Solar Lattice

Mitigation

Proper junction box sealing

ID
mit:junction-box-sealing
IRI
https://solarlattice.org/kb/mit/junction-box-sealing
Status
active

Proper junction box sealing is a preventive action at the junction box supplier level that helps limit junction box failures. It mainly targets moisture ingress, which corrodes the connections and the cell string interconnectors inside the box. A junction box with an inadequate IP rating can also let water in and fail. The IEC 62790 standard sets design and test requirements for PV junction boxes, including a minimum IP55 protection rating. In the field, check the sealing around the wire entrance and the lid. It may be squeezed, broken or brittle, or missing completely. Also check whether the adhesive holding the box to the backsheet has weathered or yellowed. Sealing defects found during inspection should be corrected. Where there is evidence of arcing or burning, isolating the circuit for safety comes first. Sealing does not cover every path for water: delamination near the junction box can let water in, and proper lamination helps reduce this. If a junction box has already failed, replace the module rather than repair it, because repaired junction boxes can easily start new fires.

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