[RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters

[Jerry Shafer]

Question, is it the first test where it is checking for noise in the system
or is it finding a fault once it is running. Does it have the latest
software update, which code do you have test failure or arc failt detected,
way different trouble shooting tracks yo follow. If it is a test fail try
to remove just the ground wire from the array, because its a metal roof its
a big antenna and hears something that is to much for the test to deal
with. If it fails due to an arc then there is most likely an arc at a
connection.

Jerry

On Jul 22, 2016 3:37 PM, "Glenn Burt" <glenn.burt at glbcc.com> wrote:

> August,
>
>
>
> I am currently chasing down unexplained AFCI faults with old SX 160
> modules on a metal roof and having replaced two SMA SWR-2500U’s with a SB
> 5000TL-US-22. So far I have been swapping input strings to see if there is
> a pattern, however no joy.
>
> Next visit is up on the roof (steep pitch) to see if there is anything
> obvious.
>
> I hate to simply disable the AFCI functionality without a serious effort,
> however I am approaching that point.
>
> It is a T&M job for a system installed by others back in 2004, about an
> hour trip 1 way and I am afraid the customer will soon believe I am
> stringing out the work.
>
>
>
> Looking forward to hearing more of your experience as it develops!
>
>
>
> -Glenn
>
>
>
> *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
> Behalf Of *August Goers
> *Sent:* Friday, July 22, 2016 10:23 AM
> *To:* RE-wrenches
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters
>
>
>
> Glen,
>
>
>
> It’s interesting you mention that you’re having AFCI issues with new TL
> inverters and old modules. We are too. We have a particular system with BP
> modules where we’re trying to figure out if we have a warranty claim
> situation. We’ve cleaned up all the DC-side wiring and still the Sunny Boy
> is tripping with AFCI errors. We think it is either corroded traces in the
> modules or perhaps bypass diode issues in the module j-boxes. More to come.
>
>
>
> August
>
>
>
> *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
> Behalf Of *Glenn Burt
> *Sent:* Friday, July 22, 2016 5:08 AM
> *To:* RE-wrenches
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters
>
>
>
> If you read some of the proposed changes for the 2017 NEC, it is looking
> life there will be no problem replacing isolated inverters with
> non-isolated versions. In fact the proposed wording seems to allow either
> USE, or PV wire to be used with non-isolated inverters explicitly going
> forward.
> It made me feel better about doing recent replacements.
> I'm having more trouble with the TL inverters and AFCI issues on older
> systems, however.
> ------------------------------
>
> *From: *Gary at Santa Ynez Valley Solar <Gary at SYVSolar.com>
> *Sent: *‎7/‎21/‎2016 21:43
> *To: *re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
> *Subject: *[RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters
>
> We are all facing having to replace the old transformer based inverters
> when they run out. Really difficult to find replacements. Against code to
> replace with transformer less ones. I wonder if a DC/DC transformer could
> be installed just ahead of the transformer less inverter for isolation
> purposes? Not clear on the concept.
>
>
>
>
>
> Gary
>
>
>
>
>
> Gary Gordon
>
>
>
>    [image: cid:image001.jpg at 01D06621.23813A90]
>
>    www.SYVSolar.com <http://www.syvsolar.com/>
>
>    PO Box 688
>
>    Santa Ynez, CA  93460
>
>    805 688-1213
>
>    NABCEP Certified Installer
>
>    CA Licensed Solar Contractor
>
>
>
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