All:
Informative reply from John Pink on solar panel RFI. Please see below.
Tony -K2MO
*From:* john_pink
*Sent:* Monday, May 07, 2018 12:02 PM
*Subject:* RE: NEC 2017 codes of practice.
Bob, I read with interest your comments on the implications of NEC 2017.
You said 'I hope I am not being alarmist' - I don't think you are - however
you are tackling the issue on the wrong front.
The issue that you need to raise concerns the 'standards' that govern the
interfaces between panels and optimisers - and any other ancillary
equipment. There are IEC and IEEE standards that state the permissible
levels of emission from the ports of these equipment, and the frequencies
they use The standards are for the most part derived from standard agreed
by CISPR.
As a contributor to CISPR through my work at British Standards Institute,
and CENELEC in Brussels, I am aware of many licenced radio amateur from the
USA who are involved in this work. In fact the lead representative for the
USA on the subject of harvesting of solar energy is an active licensee. He
is also involved with all aspect of Near Field charging of vehicle -
another topic which should cause radio amateurs great concern.
I would recommend two things. Firstly that you encourage ARRL to increase
its support for this important and valuable work, this may means financial
support for the representatives, since the meetings are held around the
world. ARRL need to sponsor 'experts' to ensure that the cost of travel is
reimbursed. ( RSGB has been very generous in this respect). Secondly, find
a way, if this does not already exist, to become involved in NEC affairs -
it should be possible to have ARRL representation involved in their work.
The objective is to ensure that 'best practice' is used on all and every
installation of Solar harvesting schemes.
To summarise, the steps should ensure that the items of equipment
(apparatus) are compliant with international standards that are designed to
protect radio services, and then ensure that the equipment are installed in
such a way that they do not negate compliance with the standard. For
example, if the equipment is connected with twisted pairs in order the meet
the compliance test - the installer must follow the same practice - and so
NEC 2017 (or later versions), must make that clear.
Since every authorised installer should carry and be checked against the
NEC installation practice, things will get better. However, I acknowledge
that best practice is followed when safety issues are concerned - but
rarely are rarely understood when EMC matters are important, and that it
what you have to get across with NEC - and we have to get across here in
Europe, where we face exactly the same challenge.
All of this is an international effort, because for the most part Solar
harvesting equipment is manufacturer around the world. Here in Europe the
systems come from China or Germany. Which means that it may be compliant
with CENELEC requirements to carry the ubiquitous CE mark. Note that little
word 'may', by which I suggest that there are ways around the compliance
system - just as there are ways around FCC marking.
CISPR - Special International Committee for Radio Interference, affiliated
with International Electro-Technical Commission (IEC)
CENELEC European Committee for Electrical Standards
I hope this helps - do let me know if I can provide any additional
background.
John - G8MM, F5VKU
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