In the dynamic world of electrical engineering, Ensuring the durability and reliability of products is paramount. One crucial aspect is testing for weathering and UV resistance, Particularly in electric cables designed for photovoltaic systems operating at 1.5 kV DC. In this article, We delve into the significance of the IEC 62930 standard, its Annex E, and the pivotal role it plays in evaluating the resilience of these cables under harsh environmental conditions.

IEC 62930:2017, Established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), stands as a cornerstone for assessing the longevity and performance of electric cables used in photovoltaic systems. This standard sets forth rigorous guidelines for conducting weathering and UV resistance tests, Ensuring that cables can withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight and environmental stressors without compromising functionality.

This test is to determine the UV stability of the sheathina material of the cable in the condition as manufactured. This is done by means of measuring tensile strength and elongation at break in the condition as manufactured and after exposure to ultraviolet light and water.	IEC 62930 Weathering UV Resistance Test Method
The testing apparatus is equipped with the following: – a ray source consisting of a xenon arc lamp with borosilicate filters so that the typical irradiance should be 60 W/m2+ 15 % with a spectrum between 300 nm and 400 nm; – a means to provide automatic control of temperature, humidity and cycles; – a generator of deionized water with a conductivity not greater than 5 uS/cm; the rate of flow should be sufficient to guarantee that all the test specimens can be washed. – a means to control the irradiance
A sample of the finished cable shall be selected to prepare 10 test pieces in accordance with IEC 60811-501. Five test pieces shall be exposed to the treatment for 720 h in 360 cycles of 120 min defined as follows:
a) 102 min of dry radiation exposure at a temperature of (60 ± 3) ‘C and relative humidity of (50+10)%, followed by b) 18 min of rain exposure, without radiation, at a temperature of (50 ± 3) C without control of the relative humidity. Note: Additional information on weathering/UV resistance testing can be found in 1S0 4892-1 and lS0 4892-2.
After the exposure, The test specimens shall be removed from the equipment and conditioned at ambient temperature for at least 16 h. The five exposed test pieces and the five not exposed test pieces shall be tested separately and in close succession for tensile strength and elongation at break.
The respective median values shall be calculated from the five tensile-strenath and elonaation at break values obtained for the conditioned test pieces and shall be divided by the median values of the five tensile-strength and elongation at break values obtained for the unconditioned test pieces.
The tensile-strength and elongation at break after 720 h (360 cycles) of exposure shall be at least 70 % of the values measured on not exposed test pieces.

The IEC 62930 weathering UV resistance test serves as a linchpin in the evaluation and assurance of cable durability in photovoltaic systems. By adhering to this standard and conducting rigorous testing, Manufacturers can uphold the highest standards of quality and reliability, Ultimately driving the adoption of renewable energy solutions worldwide. As the renewable energy landscape continues to evolve, Adherence to international standards like IEC 62930 will be instrumental in shaping a sustainable future powered by clean energy.

Electric cables form the backbone of photovoltaic (PV) systems, Facilitating the seamless transmission of electricity generated by solar panels. Given the outdoor installation of these systems, Cables are inevitably exposed to harsh sunlight, temperature fluctuations, and moisture. Consequently, Ensuring their resilience to weathering and UV radiation is indispensable for the long-term performance and safety of PV installations.

Annex E of IEC 62930 delineates the specific procedures and parameters for executing the weathering UV resistance test. This test simulates real-world conditions by subjecting cable samples to ultraviolet radiation, temperature variations, and moisture exposure over extended durations. By replicating these environmental factors, Engineers can accurately gauge the cable’s ability to resist degradation and maintain operational integrity over time.

Environmental Conditions	Temperature Range: -10C~+28℃、Humidity: ≤85%	Performance Characteristics:
Xenon Lamp Power	Long arc xenon lamp, 2.5KW, 1 PC, GB/T16422.2
Xenon Lamp Wavelength	250-800nm, the maximum reproduction of the sun’s aging mechanism can be set to be tested samples for 24 hours exposed to the equivalent of summer noon when the lighting environment,
	Compared with the actual outdoor environment, the average light intensity is stronger, the average daily exposure time is longer, so that the test results can be quickly obtained.
Irradiation Intensity	35- 70 W/M2 (at 300- 400nm) Adjustable
	350- 580 W/M2 (at 300- 800nm) Adjustable
	0.30- 0.57 W/M2 at 340nm ｜0.60- 1.22 W/M2 at 420nm
Irradiation Intensity Adjustment	Microcomputer + PID digital power + Xenon lamp stepless adjustment
Irradiation Intensity Measurement	Without SOLAR EYETM, set manually
	With SOLAR EYETM, automatic measurement adjustment
Filters	1. S1 high purity quartz glass, so that the irradiance of the sample on the spectrum of the peak value and the value of the ground near the sun
	2. Modular design, according to the test space to optimize the combination
	3. Depending on the environment, you can choose to simulate direct sunlight or window glass to transmit sunlight
	4. Unless the filter is damaged, generally do not need to replace the filter
Blackboard Temperature Range	RT+10℃～100℃ (Adjustable)
Temperature Fluctuation	±0.5℃
Temperature Uniformity	≤±2℃
Humidity Range	45%R.H～75%R.H (Adjustable)
Humidity Deviation	+2%R.H-3%R.H
Arc Center to Tray Distance	200mm ~ 500mm (Adjustable)
Dark period, Irradiation Cycle	0～9999min (Adjustable)
Rainfall Cycle	0～9999min (Adjustable)

The weathering UV resistance test outlined in IEC 62930 evaluates multiple facets of cable performance, including durability under prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation. This comprehensive evaluation encompasses the cable’s ability to withstand not only direct sunlight but also the harsh environmental conditions present in outdoor settings. Beyond mere surface degradation, Such as embrittlement and discoloration, This test scrutinizes the cable’s long-term structural integrity and performance reliability.

By subjecting cable samples to rigorous UV radiation levels, The test simulates real-world conditions, Ensuring that the cables can maintain optimal functionality over extended periods. Furthermore, It assesses the cable’s resistance to UV-induced degradation, Safeguarding against potential failures and ensuring consistent performance in outdoor applications. This meticulous evaluation process underscores the cable’s resilience and suitability for outdoor installations, Offering reassurance to stakeholders across various industries.

UV Exposure	Cable samples are subjected to UV radiation levels equivalent to those experienced in real-world outdoor environments. This exposure assesses the cable’s ability to withstand UV degradation, such as embrittlement, cracking, or discoloration.
Temperature Cycling	Fluctuations in temperature, from extreme cold to intense heat, mimic the diurnal variations encountered outdoors. Thermal cycling tests verify the cable’s resistance to expansion, contraction, and thermal stress, thereby preventing potential failures due to temperature-induced degradation.
Moisture Resistance	Moisture ingress poses a significant threat to cable insulation and conductive elements. The test evaluates the cable’s ability to repel moisture and maintain insulating properties, safeguarding against short circuits, corrosion, and insulation breakdown.

UVC 254nm Ultraviolet Light Test Equipment Comply with ISO 4892-1 and EN 60335-1｜The UVC 254nm ultraviolet light test equipment simulates the damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet light and tests the weather resistance of the material under test by exposing it to light at controlled high temperatures. It uses ultraviolet lamps to simulate the effects of sunlight over a period of days or weeks. UVC 254nm irradiation equipment can cause damage that would take months or even years to occur outdoors, These include fading, color change, tarnishing, powdering, cracking, wrinkling, foaming, embrittlement, reduction of oxidation and so on. Read more…

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ISO 4892-1 Plastics Methods of Exposure To Laboratory Light Sources Part 1: General Guidance｜ISO 4892-2 Plastics Methods of Exposure To Laboratory Light Sources Part 2: Xenon-Arc Lamps｜Long-term outdoor sunlight exposure, high temperature and humidity are the main causes of coating cracking, loss of gloss, fading, yellowing and chalking. The weather resistance of the coating is related to the spectral sensitivity of the coating components. For outdoor paints, UV rays are the main cause of paint aging. The UV accelerated aging test can simulate the damage of the UV part of sunlight to the coating, and reproduce the damage that occurs outdoors for months or even years in days or weeks. Read more…