Installation Manual

Page 28

Installation

Figure 2-16, Warning Label

This electrical system is equipped with an Automatic

Generator Starting (AGS) device and/or an inverter.

Disconnect all AC and DC power to the AGS and/

or inverter before performing any service to the

electrical system. Failure to do so can result in shock,

causing serious injury or death.

(PN: 62-002 Rev A)

2.6 Inverter Warning Label

A warning label is provided (Figure 2-16) to inform all personnel that an inverter is installed in

your electrical system. Afﬁ x this label in a clearly visible location at the electrical panel that is

being powered by the inverter. Posting of this warning label is necessary because it might be

falsely assumed that the panel is no longer “hot” after the AC power has been shut off, when in

fact power may actually still be available due to the inverter automatically powering the panel.

2.5 Installing Lightning Arrestors

Unfortunately, in Renewable Energy (RE) systems where components are wired to outdoor electrical

systems, there is a greater chance of damage to these components from lightning strikes. Lightning

does not have to strike directly to cause damage, it can be far away and still induce power surges

or spikes in the wires of the RE system. Since the RE wires are connected to the conductors coming

into the house the inverters, charge controllers, batteries, and other components in the house or

power shed are easily susceptible to damage.

The best line of defense against these high voltage surges—caused by lightning—is to ensure you

have proper system grounding. Proper grounding attempts to divert lightning surges to earth,

instead of going through your electrical components. However, for additional protection in lightning-

prone areas or where good grounding is not feasible, install lightning arrestors (also known as high

voltage surge arrestors) on the DC and AC circuits of your renewable energy system. Lightning

arrestors are devices that respond to voltage variations instantaneously, effectively intercepting

potentially damaging spikes and surges and reducing them to acceptable power levels to protect

electrical equipment. Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs), Silicone Oxide Varistors (SOVs), and Zinc

Oxide Non-linear Resistors (ZNRs) are three types of lightning/surge arrestors.

Install the lightning arrestors as close as possible to the equipment you are trying to protect.

Install additional lightning protection (secondary lightning arrestor) if equipment is more than 60

feet away from where the primary lightning arrestor is connected.

Info: For more information on lightning protection in RE systems, review “Protection

Against the Effects of Lightning on Standalone Photovoltaic Systems – Common

Practices“ at www.iea-pvps.org.