[RE-wrenches] Safely inducing arc fault and ground fault in a completed array

[Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems]

Carl,

Assuming about 400 volts, a 40k ohm resistor from PV negative to ground should trip the ground fault. Solder up to some test leads, insulate the resistor and make the short. You'll only be conducting about 2 Watts through the resistor.

Arc fault, on the other hand, can be very complex. Series, parallel, inter string and more, pulsed, constant, varying intensity…..it get's beyond my understanding quickly. I'll bow out here and defer to others that are far more educated.

Larry

On Nov 25, 2013, at 2:04 PM, Carl Adams <swingjunkie at gmail.com> wrote:

Wrenches,

We just completed an install with the SMA STP12000TL-US.  I would like to induce two fault conditions into the system 1) ground fault, and 2) arc fault, in a manner that is both safe to equipment and personnel, in order to see how these units respond to those conditions, and in particular how the arc fault is cleared, after detection. (assuming it is detected)

Any suggestions appreciated.

With Regards
Carl Adams  NABCEP 031508-1
SunRock Solar
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