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<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Wrenches,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Thanks to the wind-sun folks for sharing this fire story. There
is a lot of conjecture in the thread, and much of it is wrong. With all due
respect to Solar-Guppy, PV module encapsulant, EVA, is highly flammable, and
tedlar will burn as well. The good news is that there is not a lot of fuel in
the module. However, coupled with other fuels, there may be a problem. John
Wiles and UL are advocating arc-fault detectors for PV arrays. It’s
pretty clear that this fire would have started with an arcing fault.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'> My first impression is that these are not listed modules
and therefore have not been tested for maximum voltage. The maximum voltage
tests are very stringent and just from a picture of the construction, these
modules would be very unlikely to pass the test. Many comments were made as to
the substandard structure—that is obvious.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Just because several people on the list have not seen this
happen before, poorly manufactured modules can, and will do this. Even some of
the best manufacturers in the world have screwed up on their construction and
had fires. Without a NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Lab) involved in the
process, there is no basic understanding of the safety of a product. Anyone who
entertains the idea of installing non-listed modules at higher voltages, as may
be the case with this fire, should just post these pictures on their office
wall. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>There is no way that the money this installer saved by buying substandard
product could be worth this danger. On Friday UL will be testing to see if PV
modules can reduce the fire rating of class A roofing. I don’t think it
will, but let’s hope not. These pictures will be inspiration for the day’s
testing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Bill.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>From:</span></b><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>
re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org] <b>On Behalf Of </b>William
Miller<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, February 11, 2009 12:57 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> RE-wrenches<br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [RE-wrenches] Panel Fire<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Dear Wind-Sun:<br>
<br>
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:<br>
<br>
--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.<br>
<br>
--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 <br>
system. The fact that this system caught fire seems to make sense.<br>
<br>
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.<br>
<br>
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.<br>
<br>
William Miller<br>
<br>
<br>
At 10:42 PM 2/10/2009, you wrote:<br>
<br>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>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<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?t=4524">http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?t=4524</a><br>
<br>
I never heard of this happening before.<br>
<br>
..................................................................................................<br>
Northern Arizona Wind & Sun - Electricity From The Sun<br>
Solar Discussion Forum: <a href="http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/">http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/</a><br>
..................................................................................................<o:p></o:p></p>
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