Question
2011 NEC 690.11 requires DC arc-fault circuit interrupter protection in DC photovoltaic (PV) circuits. Are there any certified (listed) DC arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) for use in PV circuits? What requirements are used for certification?
Answer
Yes, there is at least one certified DC AFCI for use in PV systems. These devices are evaluated for compliance with the Outline of Investigation for Photovoltaic (PV) DC Arc-Fault Circuit Protection, UL Subject 1699B to meet the requirements of Section 690.11 of the 2011 NEC. UL offers a certification service for PV DC AFCIs, either as separate devices or integrated into inverters, converters and charge controllers under the product category Photovoltaic DC Arc-Fault Circuit Protection (QIDC), located on page 325 of the 2012 UL White Book. The UL Guide Information can also be viewed along with the certifications on UL’s Online Certification Directory at www.ul.com/database and enter QIDC at the category code search field. Inverters, converters and charge controllers with integral PV dc arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection will be provided with the marking “Photovoltaic Arc-Fault Circuit-Protection” or equivalent and the UL Listing Mark.
Inverters, converters and charge controllers with integral PV dc arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection are additionally investigated for compliance with UL 1741, the Standard for Safety for Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment for Use with Distributed Energy Resources, and are certified under Static Inverters, Converters and Accessories for Use in Independent Power Systems (QIKH) located on page 328 in the 2012 UL White Book.
