IEC TS 63392-2025 PDF

Full title and description

IEC TS 63392:2025 — Fire test for concentrator PV modules. Technical Specification that defines a laboratory test method to evaluate the basic fire behaviour of photovoltaic modules used in concentrating PV (CPV) systems (modules with concentrated sunlight), addressing both external-flame exposure and internal-fire (hot spot/arching) scenarios for systems with a maximum DC system voltage of 1 500 V or less.

Abstract

This Technical Specification provides a standardized test procedure to assess basic fire performance of concentrator PV modules. Tests are intended to reproduce likely module ignition and flame-propagation mechanisms relevant to concentrator designs, including exposure to external flames or embers and fires originating within the module (hot spots or arcing). The document clarifies its scope relative to national building codes and points users to established fire test methods and classification standards where applicable.

General information

• Status: Published (Technical Specification).
• Publication date: 20 November 2025.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), TC 82 – Solar photovoltaic energy systems.
• ICS / categories: 27.160 (Solar photovoltaic energy systems).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2025).
• Number of pages: 15.

Scope

Specifies a laboratory fire test method for concentrator PV modules intended to determine basic fire behaviour for modules used in concentrating systems with maximum DC system voltages up to 1 500 V. Tests are conducted in two principal modes — (a) external-flame exposure (for example from flying embers) and (b) internal fire caused by hot spots or arcing inside the module. The Technical Specification does not replace or override national or local building and construction codes; CPV systems mounted in or on buildings must comply with applicable national/local codes. Where national fire-test requirements exist they take precedence; the TS also refers users to established test methods and classification frameworks such as ISO 5657, ENV 1187 series, ANSI/UL 790 and EN 13501-1 for complementary guidance.

Key topics and requirements

• Purpose: Define repeatable laboratory procedures to characterise basic fire behaviour of concentrator PV modules (ignition propensity, flame spread, flaming duration, flaming debris, and observable internal-fire phenomena).
• Two test modes: (1) External-flame/exposure tests to simulate exposure from outside ignition sources (e.g., embers), and (2) Internal-fire tests to simulate module-originating fires such as those from hot spots or arcing.
• Voltage limitation: Intended for concentrator modules used in systems with maximum DC system voltage ≤ 1 500 V.
• Sample selection and conditioning: Procedures for representative module selection, mounting and pre-test conditioning to ensure consistent, reproducible results.
• Instrumentation and observation: Requirements for temperature measurement, visual observation, and documentation of flame behaviour, ignition and propagation.
• Reporting and interpretation: Test report content and pass/fail observations; emphasises that local building code classifications and additional tests may be required for installation approvals.
• Normative and informative references: Cross-references to other fire-test and classification standards and PV module safety/qualification standards for context and additional requirements.

Typical use and users

Used by concentrator PV module manufacturers (for design validation and documentation), independent test laboratories performing fire performance testing, certification bodies evaluating basic fire behaviour of CPV modules, regulatory authorities and code officials when assessing product fire characteristics, and R&D groups investigating module safety and failure modes. Test data produced under this TS may be used to inform product safety documentation and to complement other PV safety and qualification test regimes.

Related standards

Referenced or complementary standards include ISO 5657 (fire tests — ignition sources), ENV 1187 parts 1–4 (flooring/fire test methods used as examples in fire testing contexts), ANSI/UL 790 (standard for roof covering materials/fire tests), and EN 13501-1 (fire classification of construction products and building elements). For broader PV module safety and qualification context, IEC 61730 (PV module safety qualification) and the IEC 61215 series (design qualification and type approval for terrestrial PV modules) are commonly referenced; note that some qualification standards for flat-plate modules explicitly exclude modules used with concentrated sunlight, making a dedicated concentrator PV fire test TS necessary.

Keywords

Concentrator PV, CPV, fire test, fire behaviour, hot spot, arcing, ignition, flame propagation, photovoltaic module safety, IEC TS 63392, TC 82.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC TS 63392:2025 is an IEC Technical Specification that specifies laboratory fire-test methods to evaluate the basic fire behaviour of concentrator photovoltaic modules (concentrator PV or CPV modules).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test procedures for two principal fire modes relevant to concentrator modules — external-flame exposure (e.g., embers) and internal fire caused by hot spots or arcing — for systems with DC voltages up to 1 500 V. It does not replace local building or fire codes and points users to additional fire classification standards for building-related assessments.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Module manufacturers, independent test laboratories, certification bodies, regulators, building-code authorities and R&D groups concerned with concentrator PV safety and fire performance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC TS 63392:2025 is a newly published Technical Specification (Edition 1.0, published 20 November 2025). Its stability/review date is indicated by IEC in the publication metadata; users should consult the IEC publication record or their national IEC member body for any subsequent amendments or replacement documents.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is published under IEC TC 82 (Solar photovoltaic energy systems) and complements existing PV module safety and qualification standards (for example IEC 61730 and the IEC 61215 series) by addressing concentrator-specific fire-test needs not covered by some flat-plate PV test standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Concentrator PV, CPV, fire test, hot spot, arcing, flame exposure, PV module fire behaviour, IEC TS 63392.