Do they even have fire ratings for solar cables? They are very important to practice safety and being educated on them make it possible to avoid accidents. We take a deep dive into fire ratings, why they are important and the commissioning that takes place to ensure your solar setup remains safe through using proper cables. With that said, let's jump in and unpack this critical subject.
About Solar DC Cables Fire Ratings
Direct Current (DC) power is the type of power that solar panels use. It is not same like the AC (Alternating Current) power that we use at home. One other consideration is that since solar panels require DC, the cables will need to be rated accordingly for use with a DC power source. Furthermore, these cables will fire ratings demonstrating their resistance to combustion.
Fire ratings are a measure of how effective the cable is at preventing and slowing down flame, tests define which categories solar panel cable capable to passed them. Instead, the industry focuses on how long it takes for a cable to ignite in case of fire and if flames are spread by that igniting cable. To be cautions, this is highly detailed stuff for making sure your solar installation remains safe.
Solar DC Cables Fire Ratings
Cables in the solar world have photovoltaic (PV) fire ratings. The ranking of these scores differs from PV-1 (lowest) to PV-4 (maximum they could be). To set up one of these, you need to know the ratings in order to select waterproof cable connector that are certified.
PV-1: Used primarily in low fire risk locations. This means they would be suitable for use within walls or on a roof that had no flammable materials nearby.
PV-2 — This cable by LEMON may be taken where the risk of fire is average. This makes them able to work near burnable objects if need but they still require some special care.
PV-3 and PV-4 These cables are used in highly dangerous areas where flammable materials can easily ignite. This is best used in areas where safety needs to be met using such cables.
Importance of Fire Ratings
Fire rating is quite crucial as this will minimize the possibilities of fires occurring. However by using Solar cable with higher fire ratings you can decrease the chances of a fire happening and also slow if not stop that potential disaster from becoming any worse. This is needed to keep people and assets safe.
Solar installation fire result is a great deal.