The Sensata PVAF family of solar arc fault detectors allows PV solar inverter and combiner box manufacturers to develop National Electric Code (NEC) 2011-compliant equipment. The PVAF family is a series of UL 1699B-recognized, pre-integrated arc detection solutions for use in solar inverters or combiner boxes on new arrays, or retrofit boxes on existing arrays.
Sensata’s solution detects arcs while minimizing nuisance trips by identifying the electrical noise signature created by arc faults in the array wiring. Each PVAF device monitors up to four PV strings by itself, and multiple PVAFs can run in parallel to monitor more strings or a whole combiner box.
The PVAF series is available in configurations powered with 12 VDC or 24 VDC, and for monitoring strings up to 15 A at 1,000 V or combined lines up to 40 A at 1,000 V. Custom versions for specific applications are also available.
These products will be available from Sensata’s authorized stocking distributor Peerless Electronics Inc.