PROCEDURE

FOR THE TESTING AND COMMISSIONING OF GRID-

CONNECTED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS IN MALAYSIA

Part 4 SYSTEMS GREATER THAN 425 kWp

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (SEDA)

MALAYSIA

2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. PRE-COMMISSIONING CHECKLIST AND TEST ................................................................................................ 2

1.1 INFORMATION ABOUT PROJECT ................................................................................................................. 3
1.2 CHECKLIST FOR GENERAL INSPECTION ........................................................................................................ 4
1.3 CHECKLIST FOR PV MODULE MOUNTING STRUCTURE & CIVIL FOUNDATION ............................................. 6
1.4 CHECKCHECKLISTLIST FOR DC JUNCTION BOX OR STRING MONITORING BOX ............................................ 7
1.5 CHECKLIST FOR EARTHING & LIGHTNING ARRESTOR .................................................................................. 8
1.6 CHECKLIST FOR PV MODULE INSPECTION ................................................................................................... 9
1.7 CHECKLIST FOR INVERTER INSPECTION ..................................................................................................... 10
1.8 CHECKLIST FOR AC DISTRIBUTION BOX ..................................................................................................... 11
1.9 CHECKLIST OF CABLE IDENTIFICATION AND CABLE ROUTING INSPECTION ............................................... 12
1.10 CHECKLIST FOR WEATHER MONITORING STATION AND PV MONITORING SYSTEM ................................. 13
1.11 CABLE INSULATION TEST ........................................................................................................................... 14
1.12 STRING FUSE CONTINUITY AND STRING OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TEST .................................................... 15
1.13 STRING DC SHORT CIRCUIT CURRENT TEST ............................................................................................... 16
1.14 ISOLATION DEVICE FUNCTIONAL TEST ...................................................................................................... 17
2. TESTING AND COMMISSIONING CHECKLIST.................................................................................................18
2.1 INFORMATION ABOUT PV MODULE .......................................................................................................... 19
2.2 INFORMATION ABOUT PV ARRAY .............................................................................................................. 20
2.3 INFORMATION ABOUT INVERTER.............................................................................................................. 21
2.4 INVERTER FUNCTIONAL TEST .................................................................................................................... 22
2.5 ACCEPTANCE TEST ..................................................................................................................................... 23
3. RELIABILITY RUN TEST .................................................................................................................................24
3.1 PERFORMANCE RATIO TEST ...................................................................................................................... 25

1
1. PRE-COMMISSIONING CHECKLIST AND TEST

Prior to commissioning, the service provider of the GCPV systems must perform the pre-commissioning
checks.

This activity shall be conducted by the competent persons as stated at the end of the checklist, whilst
adhering to the relevant laws and regulations.

A copy of the completed pre-commissioning checklist and test results must be submitted to SEDA and
Distribution Licensee (DL) for application of Testing and Commissioning.

During the pre-commissioning checks, the GCPV systems SHALL NOT BE ENGAGED to the grid.

The pre-commissioning checks consist the following (mandatory minimum):

1. Information about Project
2. Checklist for General Inspection
3. Checklist for PV Module Mounting Structure & Civil foundation
4. Checklist for DC Junction Box or String Monitoring Box
5. Checklist for Earthing & Lightning Arrestor
6. Checklist for PV Module
7. Checklist for Inverter
8. Checklist for AC Distribution Box
9. Checklist of Cable identification and cable routing inspection
10. Checklist for weather monitoring station and monitoring system
11. Cable insulation test
12. String fuse continuity and string open circuit voltage test
13. String DC short circuit current test
14. Isolation device functional test

2
1.1 INFORMATION ABOUT PROJECT

Table 1.1 Information about project

Project details
FIT application number

Project description

Site GPS coordinates

(Latitude, Longitude)
Site address

Date of inspection
(dd_mmm_yyyy)

Customer details
Name

Full postal address

Mobile phone
number/Ground phone
number
Email address

Installation details
Date of completion of
installation
Date of planned
connection to grid
Import meter reading
(kWh) at pre-comm
session
Export meter reading
(kWh) at pre-comm
session
Remarks

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1.2 CHECKLIST FOR GENERAL INSPECTION

Table 1.2 Checklist for General Inspection

Description If the job has been done satisfactorily, please tick
in the box. Date of inspection:
If not applicable, write NA in the box. (dd_mmm_yyyy)

Instructions This form shall be filled-up for each sub- Inverter ID: Sub-array ID:
array connected to one inverter

A. General i. All necessary safety equipment are available at the site

ii. Array frame correctly fixed and stable

iii. All cable entries are weather proof

iv. PV module location, perimeter, gate, control room & switch yard,
plant internal road location as per approved layout drawing

v. Components comply with standards and are selected as per design &
not damaged

vi. Equipment accessible for inspection, operation & maintenance

vii. Equipment & accessories are connected as per approved drawing

viii. Protective measures for special locations have been addressed

(if applicable)

ix. Equipment & protective measures are appropriate to external influence

x. System installed to prevent mutual detrimental influence

xi. All cables are identified and connected as per approved drawing

xii. All cables are selected for current carrying capacity and voltage drop
as per approved design

xiii. Conductors routed are in safe zone or protected against mechanical

damage

xiv. All tagging are appropriate.

xv. All signages are appropriate.

xvi. All relevant documents are available.

xvii. Emergency procedure displayed at site

xviii. PV system schematic displayed at site

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B. DC Side i. Adequate physical separation of AC, DC & communication cables

ii. All DC components are sized for rated operation at maximum

DC system voltage

iii. All DC cables are meant for solar PV applications and as

per design document

iv. PV string fuse or DC breaker are available in the combiner boxes

C. Protection i. Live parts are insulated and protected by barrier/enclosure, placed

against out of reach
over
voltage ii. Surge protection devices are available
& Electric
Shock iii. External lightning protection system is available

iv. PV frame grounding correctly integrated with existing installation

D. AC Side i. Inverter protection setting as per local regulation (labelling &

identification mark)

ii. Protection setting by installers displayed at site (maximum current,

range of voltage and frequency)

Comments:

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1.3 CHECKLIST FOR PV MODULE MOUNTING STRUCTURE & CIVIL FOUNDATION

Table 1.3 Checklist for PV Module Mounting Structure & Civil Foundation
Description If the job has been done satisfactorily, please tick
in the box. Date of inspection:
If not applicable, write NA in the box. (dd_mmm_yyyy)

Instructions This form shall be filled-up for each sub- Inverter ID: Sub-array ID:
array connected to one inverter

i. Mounting structure and jointing materials as per approved drawing

ii. Foundation dimensions as per approved drawing

iii. Switch yard civil foundation as per approved drawing

iv. The material for structure has corrosion proof coating

(check for availability of factory test certificate)

v. Structures are correctly fixed at specific tilt and orientation as per design document

vi. No crack found in the foundation and/or mounting structure

vii. Structures are designed based on the maximum wind load of the location
(check for availability of structure engineer certificate)

viii. No rust (for steel) or discoloration (for aluminium) found in the structure materials
(e.g. frame, clamp, bolt and nuts, etc.)

ix. Water drainage is available

Comments:

6
1.4 CHECKCHECKLISTLIST FOR DC JUNCTION BOX OR STRING MONITORING BOX

Table 1.4 Checklist for DC Junction Box or String Monitoring Box

Description If the job has been done satisfactorily, please tick
in the box. Date of inspection:
If not applicable, write NA in the box. (dd_mmm_yyyy)

Instructions This form shall be filled-up for each sub- Inverter ID: Sub-array ID:
array connected to one inverter

i. DC Junction/String Monitoring Box connection diagram is available at the

inside of the cover

ii. Wiring is as per approved schematic

iii. String fuses or DC circuit breakers are available

iv. Metal casings are earthed as per design document

v. All boxes are properly fixed at appropriate locations as per design document

vi. Surge protections devices are available inside the box as per design document

vii. Box and related component & insulation rating based on maximum DC voltage

viii. Boxes for outdoor use should be suitably rated based on Malaysia climate

Comments:

7
1.5 CHECKLIST FOR EARTHING & LIGHTNING ARRESTOR

Table 1.5 Checklist for earthing & lightning arrestor

Description If the job has been done satisfactorily, please tick
in the box. Date of inspection:
If not applicable, write NA in the box. (dd_mmm_yyyy)

Instructions This form shall be filled-up for each Earth pit ID: Lightning arrestor ID:
earthing pit and each lightning arrestor

i. Earthing location as per approved drawing

ii. Earthing conductor properly connected to metal parts of all structures

iii. All array frames (for framed modules) and structures are earthed
and bonded properly

iv. Earthing & lightning arrestor are installed as per design document

Comments:

8
1.6 CHECKLIST FOR PV MODULE INSPECTION

Table 1.6 Checklist for PV module

Description If the job has been done satisfactorily, please tick
in the box. Date of inspection:
If not applicable, write NA in the box. (dd_mmm_yyyy)

Instructions This form shall be filled-up for each sub- Structure ID: Sub-array ID:
array structure

i. PV modules are fixed on the structure as per design drawing

ii. PV modules are properly levelled on the structure

iii. PV modules conform to relevant IEC standards as per design document

iv. Inter-module connectors are properly crimped & securely connected

v. PV modules are connected with correct polarity

vi. Non-metallic isolator is present between each PV module frame & structure
(if they are made from different metals)

vii. Installation of PV modules are done as per manufacturers guidelines

Comments:

9
1.7 CHECKLIST FOR INVERTER INSPECTION

Table 1.7 Checklist for inverter

Description If the job has been done satisfactorily, please tick
in the box. Date of inspection:
If not applicable, write NA in the box. (dd_mmm_yyyy)

Instructions This form shall be filled-up for each Inverter ID:

inverter

i. Inverter is installed as per manufacturers guideline

ii. Sufficient ventilation is available around the inverter (as per manufacturers
guideline)

iii. Inverter conforms to relevant IEC standards (or equivalent) as per design document

iv. Inverter unit is properly fastened to floor/wall surfaces

v. Inverter is properly earthed

vi. Inverter incoming/outgoing cables are properly tagged

vii. Inverter incoming/outgoing cables are properly connected as per drawing

viii. The connections for phase sequence L1, L2 & L3 are in proper order (for three
phase inverters)

ix. The connections for L and N are in proper order (for single phase inverters)

x. Inverter for outdoor use shall be suitable rated based on Malaysia climate.

xi. Gap maintained between power cables and signal cables routing as per
design document

xii. The auxiliary power cables are connected properly

xiii. All cable terminations are done properly

xiv. Proper labelling of all the cables and components are done

xv. Inverter factory settings are as per local utility guidelines

Comments:

10
1.8 CHECKLIST FOR AC DISTRIBUTION BOX

Table 1.8 Checklist for AC Distribution Box (ACDB)

Description If the job has been done satisfactorily, please tick
in the box. Date of inspection:
If not applicable, write NA in the box. (dd_mmm_yyyy)

Instructions This form shall be filled-up for each ACDB ACDB ID:

i. ACDB is properly mounted as per design document

ii. Sufficient free space available around each ACDB

iii. ACDB is properly earthed as per design document (if applicable)

iv. The connections for phase sequence L1, L2 & L3 are in proper order (for three
phase inverters)

v. The connections for L and N are in proper order (for single phase inverters)

vi. Incoming/outgoing cables are properly connected as per approved

schematic diagram

vii. All cable terminations are done properly

viii. Proper tagging of all cables and components are done

ix. All cable glands are properly secured & tightened

x. Boxes for outdoor use shall be suitably rated based on Malaysia climate

Comments:

11
1.9 CHECKLIST OF CABLE IDENTIFICATION AND CABLE ROUTING INSPECTION

Table 1.9 Checklist for cable identification & route inspection

Description If the job has been done satisfactorily, please tick
in the box. Date of inspection:
If not applicable, write NA in the box. (dd_mmm_yyyy)

i. All cable routed areas are properly marked on the ground

ii. All power cable route & locations are as per drawing

iii. All cables are properly tagged

iv. All DC cables are meant for solar PV applications and as per design document

v. Cable caution tape is used for all underground cables as per design document

vi. All trunking and conduits are installed as per design document

Comments:

12
1.10 CHECKLIST FOR WEATHER MONITORING STATION AND PV MONITORING SYSTEM

Table 1.10 Checklist for weather monitoring station and PV monitoring system
Description If the job has been done satisfactorily, please tick
in the box. Date of inspection:
If not applicable, write NA in the box. (dd_mmm_yyyy)

An automated monitoring system is required and a closed circuit television (CCTV) system is
recommended

i. Local & remote communication & data logging system is available as per design
document

ii. The communication software test report as per design document

iii. Identification marks on communication cable are available and as per design
document

iv. Communication system architecture diagram is displayed near the computer

in the control room

v. Gap maintained between power cables and signal cables routing

vi. All parameters are properly configured in the computer as per requirement

vii. Internet connection is available at the control room

viii. Remote monitoring via internet or other means is available

ix. Monitored data for Weather Monitoring Station (WMS) must comprise at least:
- Solar irradiance on the horizontal
- Solar irradiance on the plane of array (for static and tracking systems)
- Ambient temperature
- Wind speed

x. Monitored data for system monitoring must comprise at least:

- Module temperature
- Inverter temperature
- DC electrical parameters such as voltages and currents for each string
- AC electrcial parameters such as voltages and current from each inverter

xi. All weather monitoring system and PV monitoring system shall be synchronised and
sampled at FIVE-minute intervas

xii. All CCTV images are sampled continuously (if required)

xiii. All sensors are accompanied with test certificates and relevant documents

Comments:

13
1.11 CABLE INSULATION TEST

Table 1.11 Cable insulation test

Cable ID Date of inspection:
Description References (Please state) (dd_mmm_yyyy)

Test point All new cables

Use appropriate tools to measure and record
Testing is performed on new cable Instructions:
installations to determine if the insulation SWITCH OFF / DISCONNECT the following:
has been damaged. - PV AC Main Switch (Isolator)
- All AC switches
- All DC switches
- All DC fuses

Isolate all cables except for inter-module connection

and earthing cables.

No. Cable from Cable to Insulation resistance Pass Fail

(originating) (terminating) value
(Please tick
in the box)
1

Comments:

14
1.12 STRING FUSE CONTINUITY AND STRING OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TEST

Table 1.12 String fuse and String Open Circuit Voltage test
String cable ID Date of inspection:
Description References (Please state) (dd_mmm_yyyy)

Test point Each Array Junction Box/String Monitoring Box

Use appropriate tools to measure and record
Test the continuity of each string fuse (Please tick
) OK: Not OK:

Determine the following: Solar irradiance should be at least 350

1. Measured Open Circuit Voltage (Voc_mea) of each Wm-2 when performing this test.
string.
2. Expected Open Circuit Voltage (Voc_exp) of each string. Instructions:
3. % Difference between measured and expected Voc. SWITCH OFF / DISCONNECT the
following:
ACCEPT if - PV AC Main Switch (isolator)
% difference of Voc (between measured Voc and - All AC switches
expected Voc) with respect to expected Voc is within - All DC switches
- All DC fuses
Voc measured of each string is less than the maximum
input voltage of the inverter
Polarity of all DC cables (string and array) is correct

String Voc of Voc Voc Measured Measured % Accept (A)

No. string at measured expected module Irradiance difference or
STC (V) (V) (V) temp (0C) (Wm-2) of Voc Reject (R)
1

Comments:

15
1.13 STRING DC SHORT CIRCUIT CURRENT TEST

Table 1.13 String DC Short circuit current test

String Cable ID Date of inspection:
Description References (Please state) (dd_mmm_yyyy)

Test point All DC Junction Boxes

Inverter No

Use appropriate tools to measure and record

Using appropriate method, determine the following: Solar irradiance should be at
1. Measured short circuit current (Isc_mea) of each string least 350 Wm-2 when
2. Expected short circuit current (Isc_exp) of each string performing this test.
3. % Difference between measured and expected Isc.
Instructions:
ACCEPT if SWITCH OFF / DISCONNECT
% difference of Isc (between measured Isc_mea and expected the following:
Isc_exp) with respect to Isc_exp is within - PV AC Main Switch (isolator)
- All AC switches
AJB: Array Junction Box - All DC switches
SMB: String Monitoring Box - All DC fuses

No. AJB/SMB No. of String Solar Measured Measure Expected % Accept

ID No. strings no. irradiance module d Isc of Isc string difference (A)
-2
per (Wm ) temp (0C) string (A) of Isc or
AJB/SMB (A) Reject
(R)

Comments:

16
1.14 ISOLATION DEVICE FUNCTIONAL TEST

Table 1.14 Isolation device test

Date of inspection:
Description (dd_mmm_yyyy)

Test point All isolators, switches and fuses

Use appropriate tools to measure and record
Please tick
in the appropriate box Solar irradiance should be at least 350 Wm-2 when
performing this test.

Instructions:
SWITCH OFF / DISCONNECT the following:
- PV AC Main Switch (isolator)
- All AC switches
- All DC switches
- All DC fuses

No. Description Accept Reject Note

1 Confirm voltage is NOT present at array cable terminal at AJB
before all fuses are engaged
2 Confirm voltage is present at array cable terminal at AJB after
all fuses are engaged
3 Confirm voltage is NOT present at the outgoing terminal of PV
DC Main Switch when the switch is in OFF position
4 Confirm voltage is present at the outgoing terminal of PV DC
Main Switch when the switch is in ON position
5 Confirm voltage is NOT present at the outgoing terminal of AC
Switch when the switch is in OFF position
6 Confirm voltage is present at the outgoing terminal of AC
Switch when the switch is in ON position
7 Confirm voltage is NOT present at the outgoing terminal of PV
AC Main Switch when the switch is in OFF position
8 Confirm voltage is present at the outgoing terminal of PV AC
Main Switch when the switch is in ON position
Comments:

Signature

Date
Name
Designation Chargeman/Wireman with SEDA PV SEDA Malaysia GCPV System Design
certification certificate holder

17
2. TESTING AND COMMISSIONING CHECKLIST

This activity shall be conducted by competent persons as stated at the end of the checklist whilst
adhering to the provisions of all relevant laws and regulations.

After completion of the pre-commissioning checklist and tests, the service provider must perform
commissioning tests to ensure all inter-connections of the components are satisfactory.

The commissioning test comprises the following:

1. Information about PV module
2. Information about PV array
3. Information about inverter
4. Inverter functional test
5. Acceptance test

Conditions:
1. All tests must be done in sequence.
2. If a test fails, the next test shall not be performed.
3. Failure of any test nullifies the entire Testing and Commissioning.
4. The Weather Monitoring Station and PV Monitoring System shall be provided, installed and
maintained by the FIAH for the entire duration of the Deed in Approval.

18
2.1 INFORMATION ABOUT PV MODULE

Table 2.1 Information about PV module

Description Visual Inspection Date of inspection:
If the job has been done satisfactorily, (dd_mmm_yyyy)
please tick
in the box.
If not applicable, write NA in the box.
No. Item Details Check
(
)

1 Module make & model

Power at maximum power

2 Wp
point (Pmp_stc)
Open Circuit Voltage
3 V
(Voc_stc)
Short Circuit Current
4 A
(Isc_stc)

5 Fill factor at STC -

6 Module efficiency at STC %

Temperature coefficient for % per
7
Pmp ( at STC) deg C
Temperature coefficient for % per
8
Voc ( at STC) deg C
Temperature coefficient for % per
9
Isc ( at STC) deg C

10 Maximum system voltage V

11 Maximum reverse current A

Comments:

19
2.2 INFORMATION ABOUT PV ARRAY

Table 2.2 Information about PV array

Description If the job has been done satisfactorily, please tick
in the box. Date of inspection:
If not applicable, write NA in the box. (dd_mmm_yyyy)

Instructions This form shall be filled-up for each Inverter ID: Sub-array ID:
connection to one inverter
Check
No. Item Details
(
)

1 No. of modules per string pcs

2 Total no. of strings pcs

3 Total array power at STC Wp

4 PV array inclination deg

5 PV array orientation (azimuth angle from South) deg

No. of strings per Array Junction Box/String Monitoring
6 pcs
Box
7 No. of Array Junction Box/String Monitoring Box pcs
Comments:

20
2.3 INFORMATION ABOUT INVERTER

Table 2.3 Information about inverter

Description If the job has been done satisfactorily, please tick
in the box. Date of inspection:
If not applicable, write NA in the box. (dd_mmm_yyyy)

Instructions This form shall be filled-up for each Inverter ID

connection to one inverter
Check
No. Item Details
(
)

1 Inverter model

2 Nominal AC power rating W

3 Maximum AC power rating W

4 Maximum DC voltage V

5 DC voltage range V

6 MPPT voltage range V

7 No. of MPPT trackers unit

Comments:

21
2.4 INVERTER FUNCTIONAL TEST

Table 2.4 Inverter functional test

Format No Date of inspection:
Description References (dd_mmm_yyyy)

Test point All Inverters

Use appropriate tools to measure and record
Please tick
in the appropriate box

Solar irradiance should be at least 350 Wm-2 when

performing this test.

Instructions: SWITCH ON the system and ensure that the

inverter is operating.

CAUTION: Before switching on the inverter, make sure Voc

measured at the inverter input terminal must be LESS THAN
the maximum allowable input DC voltage of the inverter.

No. Description Value Accept Reject

Reasons
1 Check whether the measured
DC voltage falls within the
allowable MPPT voltage range
of the inverter
2 Check whether the measured
grid voltage and frequency are
within the acceptable limit
Comments:

22
2.5 ACCEPTANCE TEST

Table 2.5 System acceptance test

Inverter ID References (please state) Date of inspection:
(dd_mmm_yyyy)

Determine the following: Solar irradiance should be

1. Measured AC output power of inverter, Pac_mea at least 350 Wm-2 when
2. Expected AC output power of inverter, Pac_exp performing this test.
3. Please declare the following:
Tolerance due to module mismatch : ________ Instructions:
Soiling index : ________ SWITCH ON the system
Ageing factor : ________ and ensure that the
Cable loss : ________ inverter is operating.
Maximum inverter efficiency : ________
Shading factor : ________
4. Acceptance Ratio (AR) : ________

Note: AR is the ratio of Pac_mea to Pac_exp

ACCEPT if
AR is greater than or equal to 0.9

Irradiance Measured Temperature Pac Pac AR Accept (A)

Inv
(Wm-2) module de-rating expected measured or
No.
temp (0C) factor (W) (W) Reject (R)
1

If AR is not acceptable, please troubleshoot the system, rectify the fault and repeat the test
until all parties are satisfied.
Comments:

Signature

Name
Date
Designation Wireman with SEDA PV SEDA Malaysia GCPV SEDA Representative
certification System Design certificate
holder

23
3. RELIABILITY RUN TEST

This activity shall be conducted by the competent persons as stated at the end of the checklist whilst
adhering to the provisions of all relevant laws and regulations.

Upon the successful completion of the testing and commissioning section, Performance Ratio (PR) is
needed to be carried out.

The reliability of the system is tested by using the Performance Ratio Test. During this test, the following
real time parameters must be sampled at a maximum of five-minute intervals for AT LEAST SEVEN
consecutive days:
1. Solar irradiance
2. Ambient temperature
3. Module temperature
4. DC voltage of each central inverter or group of string inverters
5. DC current of each central inverter or group of string inverters
6. AC voltage from each central inverter or group of string inverters
7. AC current from each central inverter or group of string inverters
All data shall be submitted to SEDA/SEDA Representative in csv format immediately after the test.

24
3.1 PERFORMANCE RATIO TEST

Table 3.1 Performance Ratio (PR) Test

Date of inspection:
Test point At Monitoring Station / Grid Injection (dd_mmm_yyyy)
Point
Test duration

Predicted annual PR at design stage:

Using the logged data for seven complete consecutive days during the reliability test period, determine
the following parameters for the entire system:
1. Energy Yield, Yf
2. Specific Yield, SY
3. Performance Ratio, PR

Note:
Inverter failure shall NOT occur more than three (3) times within the reliability test period (excluding
forced outages). If this happens, this test should be repeated.

Day no. Energy Yield Specific Yield Performance Accept (A) Remarks
(kWh) (kWh kWp-1) Ratio or
Reject (R)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
One Week
value
Comments:

Signature

Name
Date
Designation Wireman with SEDA PV SEDA Malaysia GCPV SEDA Representative
certification System Design certificate
holder
End of Document

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