IEC TS 63392:2025

Overview

IEC TS 63392:2025 - Fire test for concentrator PV modules specifies a standardized test method to evaluate the basic fire behaviour of concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules and receivers operating at up to 1 500 V DC. The Technical Specification addresses two realistic fire modes:

• External burning-brand exposure (e.g., flying embers or external wildland/roof fire sources) and
• Internal fire scenarios caused by module hot spots, arcing or internal ignition.

The document defines sampling, test set‑up, test conditions, classification criteria and reporting requirements for concentrator PV modules and sub-components.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and applicability: Applies to concentrator modules/receivers (non-field-adjustable and field-adjustable systems) used in CPV systems; does not replace national building or fire codes for building-mounted installations.
• Two-mode fire testing: Distinct procedures for the external burning-brand test and the internal fire test to reflect real-world ignition mechanisms (flying embers vs. hot spots/arching).
• Sampling rules: Minimum samples for non-field-adjustable modules (typically two production modules for external testing plus one prepared for internal testing). Field-adjustable assemblies may require only receiver-level testing. Representative sub‑samples are permitted when full-size items are impractical.
• Test setup and conditions: Defines test facilities, apparatus, ignition of brands, wind velocity, duration and instrumentation. Includes intrusive and non-intrusive internal test variants and options for bypass/blocking diode thermal testing.
• Classification and reporting: Criteria for pass/fail and a standardized test report format with manufacturing/production notes, specimen details and deviations.

Applications and who uses it

IEC TS 63392:2025 is intended for:

• PV manufacturers designing concentrator modules and receivers (material choice, encapsulation, interconnects).
• Test laboratories and certification bodies performing fire performance assessments for CPV products.
• System integrators, safety engineers and installers assessing fire risk and compliance during product selection and system design.
• Regulators and permitting authorities needing standardized test data to compare fire behaviour of CPV modules.

Practical uses include product development (mitigating hot spots and arcing risks), combined type‑approval test programs (with IEC 62108), pre‑market safety qualification, and documentation for safety dossiers.

Related standards (if applicable)

• IEC 62108 (CPV design qualification and type approval)
• IEC 61730-1 / IEC 61730-2 (PV module safety requirements/testing)
• IEC 60695-11-20 (test flames)
• ISO 5657, ENV 1187-1 to -4, ANSI/UL 790, EN 13501-1 (additional fire test methods and building classification guidance)

Keywords: IEC TS 63392:2025, fire test for concentrator PV modules, CPV fire testing, external burning-brand test, internal hot‑spot test, concentrator PV safety.