SolarMax
has introduced an Arc Fault Detection and Interruption (AFDI) solution for its MT A Series string inverters. SolarMax is a Swiss based global photovoltaic (PV) inverter company with U.S. headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
“Arc fault protection is a safety mechanism, particularly as input voltages of up to 1,000V become more common in commercial PV applications,” said Walter Marusak, product manager, SolarMax USA, Inc. “Protecting our customers and their solar installments is paramount and we are pleased to integrate the most advanced technology into our solar inverters to adhere to the latest UL standards and NEC requirements.”
Arc fault protection detects and interrupts PV system faults in order to prevent direct current (DC) conductor and arc flash incidents before they happen. First in 2011 and now in 2014, article 690.11 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) specifies that grid-connected PV systems must use DC arc fault protection.
SolarMax USA is offering an integrated ADFI solution for the MT A series string inverters. The solution uses arc fault detectors (AFD’s) certified according to UL 1699B. The solution supports an AFD on each of our MPPT trackers of the inverter with each tracker supporting one or two strings. Upon detection of an arc fault, the inverter will automatically stop all current flow and trip a visual alarm signal. The inverter will be shutdown until it is reset and operation can resume.
The SolarMax USA ADFI solution is available immediately for new installations or can be integrated via a field retrofit. Contact SolarMax USA for more information.