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 active and an electric arc is detected, the inverter interrupts the feed-in operation and an operation inhibition occurs. The operation inhibition must be reset manually if the inverter is to feed into the grid again ( > 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.

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:

• In the parameter group Device > Inverter, select the parameter AFCI switched on or AfciIsOn and set to Yes, without permanent operation inhibition.

Procedure for country data sets with year ≥ 2018:

If the AFCI is configured without permanent operation inhibition, the system should be monitored closely and recurring faults in the AFCI should be investigated immediately by qualified persons. If it is not possible to identify the cause of the error, the inverter should be taken out of operation until the investigation and corrective action can be completed. Recurring errors may cause damage to neighboring conductors and system components, which could result in more extensive system failures and damage and even to uncontrolled electric arcs and fires.