The voltage of the solar installations (also known as photovoltaic or PV installations) increases to reduce cost and improve the efficiency of solar equipment. As a result, it is important to select measuring instruments that support higher voltage measurement to protect the safety of inspection workers. The P2010 enables high voltage measurement up to CAT III 2000 V by simply connecting to a compatible Hioki clamp meter or digital multimeter (DMM).
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Recent years have seen the introduction of solar power systems that operate at progressively higher voltages, creating new maintenance demand. At the same time, the hazards posted by maintenance work are increasing due to use of higher voltages.
Safety standards categorize measurement locations by measurement category ratings CAT II, CAT III, and CAT IV based on their line-to-ground rated voltage, current capacity, and transient overvoltage. According to the standard for Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification (IEC 61730-1), PV modules are treated as the overvoltage category III, and an instrument categorized as Measurement Category III is required.
Against this backdrop, measuring instruments used in maintenance of solar installations must accommodate high voltages to ensure they can be used safely. Using instruments that can accommodate the appropriate measurement category serves to protect workers and equipment from serious accidents such as electric shock and burnout. Currently, adoption of 1500 V solar installation is growing, but instruments that can accommodate even higher voltages will be necessary in the future as larger and even more efficient systems enter into use. Hioki developed this probe to support CAT III 2000 V measurement in response to the near-term prospect of such applications.
High voltages up to 2000 V can be safely measured when the DC High Voltage Probe P2010 is connected to the compatible Hioki clamp meter or digital multimeter (DMM). Kits that are perfect for PV measurements are available:
