contains technical
revisions.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
Annex DD in IEC 61439-2:2020:
a) the scope has been modified to further define the characteristics of PV assemblies;
b) addition of several definitions of different type of boxes and other technical terms;
c) consideration of IP code according to the different applications of PV assemblies;

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d) additional consideration for the limits of all external surfaces and manual operating means
during the temperature rise test with solar radiation.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
121B/XX/FDIS 121B/XX/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
In this document, general terms and definitions are defined in Clause 3.
The reader's attention is drawn to the fact that Annex EE lists all the “in-some-country” clauses
on differing practices of a less permanent nature relating to the subject of this document.
This document is to be read in conjunction with IEC 61439-1:2020. The provisions of the general
rules dealt with in IEC 61439-1 are only applicable to this document insofar as they are
specifically cited. When this document states “addition”, “modification” or “replacement”, the
relevant text in IEC 61439-1 is to be adapted accordingly.
Subclauses that are numbered with a 101 (102, 103, etc.) suffix are additional to the same
subclause in IEC 61439-1.
Tables and figures in this document that are new are numbered starting with 101.
Annexes in this document are lettered AA, BB, etc.
In this document, the term Photovoltaic Assembly (PVA) is defined in 3.1.101.
NOTE Throughout the IEC 61439 series of standards, the term assembly (see 3.1.1 of IEC 61439-1:2020) is used
for a low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assembly.
A list of all parts of the IEC 61439 series, under the general title Low-voltage switchgear and
controlgear assemblies can be found on the IEC website.

oSIST prEN IEC 61439-8:2025
IEC CDV 61439-8 © IEC 2025 – 7 – 121B/213/CDV
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn, or
• revised.
IMPORTANT – The "colour inside" logo on the cover page of this document indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding
of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.

oSIST prEN IEC 61439-8:2025
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1 INTRODUCTION
2 The photovoltaic technology enables electricity to be produced directly from sunlight, which is
3 a source of renewable energy. Photovoltaic (PV) energy is one of the most promising
4 technologies meeting the pressing need for green renewable energy and is a part of the answer
5 to the challenge of sustainable development. Pushed by sustainable energy policies, extensive
6 country engagement, technology development, and cost reduction the number of photovoltaic
7 (PV) installations according to IEC 60364-7-712 is increasing rapidly.
8 PV installations are usually split into two main categories:
9 – large scale-utility PV installations, where electricity production can be stored or exported to
10 the grid.
11 – small PV installations, for example rooftop installation, where the produced energy can be
12 consumed locally or exported to the grid.
13 PV applications have characteristics that require assemblies with specific performance. A
14 typical arrangement of a PV installation is shown in Figure 101. Further examples are provided
15 in Annex FF.
18 Figure 101 – Example of a large scale-utility PV installation
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21 LOW-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR ASSEMBLIES –
23 Part 8: Assemblies for use in photovoltaic installations
25 1 Scope
26 This part of the IEC 61439 series specifies requirements for the design and verification of low-
27 voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies for use in photovoltaic installations.
28 PVAs have the following characteristics:
29 – assemblies used for the combination of electrical energy in DC systems for which the input
30 and output voltage does not exceed 1  500 V DC;
31 – assemblies supplied from an AC network where the voltage does not exceed 1  000 V AC
32 for auxiliary and control purposes;
33 – stationary assemblies with an enclosure;
34 – assemblies intended for operation by authorised persons (see 3.7.17 of IEC 61439-1:2020),
35 but can be located in an area accessible to ordinary persons;
36 – suitable for indoor or outdoor installation.
37 NOTE 1 PV installations having PV modules with micro-inverters that are connected directly to inter-connection
38 assemblies according to IEC 61439-2 or IEC 61439-3 are not covered by this document.
39 NOTE 2 Requirements for PVA including other types of DC distribution circuits, for example battery circuits,
40 connected in the same assembly are under consideration.
41 This document identifies definitions, specifies the service conditions, details the construction
42 requirements, defines the technical characteristics, and provides verifications for PVAs.
43 PVAs can also include control and or signaling devices associated with the distribution of
44 electrical energy.
45 This document applies to all PVAs whether they are designed and manufactured on a one-off
46 basis or fully standardized and manufactured in quantity. Either the manufacture or
47 assembly, or both, can be carried out by an entity other than the original manufacturer (see
48 3.10.1 of IEC 61439-1:2020).
49 This document does not apply to:
50 - individual devices, for example, circuit-breakers, fuse switches and self-contained
51 components such as, motor starters, switch mode power supplies (SMPS),
52 uninterruptable power supplies (UPS), basic drive modules (BDM), complete drive
53 modules (CDM), adjustable speed power drives systems (PDS), stand-alone energy
54 storage systems (battery and capacitor systems), other electronic equipment which
55 comply with their relevant product standards, such as junction boxes of photovoltaic
56 modules. This document describes their integration into a PVA or an empty enclosure
57 used as a part of a PVA;
58 - photovoltaic power conversion equipment (PCE) incorporating DC combination sub-
59 systems, as covered by the IEC 62109 series.
60 For some applications, such as either explosive atmospheres or functional safety, or both, there
61 can be a need to comply with the requirements of other standards or local installation rules in
62 addition to those specified in the IEC 61439 series.
63 This document does not apply to the specific types of assemblies covered by other parts of
64 IEC 61439.
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65 2 Normative references
66 The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
67 constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
68 For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
69 amendments) applies.
70 Clause 2 of IEC 61439-1:2020 is applicable in addition to the following:
71 Addition:
72 IEC 60068-2-14, Environmental testing – Part 2-14: Tests – Test N: Change of temperature
73 IEC 60269-6, Low-voltage fuses – Part 6: Supplementary requirements for fuse-links for the
74 protection of solar photovoltaic energy systems
75 IEC 60364-7-712:2017, Low voltage electrical installations – Part 7-712: Requirements for
76 special installations or locations – Solar photovoltaic (PV) power supply systems
77 IEC TR 60890:, A method of temperature-rise verification of low-voltage switchgear and
78 controlgear assemblies by calculation
79 IEC 60898-2, Electrical accessories – Circuit-breakers for overcurrent protection for household
80 and similar installations – Part 2: Circuit-breakers for AC and DC operation
81 IEC 60898-3, Electrical accessories – Circuit-breakers for overcurrent protection for household
82 and similar installations – Part 3: Circuit-breakers for DC operation
83 IEC 60947-2:2016, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 2: Circuit-breakers
84 IEC 60947-2:2016/AMD1:2019
85 IEC 60947-3:2020, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 3: Switches, disconnectors,
86 switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units
87 IEC 61439-1:2020, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies – Part 1: General rules
88 IEC 62109-1, Safety of power converters for use in photovoltaic power systems – Part 1:
89 General requirements
90 IEC 62109-2, Safety of power converters for use in photovoltaic power systems – Part 2:
91 Particular requirements for invertersIEC 62262:2002, Degrees of protection provided by
92 enclosures for electrical equipment against external mechanical impacts (IK code)
93 IEC 62262:2002/AMD1:2021
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95 3 Terms and definitions
96 For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 61439-1:2020 and
97 the following apply.
98 ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
99 addresses:
100 • IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
101 • ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
102 Clause 3 of IEC 61439-1:2020 is applicable, except as follows.
103 3.1 General terms
104 Additional terms and definitions:
105 3.1.101
106 photovoltaic assembly
107 PVA
108 assembly used in the DC part of a photovoltaic installation to receive electrical energy from one
109 or more PV modules and distributes the energy through one or more outgoing circuits
110 3.1.102
111 PV string
112 circuit of one or more series-connected PV modules
113 3.1.103
114 photovoltaic string combiner box
115 PVA where photovoltaic strings are electrically connected, which may also contain overcurrent
116 protection and/or disconnection devices
117 Note 1 to entry: The terms junction, connection and termination box have the same meaning.
118 3.1.104
119 photovoltaic array combiner box
120 PVA where photovoltaic sub-arrays or arrays are electrically connected, which may also contain
121 overcurrent protection and/or disconnection devices
122 3.1.105
123 test situation
124 condition of a PVA or part of it in which the relevant main circuits are open on its supply side
125 but not necessarily isolated whilst the associated auxiliary circuits are connected, allowing
126 operational tests of the incorporated device(s)
127 3.1.106
128 form of internal separation
129 classification of physical separation within a PVA
130 3.1.107
131 solar irradiance
132 G
133 irradiance produced by solar radiation expressed in watt per square metre (W/m ).

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134 3.2 Constructional units of assemblies
135 Replacement of the title:
136 3.2 Constructional units of PVAs
137 Additional terms and definitions:
138 3.2.101
139 withdrawable part
140 removable part intended to be moved from the connected position to the isolated position and
141 to a test position, if any, whilst remaining mechanically attached to the PVA
142 3.2.102
143 test position
144 position of a withdrawable part in which the relevant main circuits are open on its supply side
145 but not necessarily isolated and in which the auxiliary circuits are connected allowing operation
146 tests of the incorporated device(s), the withdrawable part remaining mechanically attached to
147 the PVA
148 Note 1 to entry: The opening can also be achieved without any mechanical movement of the withdrawable part by
149 operation of a suitable device.
150 3.2.103
151 isolated position
152 position of a withdrawable part in which an isolating distance is established in main and auxiliary
153 circuits on its supply side, the withdrawable part remaining mechanically attached to the P VA
154 Note 1 to entry: The isolating distance can also be established without any mechanical movement of the
155 withdrawable part by operation of a suitable device, e.g. a disconnector in accordance with IEC 60947-3.
156 3.2.104
157 isolating distance
158 clearance between open contacts of withdrawable parts meeting the safety requirements
159 specified for disconnectors
160 [SOURCE: IEC 60050-441:2000, 441-17-35, modified – The context information has been
161 moved to after contacts and changed.]
162 3.4 Structural parts of assemblies
163 Replacement of the title:
164 3.4 Structural parts of PVA
165 Additional terms and definitions:
166 3.4.101
167 active cooling
168 use of equipment mounted on or within the assembly, installed to reduce or control the
169 assembly’s internal air temperature during normal operation, which requires energization to
170 operate
171 Note 1 to entry: Examples include fans, internal air conditioning, heat exchangers, etc.
172 3.4.102
173 pressure relief flap
174 mechanical component provided to limit the pressure rise in case of internal arc-faults

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175 Additional terms and definitions:
176 3.5 Conditions of installation of PVA
177 3.5.101
178 PVA location with restricted access
179 location accessible for all persons who are permitted to have access to the location (e.g. private
180 housing, private parking areas or similar places)
181 3.5.102
182 PVA location with non-restricted access
183 location accessible to any person (e.g the PVA is in an unrestricted area) but the assembly is
184 not intended to be operated by an ordinary person
185 3.5.103
186 base
187 additional part of the arrangement used to support the PVA in any case of mounting intended
188 to accommodate only cables
189 3.5.104
190 fixing mean
191 accessory intended to fix the base or the PVA to the ground, to the floor or to the wall etc.
192 3.8.9.2.101
193 U
OC MAX
194 maximum voltage across an unloaded (open) PV module, PV string, or PV array, or on the DC
195 side of the PV PCE
196 3.8.10.7.101
197 I
SC MAX
198 maximum short-circuit current of a PV module, PV string, DCU string, PV sub-array or PV array
199 3.103 Electrical connections of functional units
200 3.103.1.1
201 disconnectable connection
202 connection which is connected or disconnected by manual operation of the connecting means
203 without a tool
204 3.103.1.2
205 withdrawable connection
206 connection which is connected or disconnected by bringing the functional unit into the
207 connected or isolated position
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214 4 Symbols and abbreviations
215 Clause 4 of IEC 61439-1:2020 is applicable.
216 5 Interface characteristics
217 Clause 5 of IEC 61439-1:2020 is applicable, except as follows.
218 5.1 General
219 Replacement:
220 The characteristics of the PVA shall ensure compatibility with the ratings of the circuits to which
221 it is connected and the installation conditions. These characteristics shall be declared by the
222 assembly manufacturer using the criteria identified in 5.2 to 5.6 of IEC 61439-1:2020, as
223 amended by this document.
224 The specification schedule detailed in the informative Annex AA is intended to help the user
225 and the assembly manufacturer to meet this objective, whether the user:
226 – selects catalogue products, the characteristics of which meet their needs, and the
227 requirements of this document; and/or,
228 – makes a specific agreement with the assembly manufacturer.
229 NOTE Annex AA also relates to the topics dealt with in Clauses 6 and 7.
230 5.2 Voltage ratings
231 5.2.2 Rated operational voltage (U ) (of a circuit of a PVA)
e
232 Addition:
233 The rated operational voltage (U ) shall be a minimum of U of the DC circuits of a PVA shall be
e OC MAX
234 specified by the assembly manufacturer.
235 NOTE See IEC 60364-7-712 for open-circuit maximum voltage (U ) for DC circuit of the PVA.
OC MAX
236 5.3 Current ratings
237 5.3.1 Rated current of the assembly (I )
nA
238 Replacement:
239 The rated current I of the DC part of a PVA is defined by the original manufacturer.
nA
240 This rated current I shall be equal or greater than the sum of short-circuit currents I of
nA SC MAX
241 all connected input circuits.
242 This current shall be carried without the temperature-rise of the individual parts exceeding the
243 limits specified in this document.
244 Replacement of 5.3.2:
245 5.3.2 Group rated current of an incoming circuit (I )
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246 Each incoming circuit of a PVA shall be capable of carrying the maximum short-circuit current
247 I produced by PV string(s) or PV sub-array continuously.
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248 The maximum short-circuit current I that can be connected to any incoming circuit shall
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249 be specified by assembly manufacturer.
250 Replacement of 5.3.3:
251 5.3.3 Maximum short-circuit current (I )
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252 The assembly manufacturer shall declare the value of maximum short-circuit current of an
253 incoming circuit.
254 NOTE The terms group rated current I and maximum short-circuit current I are interchangeable.
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255 5.6 Other characteristics
256 Replacement of item f):
257 f) degree of protection against contact with hazardous live parts, ingress of solid foreign
258 bodies and water, IP code (See 8.2.2 of IEC 61439-1:2020), including the degree of
259 protection for any distinct positions for removable and withdrawable parts;
260 Replacement of item g):
261 g) intended for use by (electrically) skilled, competent or instructed persons (see 3.7.13,
262 3.7.14 and 3.7.15 of IEC 61439-1:2020);
263 Replacement of item l):
264 l) type of construction, fixed, removable or withdrawable parts (see 8.5.1 of IEC 61439-1:2020
265 and 8.5.2);
266 Addition:
267 aa) form of internal separation and associated degree(s) of protection, IP code (see Error! R
268 eference source not found.);
269 bb) types of electrical connections of functional units (see Error! Reference source not f
270 ound.);
271 cc) mounting orientation (horizontal, vertical, etc.) if the assembly can be mounted in different
272 positions from vertical.
273 Additional item:
274 q) locations with restricted access or non-restricted access (see 3.5.101 and 3.5.102).
275 6 Information
276 Clause 6 of IEC 61439-1:2020 is applicable, except as follows.
277 6.1 Assembly designation marking
278 Replacement of the title and item g):
279 6.1 PVA designation marking
280 g) IEC 61439-8;
281 Addition:
282 h) If an incorporated device does not have adequate switching capacity a warning label
283 visible at the time of the operation shall be provided adjacent to the device stating "Do not
284 operate under load" as given in Annex A of the IEC 62790:2020.

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285 i) If a PVA is energized from more than one source it shall carry a warning label indicating
286 that the assembly is energized from more than one source, and that parts inside the
287 assembly can still be live unless isolated from all sources of supply including all PV circuits.
290 6.2 Documentation
291 6.2.2 Instructions for handling, installation, operation and maintenance
292 Addition:
293 Where a PVA is intended for indoor installation or outdoors without exposure to direct sunlight
294 it shall include a warning indicating PVA is not suitable for exposure to direct sunlight.
295 Where a PVA is exposed to direct sunlight, it shall carry a warning label indicating operators
296 should be aware that the temperatures of external parts that are exposed to solar radiation may
297 be high and precautions should be taken if they need to be touched.
298 NOTE Further background information regarding documentation is given in the IEC 62446 series.
299 7 Service conditions
300 Clause 7 of IEC 61439-1:2020 is applicable except as follows.
301 7.101 PVA under solar radiation conditions
302 PVAs shall be suitable for one of the solar radiation conditions given in Table 101.
303 Table 101 – Solar radiation conditions
Solar radiation Condition Comment
Indoor – no solar radiation PVA installed in a normal indoor environment
Outdoor – no solar radiation PVA suitable for installation outdoors where it is not exposed to direct sunlight
(in the shade).
Outdoor – with solar radiation PVA suitable for outdoor installation where it is exposed to direct sunlight.
Ratings apply when the PVA is installed in locations where the solar irradiance
reaches a maximum of 1,0 kW/m² and at the maximum ambient air temperature.
305 7.2 Special service conditions
306 Addition:
307 n) Additional precaution(s) for special service conditions, see clause 7.3.2.1 of the IEC TS
308 62738:2018.
309 8 Constructional requirements
310 Clause 8 of IEC 61439-1:2020 is applicable, except as follows.
311 8.2 Degree of protection provided by an assembly enclosure
312 Replacement of the title:
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313 8.2.1 Mechanical strength of PVA for PVA enclosure
314 8.2.1.701 PVA for location with restricted access
315 The minimum mec
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