CSA C22.2 No. 2515-19: Photovoltaic Module Interconnection Requirements for Canadian Electrical Code Compliance

CSA C22.2 No. 2515-19 (hereinafter referred to as “the Standard”) is a national standard of Canada developed under the Canadian Electrical Code, Part II (C22.2 series). It establishes minimum safety requirements for the interconnection of photovoltaic (PV) modules with equipment located on or within buildings, structures, or other premises. The Standard addresses direct‑current (DC) circuits up to 1000 V and alternating‑current (AC) circuits up to 750 V, covering all PV module types including crystalline silicon, thin‑film, and building‑integrated photovoltaic products. Its primary objective is to mitigate fire, electric shock, and arc‑flash hazards associated with PV system installations.

Scope and Application

CSA C22.2 No. 2515-19 applies to the interconnection of PV modules to other electrical equipment such as inverters, charge controllers, combiners, and disconnects. It covers both utility‑interactive and stand‑alone systems. The Standard is intended for use by system designers, installers, manufacturers, and certification bodies to ensure consistent safety across residential, commercial, and utility‑scale deployments.

The scope includes:

• PV module interconnection cables and connectors;
• DC circuit combiners and re‑combiners;
• Disconnect switches and overcurrent protection devices;
• Grounding and bonding requirements;
• Marking and instruction requirements for safe operation.

Technical Requirements

Disconnect Means

Each PV circuit must have a readily accessible disconnecting means. The Standard requires that a DC disconnect be provided to isolate the PV array from the inverter or charge controller. Disconnects must be rated for DC voltage and current, and must be capable of interrupting the rated load current. For systems with multiple modules in series (strings), a string‑level or array‑level disconnect is acceptable provided the interrupting capacity is sufficient for the available fault current.

Overcurrent Protection

Overcurrent protection (OCP) is mandated for each PV source circuit and output circuit where the available short‑circuit current exceeds the ampacity of the conductors. The Standard requires OCP devices to be listed for DC operation and to have an interrupting rating not less than the maximum available fault current. Where OCP is provided, it must be located at the point where the circuit rating changes (e.g., at a combiner output).

Grounding and Bonding

All exposed conductive surfaces of PV modules, racking, and enclosures must be bonded together and grounded in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code, Part I). The Standard emphasizes low‑impedance bonding paths and requires that bonding jumpers or conductors be sized per Table 1 below.

Arc‑Fault Protection

CSA C22.2 No. 2515-19 mandates that PV systems incorporate arc‑fault protection to mitigate fire risks from series arcs in DC circuits. The Standard requires that either the inverter includes a listed arc‑fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) or a separate DC AFCI device is installed. The device must detect and interrupt series arcs within 0.5 s and automatically reset after clearing (or lock out if the fault persists).

Rapid Shutdown

Although not required for all systems by the Standard, rapid shutdown provisions are recommended to reduce shock hazards for first responders. When required by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), the PV system must reduce the voltage to ≤ 30 V within 30 s of shutdown initiation. The Standard provides guidance on labeling and control methods.

Implementation and Testing Considerations

Compliance verification involves both type testing and routine production tests. Key tests include:

• Dielectric voltage‑withstand test – 1000 V DC plus two times the maximum system voltage.
• Impulse voltage test – 5 kV peak for Category III environments.
• Temperature rise test – All components must remain within rated temperature limits at full load.
• Short‑circuit current test – OCP devices must interrupt the maximum prospective fault current.

Compliance and Certification Notes

Installations designed and installed to CSA C22.2 No. 2515-19 are considered to meet the applicable safety requirements of the CE Code Part I (Sections 50 and 64). The Standard is referenced by provincial and territorial electrical safety authorities, making it de facto mandatory for grid‑connected PV systems across Canada.

• Mandatory certification: All PV interconnection components supplied in Canada must carry certification marks from an accredited organization (e.g., CSA, UL, or Intertek) to this Standard.
• Field‑modification restrictions: Any alteration to certified equipment (e.g., extending cables beyond the allowed length) voids the certification and must be re‑evaluated by the AHJ.
• Documentation: The owner’s manual must include a system one‑line diagram, maximum voltage and current ratings, and instructions for periodic inspection and cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

© 2026, Canadian Standards Association publication. This article is for informational purposes and does not replace the full text of CSA C22.2 No. 2515-19. Always consult the current edition and local AHJ requirements.