Xantrex Technology GT3.0 Grounding Requirements, Long Distance Grounding, Lightning Protection

Installation

Grounding Requirements

	WARNING: Shock hazard
	The GT Inverter must be grounded by connection to a grounded permanent wiring system.
AC Grounding
North America	The GT Inverter must be connected to a grounded, permanent wiring system.
	The negative PV conductor must be bonded to the grounding system at only one
	point in the system, through the internal Ground Fault Detection circuit.
	See Figure 2-2 for the location of the GT Inverter ground bar.
Elsewhere	In other locations, AC grounding is governed by local codes. Consult with the
	local utility for specific grounding requirements.
PV Grounding
	In North America, PV arrays are required to be connected to earth ground; in
	Europe they are not. PV Ground Fault Protection (PVGFP) is required in North
	America for roof-mounted PV arrays.
	The GT Inverter is designed to have all PV positive, negative, and ground
	conductors connected inside its wiring box. The PV equipment ground should be
	connected to the GT Inverter ground bar. This ground bar must also be connected
	to the main utility breaker panel ground bar and to the house grounding rod
	according to NEC requirements (see Figure 2-2).
	The size for the conductor is usually based on the size of the largest conductor in
	the DC system.

Long Distance Grounding

If the PV array is more than 30 m (100 feet) from the inverter, then there must also be a direct connection from the array frame to an earth ground next to the array. A connection between this ground and the building ground connection via a buried wire between the two points is also necessary (see Figure 2-3).

Lightning Protection

Reduce the risk of lightning damage by using a single-point grounding system. In this system, all ground lines terminate at the same point. This point normally is the main utility ground installed by the utility company to provide a ground for the house wiring (see Figure 2-4). This ground usually consists of a copper rod driven 1.5 to 2.5 meters (6 to 8 feet) into the earth.

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