Photovoltaic Design and Installation For Dummies

Chapter 13

Sizing Conductors, Conduit, and Safety Components

IN THIS CHAPTER

Calculating the correct conductor size

Making sure you have the right size (and type) of conduit

Protecting the conductors with properly sized overcurrent protection devices

After you identify all the components your client’s PV system requires, you need to determine the correct sizes for all the conductors (wires), conduit, and mandatory safety equipment that must be installed (I walk you through what all of these are in Chapter 10). Some of these components may need to be special ordered, so sizing them correctly during the initial design process is critical. After all, one missing piece can bring an entire job to a grinding halt, frustrating everyone involved.

In many cases, the methods used in this chapter are the same as the ones used by electricians for sizing standard electrical equipment. However, there are a few places where you need to look at the process a little differently. Don’t worry, though, because I share what they are in this chapter. I give you methods for making sure the conductors used in the PV system you’re designing are large enough for proper system performance and sized to meet ...