The 2014 National Electrical Code (NEC) for Solar Installations was recently changed and it now requires that Arc Fault Detection and Interruption (AFCI) devices monitor and protect PV systems in the event of an arc fault and that Rapid Shutdown Circuit Interrupters enable firefighters to interrupt and de-energize systems on demand.

Arc Fault Detection and Interruption (AFCI)
AFCIs monitor, detect, and respond to electrical arcs that can cause fires.  AFCI’s protect solar installations by disconnecting a system’s solar arrays from power distribution equipment during a short circuit event.

NEC 2014 690.5(A) – Ground-Fault Protection

  • This section specifies that a Ground-Fault Detection and Interruption device in all PV installations
  • must:
  • Monitor the conductor itself and detect and interrupt a DC-ground fault,
  • Have UL certification for PV-ground-fault detection,
  • Interrupt the system current flow,
  • Provide visual indication of arc-fault detection and disconnection.


NEC 2014 690.11 – ARC Fault Circuit Protection (Direct Current)

  • This section requires all PV installations have a device that:
  • Detects fault resulting from failure of conductor, continuity, connection, module, or other system components, applicable to both source and output circuits,
  • Must operate as a manual disconnection,
  • Must have a manual (not automatic) reset.

Rapid Shutdown Circuit Interrupters
Rapid-shutdown switches provide a means to disconnect PV-system power in the event of a structural fire. The switch is operated remotely and allows firefighters to disconnect a system’s solar arrays from power distribution equipment in the event of a traditional structural fire

NEC 2014 690.12 – Rapid Shutdown of PV Systems on Buildings

  • This section requires a means for disconnect in all PV installations applied to a structure that:
  • Is remotely operated,
  • Is UL certified for use in PV installations,
  • Must be installed within five feet of the solar array if the cable is routed through the structure, or within 10 feet of the solar array if the cable is not routed through the structure,
  • Has the ability to interrupt current flow within 10 seconds and limit the DC source to 30 volts or less at 240 VA,
  • Is used with a remote switch located at the main power panel,
  • Must be labeled in accordance with NEC 690.56(B).


Considerations when selecting an AFCI or rapid shutdown switch

  • The NEC does not specify the exact location of AFCI modules in a PV system.  The AFCI module can be placed in the combiner box, at the solar array, or in the inverter.
  • All AFCIs must be tested with the system inverter.  During startup, some inverters produce substantial noise that can mimic conditions that the AFCI interprets to be a short circuit to ground.
  • The AFCI must be UL tested and certified for use as a Solar Arc Fault Detection and Interruption Device under UL 1699B. Combiner box or inverter assemblies must be recertified by UL if the AFCI is integrated into their assemblies. 
  • The rapid shutdown switch must be remotely operated, UL certified for PV applications, and located no more than 5 feet from the solar array. 
  • The NEC details specific rapid shut down switch labeling requirements for alerting fire personnel. 

Are your PV installations compliant
with the new NEC regulations?

States are starting to enforce the new solar requirements in the NEC 2014.

E-T-A’s PVSEC-AF1 is a UL1699B certified solar rapid shut down switch with integrated AFCI. 

The PVSEC-AF1 is the solar industry’s only fully integrated solar disconnect switch that complies with the new NEC requirements for rapid shut down and AFCI protection.

Fill out the form below to have an E-T-A representative reach out to you about your solar installation or call 1-800-462-9979.

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