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IS 14285 : 2018Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification

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IEC 61730-1 · UL 61730-1 & UL 61730-2 · EN 61730-1
CurrentEssentialSpecificationBIMMEP · Solar and Renewable Energy Installations
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OverviewValues6InternationalTablesFAQ4

IS 14285:2018 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for photovoltaic (pv) module safety qualification. This Indian Standard adopts the international standard IEC 61730, specifying safety qualifications for Photovoltaic (PV) modules. It outlines construction requirements (Part 1) and test procedures (Part 2) to ensure PV modules are safe from electrical shock, fire hazards, and personal injury over their lifetime.

Defines the fundamental safety requirements for PV modules to protect against electric shock, fire hazards, and personal injury.

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Essential
Domain
MEP — Solar and Renewable Energy Installations
Type
Specification
International equivalents
IEC 61730-1:2016 & IEC 61730-2:2016 · IEC (International)UL 61730-1 & UL 61730-2 · UL (US)EN 61730-1:2018 & EN 61730-2:2018 · CENELEC (Europe)IEC 61215 Series · IEC (International)
Also on InfraLens for IS 14285
6Key values3Tables4FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes
! This standard is mandatory for BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for PV modules sold in India.
! It is a 'safety' standard, distinct from IS 16077 / IEC 61215 which covers 'performance' and power output qualification.
! Engineers specifying modules should always ensure they are certified to the latest version of IS 14285 for safety compliance.
Frequently referenced clauses
Part 1, Clause 10 - Requirements for ConstructionPart 2, Clause 10.1 - Visual Inspection (MST 01)Part 2, Clause 10.3 - Insulation Resistance Test (MST 03)Part 2, Clause 10.11 - Wet Leakage Current Test (MST 11)Part 2, Clause 10.16 - Mechanical Load Test (MST 16)Part 2, Clause 10.22 - Hot-spot Endurance Test (MST 22)
Pulled from IS 14285:2018. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
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International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
IEC 61730-1:2016 & IEC 61730-2:2016IEC (International)
HighCurrent
Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification - Part 1: Requirements for construction & Part 2: Requirements for testing
IS 14285 is a direct adoption of these IEC standards, forming the primary international basis.
UL 61730-1 & UL 61730-2UL (US)
HighCurrent
UL Standard for Safety for Photovoltaic (PV) Module Safety Qualification - Part 1: Requirements for Construction & Part 2: Requirements for Testing
US national version harmonized with IEC 61730, including specific US National Deviations.
EN 61730-1:2018 & EN 61730-2:2018CENELEC (Europe)
HighCurrent
Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification - Part 1: Requirements for construction & Part 2: Requirements for testing
European Norm (EN) that adopts the IEC 61730 standard, mandatory for CE marking in the EU.
IEC 61215 SeriesIEC (International)
MediumCurrent
Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval
Defines performance, design, and type approval tests, while IS 14285 covers safety. Often tested concurrently.
Key Differences
≠IS 14285 mandates the inclusion of the BIS Standard Mark (ISI mark) on the module label as per the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. This is a specific national requirement not present in the IEC standard.
≠The Indian standard includes national annexes and specific references to other Indian Standards (e.g., for wiring practices, earthing) where IEC 61730 would refer to corresponding IEC or ISO standards. This tailors the standard to the Indian regulatory and technical environment.
≠Compliance with IS 14285 is enforced in India under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) 'Compulsory Registration Scheme' (CRS), which has its own specific procedural requirements for lab selection, sample submission, and factory inspection that differ from the general IEC certification system (IECEE).
Key Similarities
≈Both standards use the same fundamental safety philosophy, classifying modules into Application Classes (e.g., Class A for general access) and Safety Classes (e.g., Class II for systems with required supplementary insulation) to mitigate risks of electrical shock, fire, and injury.
≈The core test procedures for safety qualification are identical. This includes critical tests like Dielectric Voltage Withstand (MST 21), Wet Leakage Current (MST 22), Insulation Resistance (MST 20), Hot-spot Endurance (MST 25), and Bypass Diode Thermal Test (MST 26).
≈The constructional requirements outlined in IS 14285 (Part 1) are directly adopted from IEC 61730-1. This covers specifications for materials, including polymeric components (backsheets, encapsulants), junction boxes, cables, connectors, and overall module assembly.
≈The quantitative pass/fail criteria for the majority of the safety tests are identical between IS 14285 and IEC 61730. For example, the minimum insulation resistance values and maximum allowable leakage currents are the same, ensuring a consistent level of safety.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Application Safety ClassClass A: General access, hazardous voltage, hazardous power. Class B: Restricted access. Class C: Limited voltage/power.Class A: General access, hazardous voltage, hazardous power. Class B: Restricted access. Class C: Limited voltage/power.IEC 61730-1:2016
Dielectric Voltage Withstand Test (MST 21)Test voltage (RMS) of 1000 V + 2 x Max System Voltage, applied for 1 minute.Test voltage (RMS) of 1000 V + 2 x Max System Voltage, applied for 1 minute.IEC 61730-2:2016
Wet Leakage Current Test (MST 22) - Pass CriterionInsulation resistance > (40 MΩ⋅m²) / Module Area [m²] for modules > 0.1 m².Insulation resistance > (40 MΩ⋅m²) / Module Area [m²] for modules > 0.1 m².IEC 61730-2:2016
Mechanical Load Test (MST 34) - Standard Load2400 Pa applied for 1 hour, for 3 cycles, on front and back surfaces.2400 Pa applied for 1 hour, for 3 cycles, on front and back surfaces.IEC 61730-2:2016
Temperature Test (MST 23)Module temperature must not exceed Tamb + 55°C (when mounted) or Tamb + 70°C (when integrated).Module temperature must not exceed Tamb + 55°C (when mounted) or Tamb + 70°C (when integrated).IEC 61730-2:2016
Bypass Diode Thermal Test (MST 26) - CriterionDiode junction temperature must remain below the manufacturer's specified maximum temperature.Diode junction temperature must remain below the manufacturer's specified maximum temperature.IEC 61730-2:2016
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values6

Quick Reference Values
Minimum insulation resistance at STC40 MΩ·m²
Standard mechanical load test pressure2400 Pa
Enhanced mechanical load test pressure5400 Pa
Wet leakage current test voltageMaximum system voltage of the module
Application Class A eligibilityModules rated for system voltages > 50 V DC
Safety Class II requirementModule must provide protection through double or reinforced insulation

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Part 1, Table 1 - Requirements for creepage and clearance distances
Part 1, Table 4 - Temperature limits for materials and components
Part 2, Table 1 - Complete test sequence for qualification of a module design
Key Clauses
Part 1, Clause 10 - Requirements for Construction
Part 2, Clause 10.1 - Visual Inspection (MST 01)
Part 2, Clause 10.3 - Insulation Resistance Test (MST 03)
Part 2, Clause 10.11 - Wet Leakage Current Test (MST 11)
Part 2, Clause 10.16 - Mechanical Load Test (MST 16)
Part 2, Clause 10.22 - Hot-spot Endurance Test (MST 22)

Frequently Asked Questions4

Is IS 14285 the same as IEC 61730?+
Yes, IS 14285:2018 is a dual-numbered standard that is an identical adoption of IEC 61730-1:2016 and IEC 61730-2:2016.
What is the difference between Application Class A, B, and C?+
Class A is for general use (>50V DC or >240W) in publicly accessible locations. Class B is for restricted access applications. Class C is for low voltage, limited power circuits (<50V and <240W).
What is the purpose of the Hot-spot endurance test?+
It verifies that the module can withstand localized heating effects caused by cracked, mismatched, or shaded cells, preventing potential fire or safety hazards (Part 2, MST 22).
What does a 'Safety Class II' rating mean for a PV module?+
It means the module's construction provides protection against electric shock through double or reinforced insulation, without needing a protective earth connection (Part 1, Clause 10.2).

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