Laying the Cables – General Requirements
(ch) When installing cables, take care to protect the cables from external influences.
Conversely, the environment of the cables must be protected from possible hazards. For this reason, only use cables approved for the desired type of installation.
In the area of the distribution system, only surface installations should be used. Compared to flushmounted installations, they have the advantage of making it easier to adapt the system, for example to enhance it.
Make sure to leave sufficient room for later enhancements. Cable channels should therefore not be sized too small. Cables should also not be bundled too tightly, in order to minimize their mutual thermal influence.
There are particular requirements for outdoor installations. The cables must be protected against UV radiation. Standard sheathed cables for moisture-proof installation (NYM) are not suitable. Either special cable material must be used, or the entire length of the cables must be installed in protective conduits.
Installing cables in the ground — for example to a wind turbine system — requires the use of suitable grounding cables. Installation in flexible protective conduits is only allowed over short distances if the cables are replaceable. Ensure that the cable path is marked and maintain good documentation. It helps to avoid damage to the buried cables from later excavation activities.
Installing uninsulated open lines is easier and less expensive than installing an underground cable.
However, special requirements for lightning protection must be met.
In general, when installing cables, separate the power cables from the control cables (e.g. communication cables) to prevent mutual influence. The use of cable separators in cable conduits is advisable.
All work on the inverter and the cabling of the PV array must be carried out by an electrically qualified person. SMA accepts no liability for the information and solutions given in the Online Service Center. Additional information can be found in our Online Service Center’s terms and conditions of use.