Arc Faults For Solar Panels

A ground fault is an arc between a wire and a metal object i e.

Arc faults for solar panels.

Loose or separated connections or terminations. The causes are quite varied and is one of the most difficult solar repair problems to find. Dc arc faults are quite simply electrical energy flowing through an air gap which in turn creates an electrical arc. 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.

When the sun rises the solar panels start producing power the bare conductors become live causing a dc arc fault and building fire. Damaged pinched or abraded conductors. Combine the dc arc with a combustable material and fire is the result. Unless alternative environmental factors are at play solar panel fires are caused by one thing dc arc faults.

An arc fault differs from a ground fault. 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. This arcing translates to heat which can break down the insulation surrounding individual conducting. This arc can be very small and exist anywhere in the solar circuit.

An arc fault is an arc between two wires. Some common examples for arc fault causes include. What are the causes of arc faults.