scope:

This part of the IEC 61643 series describes the principles for selection, operation, installation and coordination of SPDs intended for use in Photovoltaic (PV) systems up to 1500 V d.c. and for the a.c. side of the PV system rated up to 1000 V rms 50/60 Hz. The photovoltaic installation reaches from a PV array or a set of interconnected PV-modules throughout the associated cabling and protective devices and the converter up to the connection point in the distribution board or the utility supply point. This part of IEC 61643 series considers SPDs used in different locations and in different kinds of PV systems: - PV systems located on the top of a building needs different selection of SPDs than extended - PV systems located on the ground like free field power plants characterized by multiple earthing and a meshed earthing system. The term PV installation is used for both kinds of PV systems. The term PV power plant is only used for extended free field multi earthed power systems located on the ground. For PV installations including batteries additional requirements may be necessary. Note 1: IEC 60364 series, IEC 62305 series and IEC 61643-12 do also apply. Note 2: This standard deals only with SPDs and not with surge protective components integrated inside equipment (e.g. inverters, (PCE) power conversion equipment)