Overview

This standard applies to equipment used for the detection and optionally the interruption of electric DC arcs in photovoltaic (PV) system circuits. The document covers test procedures for the detection of series arcs within PV circuits, and the response times of equipment employed in order to interrupt the arcs. This standard provides requirements and test methods for fault arc protection devices used in PV systems to reduce the risk of electrical fires. This standard does not cover the detection of parallel arcs in electrical circuits. It does not apply to DC sources or applications other than PV DC sources. Many fault arc detectors detect arcs by analyzing and comparing the RF signal emission of the arc. These devices may be triggered by external interference from other devices connected to the PV generator field, for example the inverter. Therefore, interoperability shall be evaluated. Other external influences, such as radio signals, sparks from trams, switching under load, and others, can also cause false triggering. These causes are operational behaviour issues and are therefore not covered in this standard. The standard defines reference scenarios according to which the testing is conducted. This document covers equipment connected to systems not exceeding a maximum PV source circuit voltage of 1 500 V DC.

Document: references other documents

Responsible national committee

DKE/K 373 - Photovoltaische Solarenergie-Systeme