IEC 61643-32-2017 PDF

Full title and description

IEC 61643-32:2017 — Low‑voltage surge protective devices - Part 32: Surge protective devices connected to the d.c. side of photovoltaic installations — Selection and application principles. This document gives principles for the selection, installation and coordination of surge protective devices (SPDs) intended for use in photovoltaic (PV) systems (DC side up to 1 500 V and AC side of the PV system up to 1 000 V rms).

Abstract

Provides guidance and practical principles to select, place and coordinate SPDs in PV installations (rooftop and ground‑mounted systems, including large PV power plants) covering the PV array, associated cabling, protective devices and inverter up to the distribution/utility connection point. The published edition includes the corrigendum of June 2019.

General information

• Status: Active (stable publication; stability date to 2029).
• Publication date: 20 September 2017.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 29.240.01, 29.240.10.
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2017).
• Number of pages: 90 pages.

Core bibliographic and status details as published by the IEC webstore.

Scope

Describes principles for selection, installation and coordination of SPDs for photovoltaic installations: DC side of PV systems rated up to 1 500 V DC and the AC side of the PV system rated up to 1 000 V rms (50/60 Hz). The scope covers SPDs used in different locations and types of PV systems (building‑mounted and ground‑mounted/free‑field power plants with multi‑earthing/meshed earthing). It notes that additional requirements may apply for PV installations that include energy storage (batteries).

Key topics and requirements

• Principles for selecting SPD types and ratings for DC PV strings, combiners and inverter inputs.
• Recommended placement and coordination of SPDs across PV arrays, combiner boxes, inverter DC inputs and the AC connection point.
• Voltage and current rating limits addressed: up to 1 500 V DC on the PV side and up to 1 000 V rms on the AC side.
• Considerations for earthing, multiple earthing points and meshed earthing typical of large PV plants.
• Interaction with inverter behaviour, temporary overvoltages and system fault conditions; notes on installations with batteries where extra measures may be needed.
• Reference to related product‑level requirements and test methods for PV SPDs (see related standards).

Typical use and users

Used by PV system designers and electrical engineers, installation contractors, SPD manufacturers, test laboratories, utility engineers and asset managers to define appropriate SPD selection and siting for rooftop and large ground‑mounted PV installations. The guidance supports integration of SPDs into protection schemes and helps manufacturers and specifiers ensure correct coordination with inverters and plant earthing.

Related standards

Closely related parts of the IEC 61643 series and other SPD standards: IEC 61643‑31 (requirements and test methods for SPDs for photovoltaic installations) and IEC 61643‑11 (requirements and test methods for SPDs connected to AC low‑voltage power systems). IEC 61643‑01 and national/adopted regional EN versions provide general definitions and requirements referenced by these parts.

Keywords

SPD, surge protective device, PV, photovoltaic, LVDC, selection, installation, coordination, inverter protection, earthing, surge protection.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61643‑32:2017 is an IEC international standard giving principles for selection, application and coordination of surge protective devices connected to the DC side of photovoltaic installations (and related AC side issues).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers guidance on where to place SPDs in PV systems, how to choose appropriate voltage/current ratings (DC up to 1 500 V, AC up to 1 000 V rms), coordination with other protection and earthing arrangements, and special considerations for different PV plant types (rooftop, ground‑mounted, multi‑earthed power plants). It flags that PV systems with batteries may require additional requirements.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: PV designers and specifiers, electrical contractors, SPD manufacturers, test houses, asset owners and utilities — anyone responsible for specifying, installing or verifying surge protection in photovoltaic installations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As published it is the 2017 edition (with a corrigendum issued June 2019 included in the published copy). The IEC entry lists a stability indication toward 2029; consult the IEC national body or webstore for any newer amendments or replacements beyond that date.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the IEC 61643 series on low‑voltage SPDs. Related parts include IEC 61643‑11 (AC system SPD tests/requirements), IEC 61643‑31 (requirements and test methods for PV SPDs), and IEC 61643‑01 (general considerations/definitions). Users typically consult multiple parts together when specifying or testing SPDs.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: SPD, PV, LVDC, surge protection, inverter protection, earthing, selection, coordination, installation.