Arc Faults For Solar Panels

This arc can be very small and exist anywhere in the solar circuit.

Arc faults for solar panels.

Loose or separated connections or terminations. Unless alternative environmental factors are at play solar panel fires are caused by one thing dc arc faults. What are the causes of arc faults. An arc fault is an arc between two wires.

An arc fault differs from a ground fault. A ground fault is an arc between a wire and a metal object i e. Arc faults in pv systems may be the result of faulty components installation errors or mechanical damage and aging occurring after installation. It is practically impossible for a solar installer to check all of the seals are waterproof preventing water ingress and to also check that all of the cable joints are not corroded and subject to high impedance.

Combine the dc arc with a combustable material and fire is the result. It s worth understanding the 3 main types of. Some common examples for arc fault causes include. When the sun rises the solar panels start producing power the bare conductors become live causing a dc arc fault and building fire.

Dc arc faults are quite simply electrical energy flowing through an air gap which in turn creates an electrical arc. Conduit or a metal box. The term arc fault refers to a situation in which loose or corroded wiring connections create an intermittent contact that causes electrical current to spark or arc between metal contact points when you hear a light switch or outlet buzzing or hissing you are hearing arcing as it happens.