07 Nov Ignore earth spikes at your peril! Failure to install can invalidate insurance claims!
7 November 2023: The upsurge of solar installations in both residential and commercial properties, often by less experience installers, who may not be fully aware of necessity for lightning protection, should be a major cause for concern.
Valsa Trading, which has been the ‘go to’ local manufacturer and supplier of a complete range of fit- for-purpose photovoltaic (PV) solar solutions since its establishment 14 years ago in 2009, point out that the importance of earthing in electrical system installations is of utmost importance and cannot be compromised.
Svilen Voychev, Valsa’s CEO, said: “SANS regulations clearly stipulate that ‘the earth reference needs to be taken down through a 25mm2 Green/Yellow GP wire, which will be terminated to an earth mat comprising a minimum of four earth spikes/rods to afford the installation and insulation resistance not greater than ≤3Ω.’”
He added that lighting strikes can produce around 300 million Volts and 30 000 Amps, and this instantaneous discharge can not only terminally damage un-earthed electrical equipment but perhaps more to the point, lead to a building fire and loss of life and property. “Failure to install an appropriate earthing system could also invalidate an owner’s insurance claim.”
“Earth spikes provide the protection required to ensure that the installed electrical system is compliant according to SANS regulations. The purpose of earth spikes is to protect installed electrical equipment, such as inverters, batteries and solar panels, from lighting surges by channeling these large electrical currents into the ground.
“As part of our comprehensive range of solar components, we have assembled an earth spike kit, which has been designed to comply with SANS regulations and comes as a complete package for installers, comprising earth spikes, BETAflamR Solar 125 RV flex 1500V DC cabling and all connections, at a competitive price” he explained.
Valsa provide installers with an earth spike installation guide as follows:
- It is important to note that the ground rods should be placed at a minimum distance of
2 metres apart. This is to ensure that any short circuit and leakage currents don’t affect the system operation.
- The entire grounding rod should be buried underground, leaving only the copper cable connector exposed.
An explanation diagram is included in the kit to simplify the manner in which the Earth Spike kit is installed.
ENDS
About Valsa Trading:
Valsa Trading (Pty) Ltd, established in 2009, is a specialist photovoltaic (PV) solar turnkey supplier. The company designs, manufactures and supplies photovoltaic (PV) solar mounting solutions for all roofs, carports, ground, facade, and floating applications.
That, coupled with an extensive range of PV Solar products including panels, inverters, batteries, cables, switchgear, pumps, drives etc. adds to its comprehensive offering for all PV Solar requirements to suit residential, corporate, or industrial needs.
Media Contact:
Charles Poulter
Account Manager: SWM Communications
Mobile | 076 812 8429
Email | charles@swmcommunications.co.za
Valsa Contact:
Zhante Hatting
Marketing Supervisor: Valsa Trading
Mobile | +27 69 589 8007
Email | marketing@valsa.co.za
Office | (0)11 794 1306