Technical Information

Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter in the Sunny Tripower CORE1

(STP 50-41)

ENGLISH AFCI-TI-en-10 | Version 1.0

Table of Contents SMA Solar Technology AG

Table of Contents
1 Introduction................................................................................................................................... 3
2 Basic Information ......................................................................................................................... 3
3 Function ......................................................................................................................................... 3
4 Activation ...................................................................................................................................... 3
5 Certification and Normative Requirements ............................................................................... 4
6 Hardware and Software Requirements..................................................................................... 5
7 Event Messages............................................................................................................................ 5
8 Frequently Asked Questions ....................................................................................................... 6

2 AFCI-TI-en-10 Technical Information

SMA Solar Technology AG 1 Introduction

1 Introduction
PV systems that are built according to today's installation standards and with high-quality components are generally
very safe. Nevertheless, in rare cases, faulty contact points in the PV array or the installation on the DC circuit can
cause electric arcs, which can damage both the system and the building.
When a PV inverter with an integrated arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) is used, an electric arc in the PV array is
detected soon enough and extinguished by an interruption of the current.
To give customers the highest level of safety, SMA Solar Technology AG has equipped the Sunny Tripower CORE1
(STP 50-41) with an effective arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI).
This Technical Information is for installers and system designers and describes the basic information as well as all the
necessary steps and prerequisites for using the new arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI).

2 Basic Information
If an electric arc occurs in the DC installation of a PV system during feed-in operation, this causes a change in the
current and a typical interference spectrum. In this case, high-frequency portions are superimposed upon the normal
operating current. These two specified criteria are the basis for detecting an electric arc reliably.

3 Function
When the arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) of the inverter is activated, the current of all MPP trackers is monitored
during grid feed-in. If a current phenomenon that is typical for electric arcs occurs (e.g. change in current, high-
frequency portions), an electric arc is detected and the inverter immediately terminates the feed-in operation and
reports this event. Stopping the feed-in operation interrupts the current flow on the DC circuit and extinguishes the
electric arc.

4 Activation
The arc-fault-circuit interrupter (AFCI) can be activated by two operating modes:
• Automatic restart
• Manual restart
To activate the arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) in the desired operating mode, set a parameter in the Device
parameter group. The setting can be made either on the user interface of the inverter or on a higher-level
communication device. The procedure for activating the various operating modes depends on the country data set of
the device that was selected. For more information, see the operating manual of the inverter.

Automatic Restart
When an electric arc is detected, the inverter interrupts the feed-in operation and reports the event. After a waiting
period, the inverter starts automatically and resumes feed-in operation. If an electric arc occurs again, this procedure is
repeated.
This operating mode avoids feed-in losses in the event of faulty activation, as the device automatically resumes
operation when the fault is no longer present. Nevertheless, it is recommended to have the PV array checked by a
qualified person after a fault has been reported. This is especially the case if the error messages occur more frequently.

Manual Restart
When an electric arc is detected, the inverter interrupts the feed-in operation and reports the event. The inverter goes
into inhibited operation. Resumption of feed-in operation does not take place automatically. It only occurs after the
system operator has reset the operation inhibition. The exact procedure for resetting the operating inhibition after an
arc fault has been detected is described in the operating manual of the inverter.

Technical Information AFCI-TI-en-10 3

5 Certification and Normative Requirements SMA Solar Technology AG

5 Certification and Normative Requirements

Arc-fault circuit interruption (AFCI) complies with the following industry standards:

UL 1699B Ed 1.1 STANDARD FOR SAFETY - Photovoltaic (PV) DC Arc-Fault Circuit Protection
The arc-fault circuit interruption (AFCI) has been copied completely and without modifications from the
Sunny Tripower CORE1 (STP xx-US-41), which is used for the US market. It therefore uses the UL 1699B Ed1.1
certified method for arc fault detection.

Draft Standard IEC 63027 Ed1 (82/1636/CDV) - DC arc detection and interruption in
photovoltaic power systems
The integrated arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) already meets the requirements of Draft Standard IEC 63027 Ed1.
Since complete test requirements are not yet available for this standard, compliance to the current state-of-the-art is
indicated through a manufacturer's declaration. Please note that the compliance of the arc-fault circuit interrupter
(AFCI) in the scope of IEC 62027 corresponds to the following "Arc Fault Protection Equipment (AFPE)" application
classes:
• F-I-AFPE-1-6-2
• F-I-AFPE-2-3-2
These application classes must be observed during installation if this is carried out in the scope of IEC 63027 Ed1
(82/1636/CDV).
The IEC 63027 classification system describes the device type, the scope of coverage, and other important aspects
that are relevant for testing and installation. This information must be provided by the manufacturer as a code. The
individual features are separated by a dash. The following table provides an overview of how the classification is
structured:
1st position 2nd position 3rd position 4th position 5th position 6th position
Scope of pro- Implementation Scope of func- Maximum num- Number of DC Number of inte-
tection method tionality ber of strings inputs per arc grated arc fault
per DC input fault sensor sensors (AFS)
(AFS)
F: The arc-fault I: Integrated solu- AFPE: Complete Number of strings Number of DC in- Total number of
monitoring system tion (e.g. in the in- solution. Both the that may be con- puts assigned to arc fault sensors
covers the entire verter) detection and the nected per DC in- an arc fault sen- (AFS) per device.
PV array up to S: Stand-alone disconnection put in the particu- sor (AFS).
the DC inputs of device and interruption lar constellation.
the inverter. of the electric arc
D: The functional- are integrated.
P: The entire ity is achieved by
PV array is cov- a combination of AFD: The product
ered up to a several devices. can only detect
Combiner Box. the electric arc,
Not the main line but cannot di-
up to the input rectly disconnect
terminals of the and interrupt it.
inverter.

4 AFCI-TI-en-10 Technical Information

SMA Solar Technology AG 6 Hardware and Software Requirements

The following figure shows the permitted connection options for the particular application classes.
F-I-AFPE-1-6-2 F-I-AFPE-2-3-2
Input STP 50-41 Input STP 50-41
String String

A A
AFS AFS
1 1
B B

C C

D D
AFS AFS
2 2
E E

F F

In the case of application class F-I-AFPE-2-3-2, an additional restriction applies. If only one DC input is assigned per
MPP tracker and the arc-fault current interrupter (AFCI) is used at the same time, the maximum 16 A input current of the
DC input must not be exceeded. In general, no more than 2 DC strings may be connected in the system in parallel.

6 Hardware and Software Requirements

The following table contains an overview of the inverters equipped with the arc-fault protective function. SMA Solar
Technology AG will provide information about implementation in further devices in due time.
Inverter Type of device Firmware version
Sunny Tripower CORE1 STP 50-41 As of production start
Sunny Tripower CORE1-US STP 33-US-41 As of production start
STP 50-US-41 The "Automatic restart" function is
STP 62-US-41 available after a software update to
version 3.12.2x.R

7 Event Messages
The following event messages may occur:
Event number Message, cause and corrective measures
4301

Serial electric arc in string |s0| detected by AFCI module

The inverter has interrupted the grid feed-in because an electric arc has been detected.
Corrective measures:
• Check the PV modules as well as the cabling in the affected string for damage.
• If manual restart has been set, the operation inhibition due to the electric arc must be
reset in order to continue feed-in operation.

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8 Frequently Asked Questions SMA Solar Technology AG

Event number Message, cause and corrective measures

4302

Serial electric arc in string |s0| detected by an AFCI module of the 2nd string
group
An electric arc in string D, E or F has been detected.
Corrective measures:
• Check the PV modules as well as the cabling in the affected string for damage.
• If manual restart has been set, the operation inhibition due to the electric arc must be
reset in order to continue feed-in operation.
8208

Interference level too high

An error occurred during the initialization of the AFCI. It is not guaranteed that the AFCI will
function correctly. The device does not feed in.
Corrective measures:
• Contact the Service.
8209

Signal level too low

An error occurred during the initialization of the arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI). It is not
guaranteed that the arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) will function correctly. The device does
not feed in.
Corrective measures:
• Contact the Service.

8 Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct operating mode for the arc-fault circuit interrupter?
The correct setting corresponds to the guidelines and standards valid in the country in which it is used. Within the
scope of UL 1699B Ed1.1 as well as IEC 63027, both operating modes can be activated. If possible, we recommend
setting the operating mode for n automatic restart. There are currently exceptions in Canada.

Is the arc-fault circuit interrupter activated or deactivated when delivered?

That depends on the country of operation. In the case of inverters approved for the American market (STP xx-US-41),
the arc-fault circuit interrupter is activated. In the case of inverters not approved for the American market (STP 50-41),
the arc-fault circuit interrupter is currently deactivated.

Do I need to activate the arc-fault circuit interrupter?

This basically depends on the regulations in the country in which it is used. The design of the system can also be
relevant here (e.g. whether it is a roof-mounted system or an open-field system). Furthermore, there may be special
requirements for the PV system that prescribe an arc-fault circuit interrupter.

6 AFCI-TI-en-10 Technical Information

SMA Solar Technology AG 8 Frequently Asked Questions

An insurance company requires an arc-fault circuit interrupter for a PV system, can I use the one
mentioned in section (see Section 6, page 5)?
Due to the manufacturer's declaration of the particular type of inverter equipped with the arc-fault circuit interrupter,
please obtain approval from the insurance company. The person who installs the system is then responsible for
activating the function.

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