Install Manual

Table Of Contents
Planning a Commercial IQ Microinverter System – North America
© 2020 Enphase Energy Inc. All rights reserved. January 27, 2020
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Appendix A: Lightning and Surge Suppression in Commercial Systems
Although not common, you must consider the possibility of lightning strikes. Also, surges can occur anywhere
on the electrical grid. Enphase Microinverters, like all electrical components, can be damaged by lightning
strikes or voltage surges from the electrical grid. The guidelines in this section help to minimize any lightning-
or surge-related issues in your commercial installation.
Enphase suggests that you protect your system with lightning and surge suppression devices.
Enphase Microinverters have integral surge protection. However, if the surge has sufficient energy, the
protection built into the microinverter can be exceeded and the equipment may be damaged.
There are a wide range of devices available from equipment manufacturers with a range of warranties.
Enphase does not warrant or guarantee the performance of any of these products. In addition to having
some level of surge suppression, it is important to have insurance that protects against lightning and
electrical surges. Install protective devices per vendor instructions.
Examples
Citel DS73RS-120 surge protector; data sheet
Delta LA-303 lightning arrestor; website
An inline surge protective device provides the greatest level of protection but is often more expensive than a
surge protective device that is placed in parallel to the microinverter panel board and will likely filter the
power line communications in a system.
If using an inline surge protective device, then the IQ Commercial Envoy and microinverters must be located
together on the load side of this device.