Activating or Deactivating SMA ArcFix

Only the STP 50-41 is equipped with this function.

The arc-fault circuit interrupter SMA ArcFix can be activated with operation inhibition, and activated or deactivated without operation inhibition. The procedure for activating or deactivating the AFCI may differ depending on the year in the name of the country data set.

The basic procedure for changing operating parameters is explained in another section ( > Changing Operating Parameters).

Deactivating the Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)

Procedure:

• In the parameter group Device > Inverter, select the parameter AFCI switched on or AfciIsOn and set to No.

Activating the Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) with Operation Inhibition

When the arc-fault circuit interrupter is activated and an arc is detected, the inverter interrupts the feeding operation and operation is inhibited. The inhibited operation must be reset manually for the inverter to resume feeding into the grid ( > Resetting the Operation Inhibition after Detection of an Arc Fault).

Procedure for country data sets without year or with year < 2018:

• In the parameter group Device > Inverter, select the parameter AFCI switched on or AfciIsOn and set to Yes after an arc fault detection. Alternatively, set to Yes, after 5 detections within 24h for the operation inhibition after 5 arc fault detections.

Procedure for country data sets with year ≥ 2018:

Activating the Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) without Operation Inhibition

When the arc-fault circuit interrupter without operation inhibition is active and an electric arc is detected, the inverter interrupts the feed-in operation. No operation inhibition occurs. After a waiting period, the inverter starts automatically and checks whether the electric arc is still present. If the electric arc is still present, the inverter disconnects from the grid again and the process is repeated.

Inverters with arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) without operation inhibition should be monitored regularly. Recurring electric arcs should promptly be inspected and rectified by qualified persons. If it is not possible to inspect and rectify the fault immediately, the inverter should be decommissioned until the cause of the fault has been clarified and rectified. Recurring electric arcs can damage the connection cables and the system components. Failures can occur. Uncontrolled electric arcs can also cause a fire.

Procedure for country data sets without year or with year < 2018
The operating mode from version 4.01.06.R is no longer available for these country data sets.

Procedure for country data sets with year ≥ 2018: