AS/NZS Installation
Wind region classification primarily drives structural design, but it has real implications for cable routing decisions too.
Wind region classification under AS 1170.2 primarily governs structural design — fixing types, mounting hardware, panel clamp spacing — but it has real, practical implications for cable routing decisions on a solar or general electrical installation as well.
Exposed cable runs in cyclonic wind regions (Region C and D under the Australian classification) need more robust mechanical protection and more frequent securing points than the same run in a low-wind region — a cable that's merely cable-tied in a temperate, low-wind installation may need conduit protection in a cyclonic area to survive the same expected service life without mechanical damage.
UV-rated, mechanically robust conduit becomes more important, not less, in high-wind regions — flying debris during severe weather events is a real mechanical hazard to exposed cabling that a low-wind region simply doesn't have to the same degree.
Wind region isn't purely a structural mounting consideration — treat it as an input to your overall installation planning, cable routing included, not just the racking system selection.
Engr. Jason Morales — Founder, SolarEnergyPH & OhmWorks