[RE-wrenches] Static shock

[Ray Walters]

I've heard that the entire array can build a surface static charge, 
though I don't recall getting zapped by the array.  Seems like better 
grounding would take care of that.  I get popped touching ungrounded 
metal like my truck. It can be very alarming, much more voltage than you 
might expect.
If the well has a steel casing, that makes an excellent grounding 
electrode. Just tap a lug into the side of it, and bond to the array 
racking, and pole.

R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760

On 1/25/2014 9:25 AM, Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems wrote:
> Hello Jay,
>
> I'm in Yuma, Az where humidity is often under 5% and static discharge is a severe pain in the….finger. Curious person that I am, I once measured the distance of a static arc to estimate the voltage being generated from my lamb skin slippers sliding on carpet. My best guess is it was above 20kV.
>
> So, he may be experiencing quite a static shock but his mind is relating it to the PV solar gear. A simple test is to hold onto the wire after the initial discharge. If the shock stops, it was static discharge.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Larry Crutcher
>
>
>
>
> On Jan 24, 2014, at 6:56 PM, jay peltz <jay at asis.com> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> Here is a new question.
> I believe it's static electricity.
>
> System:  standalone 2 x 44voc  165 watt modules in parallel
> Powering a pump sq flex( yea installer didn't do it right) dry ground.
> No batteries or any other power in the area, no LCB or other electronics.
> Pole mount, dpw in concrete with galvy pole
> Wires are not attached to pole/ rack in any way
> It's been very low humidity 5-10%, with 10-20 mph wind
> No rain totally dry
>
> Here is what happened.
> Person with one hand touched pole and and other hand touched the USE-2 insulated wire from the modules, got way shocked. Checked the wire no cracks etc and again 44voc max
>
> Happened a second time, but this time his sleeve brushed the pole while he was moving the wires, again shocked.
>
> Again, I think it's static as I have no other explanation. This kind of weather is unknown where I live. I now live in a true desert vs a rain forest and never moved.
>
> Thoughts?
>
> Thanks
>
> Jay
>
> Peltz power
>
>
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