Rapid Shutdown Equipment
The inverter is listed as PV Rapid Shutdown Equipment (PVRSE) according to UL 1741.
All PV inputs and AC outputs of this product meet the photovoltaic rapid shutdown requirements for controlled conductors located outside the PV array.
A complete PV Rapid Shutdown System (PVRSS) consists of the PV or hybrid inverter, the PV module switches, and a rapid shutdown initiator. The AC fuse of the inverter or an external rapid shutdown initiator can be used as a rapid shutdown initiator. If the DC load-break switch of the inverter is used, only 1 inverter is switched off and not the entire system. The rapid shutdown initiator initiates a rapid shutdown. The PV Rapid Shutdown System must limit the DC conductors to < 30 V within 30 seconds.
NOTICE - The inverter's Rapid Shutdown function can be initiated if the inverter is disconnected from the AC grid voltage, depending on the configuration, by either opening the main PV system AC disconnect or activating the rapid shutdown initiator. The AC circuit breaker that serves as the rapid shutdown initiator must be readily accessible and clearly marked in accordance with National Electrical Code®. The Rapid Shutdown status of the PV system will be indicated by the On/Off (Closed/Open) position of this AC disconnect. The Off (Open) position indicates that a rapid shutdown has been initiated.
If PV array disconnect switches compliant with the SunSpec communication signal for Rapid Shutdown systems are installed, the inverter can transmit a SunSpec-compliant "permission to operate" signal to them via its DC input conductors. When a rapid shutdown is initiated, the inverter will stop transmitting the SunSpec signal. When the SunSpec signal is not being received, the PV array disconnect switches are responsible for reducing line voltages within the PV array in accordance with National Electrical Code®. For rapid shutdown via the SunSpec communication signal to function properly, ensure all PV modules connected to the inverter are equipped with SunSpec-compliant PV module switches. For reliable discharge of the DC connection conductors, it is necessary for the sum of the standby voltages of all PV array disconnect switches of a string to be > 3.6 V and < 30 V. Typically, this is the case starting with approximately 6 PV modules. In addition, the recommended total length of all DC lines of a string should not exceed 160 m (520 ft). The total length defines the length of the entire string wiring including the connection cable of the PV module switch in the string (measured from the positive DC terminal to the negative DC terminal of the inverter).
The rapid shutdown system can also be equipped with PV module switches, which initiate the rapid shutdown in response to an AC power outage or by other means. In such cases, it is essential that the PV system rapid shutdown initiator triggers a simultaneous rapid shutdown of the PV modules whenever the inverter is disconnected from the grid voltage.
The PV array disconnect switches must disconnect the PV array from the inverter within a maximum of 15 seconds after Rapid Shutdown initiation.
The inverter is capable of grid support operation where in case of a loss of AC voltage, the inverter remains connected to the utility grid for a defined ride-through time and waits for voltage recovery. If the grid voltage is not restored within the defined times, the inverter disconnects from the utility grid. Depending on the configuration of the rapid shutdown initiator, a rapid shutdown is also triggered.
The Rapid Shutdown function is enabled by default. The Rapid Shutdown function should only be enabled when approved PV module switches have been installed within the PV module or between the PV module and the inverter. The Rapid Shutdown function can be configured during or after inverter commissioning via the user interface, the SMA 360° app, or Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS by selecting the operating mode appropriate for the PV module switches. If the Rapid Shutdown function is enabled but PV module switches are not installed, the inverter will be unable to discharge the connected DC input conductors during a rapid shutdown. As a result, the inverter can be damaged.
WARNING - THIS PV RAPID SHUTDOWN EQUIPMENT DOES NOT PERFORM ALL OF THE FUNCTIONS OF A COMPLETE PV RAPID SHUTDOWN SYSTEM. THIS PV RAPID SHUTDOWN EQUIPMENT MUST BE INSTALLED WITH OTHER EQUIPMENT TO FORM A COMPLETE PV RAPID SHUTDOWN SYSTEM THAT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF NEC (NFPA 70) FOR CONTROLLED CONDUCTORS OUTSIDE THE ARRAY. OTHER EQUIPMENT INSTALLED IN OR ON THIS PV SYSTEM MAY ADVERSLY AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE PV RAPID SHUTDOWN SYSTEM. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INSTALLER TO ENSURE THAT THE COMPLETED PV SYSTEM MEETS THE RAPID SHUT DOWN FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS. THIS EQUIPMENT MUST BE INSTALLED ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTALLATION MANUAL.
Also see: