[RE-wrenches] Static shock

[jay peltz]

HI All,

Thanks for the insights and the confirmation.

I've just never seen it before.

jay

peltz power











On Jan 25, 2014, at 9:21 AM, Ray Walters wrote:

> 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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