Forced arc fault detector can make rooftop PV safer
Electric Tamping Rammer,Plate Compactor C80t, Manual Vibrating Plate Compactor Vibropac Machinery Co.,Ltd , https://www.vibropac-power.com
September 03 11:04:47, 2025
**Forced Arc Fault Detectors Can Make Rooftop PV Systems Safer**
*By Polaris Solar Photovoltaic Network*
**Keywords:** rooftop photovoltaic power station, photovoltaic grid-connected power generation, photovoltaic market
California is set to introduce a new requirement for solar installations: the inclusion of arc fault detectors. This move aims to enhance safety by reducing the risk of fires associated with photovoltaic systems.
Recently, a warehouse fire in New Jersey raised concerns about how solar panels can complicate firefighting efforts, even if they are not the direct cause. John Kluza, Solar Market Strategy Manager at Sensata Technologies, called the incident "unfortunate" but emphasized that it highlighted the importance of protective components in solar systems.
Although the likelihood of fires in rooftop PV systems is relatively low, studies have shown that incidents do occur. In Germany, 75 accidents were reported among 1.3 million installed systems, while in the U.S., only seven incidents were recorded nationwide.
According to Kluza, arc faults typically result from poor connections between electronic components, often due to manufacturing or installation errors, aging, or degraded connectors. These faulty connections can lead to electric arcs and potentially start a fire.
Arc fault current interrupters (AFCIs) are designed to detect abnormal DC currents, whether in small residential inverters or large commercial combiner boxes. These devices can shut down the system before a fire occurs, detecting electrical noise caused by arc faults.
The 2011 National Electrical Code required AFCIs in rooftop PV systems, though states had the flexibility to adopt these standards based on their own conditions.
Some inverter manufacturers, like SMA, have already integrated arc fault detection technology into their products, meeting UL standard 1699B. Companies such as TigoEnergy, Sensata Technologies, Santon Holland, Eaton Corporation, and ET-ACircuitBreakers also offer UL-listed solutions. MidniteSolar, SolarBOS, and Solaredge have incorporated similar technologies into their systems.
MJ Shiao, a senior analyst at GTM Research, noted that the revised National Electrical Code now emphasizes component-level equipment. These advanced systems can cut off current in individual panels, even when the sun is still shining, making them highly effective for fire prevention.
However, the high cost of component-level devices and limited performance data have slowed widespread adoption. Despite this, the push for better safety measures continues to gain momentum.
Kluza pointed out that newer arc fault interrupter technologies are more reliable in avoiding damage compared to older models. However, some systems may shut down unnecessarily, leading to higher maintenance costs. Sensata Technologies has been working to refine these systems to minimize false trips.
As Johnson from Sandia National Laboratory stated, the ideal scenario is one where arc faults never occur. AFCIs play a crucial role in detecting early warning signs of potential failures, allowing for proactive maintenance and improved system reliability.
With increasing awareness and regulatory support, the integration of arc fault detectors is expected to become a standard practice in the growing solar market.