What is BS EN 60269-6 - Supplementary requirements for fuse links about?
BS EN 60269-6 is a British standard that specifies the supplementary requirements that apply to fuse links for protecting PV strings and PV arrays in equipment for circuits of nominal voltages up to 1 500 V d.c. Their rated voltage may be up to 1 500 V d.c. Owing to the great variety of equipment, no general rules can be given; the suitability of the associated equipment to serve as a fuse base should be subject to agreement between the manufacturer and the user. However, if separate fuse bases or fuse-holders are used, they should comply with the appropriate requirements of IEC 60269 series.
The object of these supplementary requirements is to establish the characteristics of PV fuse links in such a way that they can be replaced by other fuse-links having the same characteristics, provided that their dimensions are identical. For this purpose, BS EN 60269-6 refers in particular to
- Type tests for verification of the characteristics of fuses
- The markings on fuses
The following characteristics of fuses:
- Their rated values
- Their utilization category
- Their temperature rises in normal service
- Their power dissipation
- Their time-current characteristics
- Their breaking capacity
- Their dimensions or size (if applicable)
Note 1: Such fuse-Iinks are commonly referred to as “PV fuse links”.
Note 2: PV fuse-links protect downstream inverter components such as capacitors or the discharge of capacitors back into the arrays or array wiring up to the rated breaking capacity.
Who is BS EN 60269-6 - Supplementary requirements for fuse links for?
BS EN 60269-6 on supplementary requirements for fuse links is useful for:
- The electrical industry
- Electrical equipment manufacturer
- Electrical testing labs
- Testing centres
- Car manufacturing plants
- Pharmaceutical laboratories
Why should you use BS EN 60269-6 - Supplementary requirements for fuse links?
Fuses and circuit breakers safeguard the wire from overheating, as well as all equipment connected to the system, from catching fire or being damaged if a short circuit develops. Each sub-array has a fuse link that protects the conductors from current faults and helps to reduce any safety risks. It will also isolate the faulty sub-array, allowing the rest of the PV system to continue generating power. Fuse and circuit breakers are required between a solar panel and its charge controller to prevent the wiring from becoming too hot. In the event of a short circuit, this also prevents any appliances from catching fire or being damaged.
BS EN 60269-6 provides you with guidelines for the conditions for operation in service, characteristics of fuses, markings, and the standard conditions for constructions and testing. Using BS EN 60269-6 guidelines helps with type testing and marking and enhances safety, protection, reliability, and durability for longer service life.