[RE-wrenches] Panel Fire

[William Miller]

Dear Wind-Sun:

The incident described on your forum is very Interesting and scary.  It is 
impossible to make any definitive conclusions from the vague information 
provided, but here are a few things that got my attention:

--If I could detect, from the before photos provided, a first rate 
installation, I would suspect defective modules.  The before photo shows 
some very non-standard, low quality racking, obviously slapped together 
from hardware store angle stock.  The angles are installed across the roof 
pitch, catching leaves and rain water.  This makes me wonder how poorly the 
rest of the wiring could have been and suspect that  poor workmanship may 
be to blame.

--The homeowner claims the modules are un-stickered (no specifications, 
manufacturer or listing).  The entire package begins to appear to be a real 
bargain basement
system.  The fact that this system caught fire seems to make sense.

We replaced a module today that had heat damaged connection points.  It 
appears one of my employees did not tighten a screw terminal on an old 
style module and the connections got hot.  The J-box cover was 
melted.  This module had been removed and reinstalled for a re-roof.  I 
know stainless fasteners are not conducive to repeated loosening and 
re-tightening, so maybe the connector screw was galled and could not be 
tightened. properly.

I have often predicted it is only a matter of time until our industry kills 
someone.  My bet is on electrocution of a minor due to abraded PV 
cables.  Maybe I'm wrong and it will be in a house fire.  All I can say is 
that I am doing everything in my power to prevent it from being on one of 
my jobs and to spread the gospel of protected wiring.

William Miller


At 10:42 PM 2/10/2009, you wrote:
>In view of the recent discussion here about fires and PV systems, you 
>might all want to take a look at this post that someone just posted on our 
>forum
>
>http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?t=4524
>
>I never heard of this happening before.
>
>..................................................................................................
>Northern Arizona Wind & Sun - Electricity From The Sun
>Solar Discussion Forum: http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/
>..................................................................................................
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