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With many companies focusing on net zero and generally reducing emissions, solar energy has become a pillar of the global energy transition. Exponential growth in solar farms and self-consumption installations, due to reduction in solar panel costs, rising energy costs and decarbonisation policies, brings a key need for ensuring systems are safe, efficient and durable. Photovoltaic fuses are at the forefront of this crucial role.
The experts at OEM Automatic have broken down the role of photovoltaic fuses and their contribution to solar systems, as well as, how to choose the right solution for you.
Solar installations operate primarily in DC (Direct Current), which introduces additional challenges compared to traditional AC (Alternating Current) systems.
Key risks to consider in DC solar installations:
A fault in the circuit without adequate protection can cause costly damage to equipment (panels, inverters, batteries and more). Also, creating the risk of fire, endangering people, wildlife and infrastructure.
Photovoltaic applications without specifically designed fuses, certified for DC currents, make the system vulnerable to serious and unpredictable failures.
Learning hubPhotovoltaic (PV) fuses, also known as solar fuses, are specifically designed, specialised safety devices, used to protect solar installations, inverters and other components, from damage caused by overcurrent, short circuits and other electrical faults.
PV Fuses act as a safety mechanism in solar powered installations, by interrupting the flow of electricity when a fault occurs, breaking the circuit.
Fuses must be positioned at key points in the installation:
Proper fuse placement and sizing minimise downtime and enhance the overall safety of the installation.
There are several ways you can protect a photovoltaic circuit, such as circuit breakers, however, fuses designed specifically for photovoltaic applications offer clear advantages:
Fuses also fulfil regulatory functions; they are mandatory in string and inverter protection panels.
Fuses should not be selected at random but carefully considered for your application.
Selection of a fuse must be based on:
Application plays a large part in the voltage requirements.
Typical voltages in different systems:
To improve efficiency and prevent losses, photovoltaic systems operate at increasingly higher voltages, fuses must be able to handle these voltages.
Fuses must be sized about the maximum nominal current of the string or protected circuit, whilst still being sensitive enough to operate in the event of a fault.
This requires further system study, knowing expected short-circuit currents, module characteristics and operating conditions.
Apply a 125% margin over the maximum string current when selecting a fuse.
Solar systems with parallel strings, have increased fault currents due to all healthy strings feeding into a short circuit point, when one occurs. Fuses must be capable of interrupting these currents without sustaining the arc.
Complying with regulations and standards is important.
Fuses in photovoltaic applications must comply to IEC 60269-6, a standard specific to solar applications. Fuses with this accreditation have been tested and validated to operate in direct current under the working conditions of a photovoltaic application.
DF Electric’s gPV cylindrical fuses are made for PV string protection up to 1500 V DC with a 30 kA breaking capacity, compliant with IEC & UL standards.
Available sizes:
Features include:
The NH gPV range is ideal for medium-power PV fields up to 1000 V DC, with options for striker contacts to enable remote fuse status monitoring.
Key include:
For large-scale PV systems, the NH XL gPV fuses protect up to 1500 V DC, with current ratings from 40 A to 500 A and breaking capacities up to 100 kA.
Features include:
The NH gS 800 VAC series is tailored for new-generation inverters (up to 800 V AC +10%) with a high 120 kA breaking capacity and current ratings from 25 A to 400 A.
Features include:
NH gG 800 VAC fuses are perfect for string inverters, capacitor banks, and other low-voltage AC outputs (up to 800 V AC, 80 kA breaking).
Features include:
PMX PV fuse holders are modular and robust, supporting all gPV cylindrical fuse sizes.
Features include:
PML-e fuse holders are a compact and efficient option for 10x85 mm and 10/14x85 mm gPV fuses, rated up to 1500 V DC / 32 A.
Features include:
NH ST 1000 V DC fuse bases suit NH blade fuses for medium/high-power DC systems.
Features include:
NH ST 800 V AC fuse bases protect AC inverter outputs up to 800 V AC / 630 A.
Features include:
NH XL 1500 V DC fuse bases handle NH XL fuses in demanding applications.
Features include:
At OEM Automatic, we supply high-quality fuses and fuse holders from trusted manufacturer DF Electric. Each product is carefully selected to meet the diverse requirements of photovoltaic applications.
Our fuses/fuse holders’ specialists are here to help you select the right product based on your specific use case.
Our Panel team is ready to assist with expert advice, product recommendations, and proof-of-concept support.
Phone: 0116 284 9900
Email: [email protected]
Live Chat: Available on our website
Onsite Support: Book a visit from one of our experienced engineers for demonstrations and application advice - email [email protected] to arrange a visit
Let us help you find the right technology for your application. Contact us today.
gPV NH
gPV NH XL
gG/gL NH
gS NH
PMX PV Fuse Holders
