What are the differences between the EN 50618 standard and the VdS certification for photovoltaic cables?

The EN 50618 standard and the VdS certification serve different yet complementary purposes in the realm of photovoltaic (PV) cables, and here are their main differences:

1. Scope and Nature

• EN 50618 Standard
  • Broad - based Standard: EN 50618 is a European standard that comprehensively covers various aspects of PV cables. It is a fundamental technical specification that defines the requirements for the construction, electrical performance, mechanical properties, and environmental resistance of PV cables. This standard sets the basic benchmarks for PV cables to be used in general PV installations across Europe.
  • Harmonized Standard: It is part of the European harmonized standards system, which means that compliance with EN 50618 is often a prerequisite for obtaining the CE marking, indicating conformity with European health, safety, and environmental protection requirements.
• VdS Certification
  • Specialized Fire - Safety Focus: VdS (Verband der Sachversicherer) certification is specialized in assessing the fire - safety performance of products, including PV cables. It is more focused on the ability of the cables to prevent the spread of fire and maintain their integrity during a fire event.
  • Certification Scheme: VdS is a certification body that conducts independent testing and evaluation of products. Obtaining VdS certification is an additional voluntary step for manufacturers to demonstrate the high - level fire - safety performance of their PV cables.

2. Technical Requirements

• EN 50618 Standard
  • Electrical Performance: It specifies requirements for electrical conductivity, insulation resistance, and voltage - withstanding ability of PV cables. For example, it defines the minimum cross - sectional area of conductors to ensure efficient power transmission and the insulation properties to prevent electrical leakage.
  • Mechanical Properties: The standard addresses mechanical strength, flexibility, and resistance to bending, pulling, and abrasion. Cables need to be able to withstand the mechanical stresses during installation and long - term use.
  • Environmental Resistance: EN 50618 requires PV cables to have good resistance to UV radiation, ozone, and a wide range of temperatures. This ensures the long - term durability of the cables in different environmental conditions.
• VdS Certification
  • Fire - Resistance: The main focus of VdS certification is on fire - resistance. It assesses how well the cable can resist ignition, prevent the spread of flames, and maintain its electrical functionality during a fire. For example, it measures the cable's flame - spread rate, the amount of smoke generated during combustion, and the presence of toxic gases.
  • Self - Extinguishing Properties: Cables are tested to determine their self - extinguishing capabilities. A cable with good self - extinguishing properties will stop burning once the ignition source is removed, reducing the risk of fire propagation.

3. Market Recognition and Application

• EN 50618 Standard
  • Widely Accepted in Europe: EN 50618 is widely recognized and accepted across the European Union. It is a basic requirement for most PV cable installations in Europe, and compliance is often necessary for market access.
  • General PV Installations: It is suitable for a wide range of PV applications, from small - scale residential installations to large - scale commercial and utility - scale solar power plants.
• VdS Certification
  • High - Risk and High - Profile Installations: VdS - certified PV cables are often preferred for high - risk installations such as large - scale industrial solar power plants, solar installations in public buildings, and areas with strict fire - safety regulations.
  • Enhanced Market Competitiveness: Although not mandatory in all cases, VdS certification can enhance a manufacturer's market competitiveness by demonstrating the superior fire - safety performance of their PV cables.