Photovoltaic system safety signs mainly include four categories: prohibition, warning, instruction, and prompt.
1. Standard range
According to the definition of graphic symbols in the national standard, a symbol refers to a visual image formed by the combination of symbols, colors, geometric shapes (or borders), and other elements that give people behavioral instructions—mainly used in public places, buildings, product packaging, and printed matter. Signs include graphic signs, text signs, and other auxiliary signs. The safety signs of photovoltaic systems mainly involve various places prone to accidents or dangers during the construction, operation, and maintenance of photovoltaic systems, except for the general safety signs stipulated in GB 2894. In addition, some safety signs used in different types of photovoltaic systems are also included. This standard also specifies the style, shape, size, color range, pattern, technical requirements, use, and management of safety signs.
Standard technical requirements refer to the standard
2. Relationship with my country's current laws, regulations, and other mandatory standards
At present, there are no current domestic and international standards. This technical specification conforms to relevant laws and regulations in my country and does not contradict or contradict applicable existing laws, regulations, and mandatory standards.
This standard complies with my country's current mandatory safety color standard GB 2893 and mandatory safety sign usage guideline standard GB 2894. It has no conflict with the current safety color and safety sign standards.
3. Results and basis for handling significant differences of opinion
There were no significant differences of opinion during the formulation and compilation of this standard.
4. Reasons for coercion and expected social effects
The formulation of this standard aims to avoid possible accidents or dangers of solar photovoltaic systems provides a basis for the production, use, supervision, and inspection of signs. It is conducive to protecting the safety of personnel, facilities, and the environment during the construction and operation of photovoltaic systems.
In the photovoltaic industry, labeling is still a topic of intense interest. However, with the new requirements outlined in the National Electrical Code (NEC 2014) and the current International Fire Code (IFC 2012), it is clear that new codes and standards are paving the way for standardized labeling. The new standard finally provides some synergy between IFC and NEC in labeling photovoltaic systems, which will lead to better education, greater awareness of labeling requirements, and the ability to withstand continuous ultraviolet (UV) exposure.
First, NEC and IFC do not define a specific method of marking infrastructure. One of the more critical and critical changes in the new NEC 2014 specification is that the use of the word "label" is now included in the definition of the markup format. Section 110.21 states: "Labels shall be appropriate for the environment they are installed." This is important because many Authorities with Jurisdictions (AHJs) are still trying to require engraved panels that may not be suitable for continuous outdoor use. The labeling technology available today is even more stable than engraved plastic. Additionally, both IFC and NEC have requirements for reflective labels that do not meet engraving requirements.
To get closer to general market norms, the new NEC 2014 code now requires any field-applied labels, warnings, and markings to comply with ANSI Z535.4. This can be found in the field markings of Section 110.21(B). In addition, any label explicitly defined as a DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION label must follow the label format defined by ANSI Z535.4 unless otherwise specified in Section 690.
An example of such a label is shown below:
In the new 2014 code, there are some exceptions to this rule. Exceptions include that several labels must be red, have a white font, and be reflective.
The first label is a conduit marker and must be used every 10 feet, every turn, above and below penetrations, and on all exposed raceways, cable trays, and other wiring methods. In the new NEC 2014 code, these labels must be read, with white text at least 3/8 inch tall and reflective to be visible in the flashlight's beam.
Under section 690.31(E)(3), labels shall print the following text:
Warning: Photovoltaic power supply.
This matches the wording and format design defined in the current IFC 2012 standard. But, again, the Oversight Committee intends to work with IFC where possible.
In NEC 2014, there is also a brand new requirement that the PV system needs to have a quick shutdown switch that can bring the PV system down to 30vdc within 10 seconds. Therefore, in section 690.56(B), each quick-off button shall be permanently marked with white lettering at least 3/8 inch high on a red background to identify it as a quick-off equipped photovoltaic system and shall have reflective.
The updated standard opens the door to the use of good high-quality labeled products designed to meet acute UV exposure.
As long as the installer meets the AHJ's requirements in all cases, there is no right or wrong answer to mark selection. However, the trend is that label product with unique properties such as reflectivity are at the vanguard of a new era. As the industry progresses, there are bound to be many changes, and labels must adapt to become a standard that everyone can define and implement, now and in the future.
1. Standard range
According to the definition of graphic symbols in the national standard, a symbol refers to a visual image formed by the combination of symbols, colors, geometric shapes (or borders), and other elements that give people behavioral instructions—mainly used in public places, buildings, product packaging, and printed matter. Signs include graphic signs, text signs, and other auxiliary signs. The safety signs of photovoltaic systems mainly involve various places prone to accidents or dangers during the construction, operation, and maintenance of photovoltaic systems, except for the general safety signs stipulated in GB 2894. In addition, some safety signs used in different types of photovoltaic systems are also included. This standard also specifies the style, shape, size, color range, pattern, technical requirements, use, and management of safety signs.
Standard technical requirements refer to the standard
Skills requirement | illustrate |
4.1.1 Basic shape of prohibition signs | Refer to 4.1.1 in GB 2894 |
4.1.2 Prohibition sign color | Refer to 4.3.1 in GB2893 |
4.1.3 Basic dimensions of prohibition signs | Refer to 4.1.2 in GB 2894 |
4.1.4 Types, names, and locations of prohibited signs | Refer to 4.1.3 in GB 2894 |
4.2.1 Basic shape of warning sign | Refer to 4.2.1 in GB 2894 |
4.2.2 Warning sign color | Refer to 4.3.2 in GB 2893 |
4.2.3 Basic size of camp sign | Refer to 4.2.2 in GB2984 |
4.2.4 Types, names and installation locations of warning signs | Refer to 4.2.3 in GB2894 |
4.3.1 Basic shape of instruction flag | Refer to 4.3.1 in GB 2894 |
4.3.2 Instruction flag color | Refer to 4.3.3 in GB 2893 |
4.3.3 Basic size of instruction mark | Refer to 4.3.2 in GB 2984 |
4.3.4 Types, names, and installation locations of warning signs | Refer to 4.3.3 in GB 2894 |
4.4.1 Basic shapes of road signs, nameplates, and warning signs | Refer to 7.1 in GB 14161 |
4.4.2 Colors of road signs, nameplates, and warning signs | Refer to 7.2 in GB 14161 |
4.4.3 Basic dimensions of road signs, nameplates, and warning signs | Refer to 7.3 in GB 14161 |
4.4.4 Types and locations of road signs, nameplates, and warning signs | Refer to 4.4.3 in GB 2894 |
5.1 Provisions on supplementary signs of text | Quoting 8.1 in GB 14161 |
5.2 Provisions for supplementary signs of directions | Quote 8.2 in GB 14161 |
6.1.1 Materials of the logo | Quoting 6.1 in GB 2894 |
6.1.2 Appearance of the logo | Quoting 6.3 in GB 2894 |
6.2 Color of the logo | Refer to 5 in GB 2893 |
7.The production of signs | Refer to 10.1 in GB 14161 |
8.Use and management of signs | Refer to 11 in GB 14161 |
2. Relationship with my country's current laws, regulations, and other mandatory standards
At present, there are no current domestic and international standards. This technical specification conforms to relevant laws and regulations in my country and does not contradict or contradict applicable existing laws, regulations, and mandatory standards.
This standard complies with my country's current mandatory safety color standard GB 2893 and mandatory safety sign usage guideline standard GB 2894. It has no conflict with the current safety color and safety sign standards.
3. Results and basis for handling significant differences of opinion
There were no significant differences of opinion during the formulation and compilation of this standard.
4. Reasons for coercion and expected social effects
The formulation of this standard aims to avoid possible accidents or dangers of solar photovoltaic systems provides a basis for the production, use, supervision, and inspection of signs. It is conducive to protecting the safety of personnel, facilities, and the environment during the construction and operation of photovoltaic systems.
In the photovoltaic industry, labeling is still a topic of intense interest. However, with the new requirements outlined in the National Electrical Code (NEC 2014) and the current International Fire Code (IFC 2012), it is clear that new codes and standards are paving the way for standardized labeling. The new standard finally provides some synergy between IFC and NEC in labeling photovoltaic systems, which will lead to better education, greater awareness of labeling requirements, and the ability to withstand continuous ultraviolet (UV) exposure.
First, NEC and IFC do not define a specific method of marking infrastructure. One of the more critical and critical changes in the new NEC 2014 specification is that the use of the word "label" is now included in the definition of the markup format. Section 110.21 states: "Labels shall be appropriate for the environment they are installed." This is important because many Authorities with Jurisdictions (AHJs) are still trying to require engraved panels that may not be suitable for continuous outdoor use. The labeling technology available today is even more stable than engraved plastic. Additionally, both IFC and NEC have requirements for reflective labels that do not meet engraving requirements.
To get closer to general market norms, the new NEC 2014 code now requires any field-applied labels, warnings, and markings to comply with ANSI Z535.4. This can be found in the field markings of Section 110.21(B). In addition, any label explicitly defined as a DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION label must follow the label format defined by ANSI Z535.4 unless otherwise specified in Section 690.
An example of such a label is shown below:
In the new 2014 code, there are some exceptions to this rule. Exceptions include that several labels must be red, have a white font, and be reflective.
The first label is a conduit marker and must be used every 10 feet, every turn, above and below penetrations, and on all exposed raceways, cable trays, and other wiring methods. In the new NEC 2014 code, these labels must be read, with white text at least 3/8 inch tall and reflective to be visible in the flashlight's beam.
Under section 690.31(E)(3), labels shall print the following text:
Warning: Photovoltaic power supply.
This matches the wording and format design defined in the current IFC 2012 standard. But, again, the Oversight Committee intends to work with IFC where possible.
In NEC 2014, there is also a brand new requirement that the PV system needs to have a quick shutdown switch that can bring the PV system down to 30vdc within 10 seconds. Therefore, in section 690.56(B), each quick-off button shall be permanently marked with white lettering at least 3/8 inch high on a red background to identify it as a quick-off equipped photovoltaic system and shall have reflective.
The updated standard opens the door to the use of good high-quality labeled products designed to meet acute UV exposure.
As long as the installer meets the AHJ's requirements in all cases, there is no right or wrong answer to mark selection. However, the trend is that label product with unique properties such as reflectivity are at the vanguard of a new era. As the industry progresses, there are bound to be many changes, and labels must adapt to become a standard that everyone can define and implement, now and in the future.