Arc detection (AFCI - Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter)

Arcs in PV systems can develop as a result of various factors, such as poor wiring, weather conditions and faulty components. These arcs may cause short circuits and fires, which may put the system and its surrounding area at risk.

The frequency spectrum of the DC current changes as soon as there is an arc. The inverter detects this change, immediately switches off and displays an error. In parallel, this message is also sent to the KOSTAL Solar Portal. The operator is then notified of the system error by e-mail if this has been configured in the KOSTAL Solar Portal.

As per IEC 63027, the inverter switches back on after a short break because some arc events disappear automatically if the inverters is briefly switched off.

If the arc develops again, the inverter immediately switches off again. If this error occurs five times within a 24-hour period, the inverter permanently switches off because a critical error can be assumed.

In this case, a qualified installer must check the system and eliminate the error.

Using the PIKO CI Conf App, the installer can reset the error and consequently release the inverter after having checked and repaired the PV system in the Settings > Inverter settings > Other settings > Reset arc errors menu item.

The AFCI function can be simply activated in the PIKO CI Conf App under Settings > Inverter settings > Other settings > AFCI function.