[RE-wrenches] DC Arc Fault Interrupter solutions for PV?

[Mac Lewis]

Hi Dan,

You can use a Santon Arc fault detection unit.  This has arc detection and
some low voltage contacts to drive power relays in case of an arc fault.
You need to provide a power supply and the power contactors.  You can buy
all of the stuff on the website: http://www.dcsunvolt.com/
It turns out to be expensive and it may make more sense to upgrade charge
controllers.
Maybe there is a cheaper way, but I haven't ran across it.

Thanks

On Sun, Aug 28, 2016 at 6:35 AM, Dan Fink <danbob88 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Esteemed Wrenches;
>
> How are folks here dealing with NEC 690.11 AFCI PV DC requirements on
> ground-mount, off-grid and multimode systems? My client purchased his
> equipment for 2 systems prior to 2013, when Colorado started enforcing
> 690.11 in the NEC 2011 code and we haven't done the installs yet due to
> construction delays; they just got their CO a month ago.
>
> His grid-tie battery backup system has 3 Morningstar MPPT-60 600Voc
> controllers, and his off-grid system 2 Morningstar MPPT-60 150Voc
> controllers.
>
> I've been out of the loop on this one for a couple years since I've been
> installing all Midnite Classics that have AFCI built in. I'm not seeing any
> options for in the combiner box from my regular suppliers of breakers and
> such (he already has the combiner boxes).
>
> 690.12 is also going to be an issue now that Colorado is enforcing it for
> ground mount arrays. The Midnite combiners he bought in 2013 are not
> compatible with the Birdhouse.
>
> Perhaps installation will be delayed further, and 690.12 will be waived
> for ground mount arrays in NEC 2017? I can only hope.
>
> Any input appreciated.
>
> Dan Fink
> Adjunct Professor of Solar Energy Technology, Ecotech Institute
> IREC Certified Instructor™ for:
> ~ PV Installation Professional
> ~ Small Wind Installer
> Executive Director, Buckville Energy
> NABCEP Registered Continuing Education Providers™
> 970.672.4342
>
>
>
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-- 



Mac Lewis

*"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates*
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