Publications Details

A Conservative Approach to Defining Photovoltaic System Hazards to Firefighters

Quiroz, Jimmy E.; Flicker, Jack D.; Lavrova, Olga A.; Zgonena, Timothy; Jiang, Hai; Whitfield, Kent

Sandia National Laboratories performed analysis to develop conservative hazard guidelines regarding firefighters working near photovoltaic (PV) arrays. Assuming implementation of NFPA 70 system shutdown requirements, the analysis focused on DC hazards only. Several different PV variables were considered, including system grounding and DC voltage classes. The hazard scenarios considered the contact conditions, current paths through the body, and PPE. Guidelines for the hazard definitions for men and women were based on the IEC TS 60479-1 guidelines. The importance of PPE was illustrated in the results.