IEC 61439-8:2026 specifies requirements for the design and verification of low voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies for use in photovoltaic installations.
PVAs have the following characteristics:
- assemblies used for the combination of electrical energy in DC systems for which the input and output voltage does not exceed 1 500 V DC;
- assemblies supplied from an AC network where the voltage does not exceed 1 000 V AC for auxiliary and control purposes;
- stationary assemblies with an enclosure;
- assemblies intended for operation by authorised persons (see IEC 61439 1:2020, 3.7.17), but can be located in an area accessible to ordinary persons (see IEC 61439 1:2020, 3.7.16);
- suitable for indoor or outdoor installation.
This document identifies definitions, specifies the service conditions, details the construction requirements, defines the technical characteristics, and provides verifications for PVAs. PVAs can also include control or signalling devices, or both, associated with the distribution of electrical energy. This document applies to all PVAs whether they are designed and manufactured on a one-off basis or fully standardized and manufactured in quantity. Either the manufacture or assembly, or both, can be carried out by an entity other than the original manufacturer (see IEC 61439 1:2020, 3.10.1).
This document does not apply to:
- individual devices, for example, circuit-breakers, fuse switches and self-contained components such as, motor starters, switch mode power supplies (SMPS), uninterruptable power supplies (UPS), basic drive modules (BDM), complete drive modules (CDM), adjustable speed power drives systems (PDS), stand-alone energy storage systems (battery and capacitor systems), other electronic equipment which comply with their relevant product standards, such as junction boxes of photovoltaic modules. This document describes their integration into a PVA or an empty enclosure used as a part of a PVA;
- photovoltaic power conversion equipment (PCE) incorporating DC combination sub-systems, covered by the IEC 62109 series.
Some applications, such as either explosive atmospheres or functional safety, or both, can be subject to the requirements of other standards or local installation rules in addition to those specified in the IEC 61439 series. This document does not apply to the specific types of assemblies covered by other parts of the IEC 61439 series.
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