BEAMA Technical Bulletin - DC PV Connectors
This publication highlights practical safety considerations for DC photovoltaic (PV) connectors/couplers, including common causes of overheating and fire, compatibility requirements, installation workmanship, relevant standards and safe disconnection practices.
This publication is based on the following documents:
- BS EN 62852:2015+A1:2020 Connectors for DC-application in photovoltaicsystems. Safety requirements and tests
- Draft for Public Comment (DPC) of BS EN IEC 62852 ED2 PV coupler for DC-application in photovoltaic systems - Safety requirements and tests*
- BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 IET Wiring Regulations, 18th Edition Amendment 4
The current edition of BS EN 62852 uses the term ‘connector’. The DPC of BS EN IEC 62852 ED2 uses the term ‘coupler’ and ‘connector’. The DPC of BS EN IEC 62852 ED2 uses the following definitions:
- PV coupler – a means enabling the connection and disconnection of two cables, or of a cable and a component, and consisting of a PV pin connector and a PV socket connector from the same manufacturer.
- Connector – a component which terminates conductors for the purpose of providing connection to and disconnection from a suitable mating component.
The coupler described in the DPC of BS EN IEC 62852 ED2 must be distinguished from the standardized plug and socket design for DC PV systems covered in IEC 63678 ED1 (Standardized plug and socket design for DC photovoltaic (PV) systems) which was under preparation at the time of producing this publication.