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Application Note SolarEdge - Seccionamento Automático Por Dispositivo Diferencial Residual Nas Entradas CC Integrado Ao Inversor

An external residual current device (RCD) is sometimes required to protect photovoltaic systems from electric shock. The document provides guidelines for selecting an appropriate RCD, including: - Recommending a type-A RCD rated between 100-300mA, unless local codes require otherwise. - Specifying minimum RCD values for different three-phase inverters, ranging from 100mA for smaller inverters to 300mA for larger inverters. - Cautioning that an RCD with too low a rating could nuisance trip due to small leakage currents, and that a higher quality RCD will trip closer to its specified rating.

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Cesar Biasi de Moura
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67 views1 page

Application Note SolarEdge - Seccionamento Automático Por Dispositivo Diferencial Residual Nas Entradas CC Integrado Ao Inversor

An external residual current device (RCD) is sometimes required to protect photovoltaic systems from electric shock. The document provides guidelines for selecting an appropriate RCD, including: - Recommending a type-A RCD rated between 100-300mA, unless local codes require otherwise. - Specifying minimum RCD values for different three-phase inverters, ranging from 100mA for smaller inverters to 300mA for larger inverters. - Cautioning that an RCD with too low a rating could nuisance trip due to small leakage currents, and that a higher quality RCD will trip closer to its specified rating.

Uploaded by

Cesar Biasi de Moura
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Vo.1.

3 August 2021

RCD Selection for SolarEdge Inverters - Application Note

PV System Residual Current Factors


In every PV installation, several elements contribute to the current leakage to protective earth (PE). These elements can be divided
into two main types:

 Capacitive discharge current - Discharge current is generated mainly by the parasitic capacitance of the PV modules to
PE. The module type, the environmental conditions (rain, humidity) and even the distance of the modules from the roof
can affect the discharge current. Other factors that may contribute to the parasitic capacitance are the inverter’s internal
capacitance to PE and external protection elements such as lightning protection.
During operation, the DC bus is connected to the alternating current grid via the inverter. Thus, a portion of the
alternating voltage amplitude arrives at the DC bus. The fluctuating voltage constantly changes the charge state of the
parasitic PV capacitor (i.e. capacitance to PE). This is associated with a displacement current, which is proportional to the
capacitance and the applied voltage amplitude.
 Residual current - if there is a fault, such as defective insulation, where an energized cable comes into contact with a
grounded person, an additional current flows, known as a residual current.

Residual Current Device (RCD)


All SolarEdge inverters incorporate a certified internal RCD (Residual Current Device) to protect against possible electrocution in
case of a malfunction of the PV array, cables, or inverter (DC). This is in accordance with standard EN 62109-1, section 7.3.8. The
RCD in the SolarEdge inverter can detect leakage on the DC side. There are 2 trip thresholds for the RCD as required by the DIN
VDE 0126-1-1 standard. A low threshold is used to protect against rapid changes in leakage typical of direct contact by people. A
higher threshold is used for slowly rising leakage currents, to limit the current in grounding conductors for fire safety. The default
value for higher speed personnel protection is 30mA, and 300mA per unit for lower speed fire safety.

Installation and Selection of an External RCD device


An external RCD is required in some countries. The installer must check which type of RCD is required by the specific local electric
codes. Installation of an RCD must always be conducted in accordance with local codes and standards. SolarEdge recommends the
use of a type-A RCD. Unless a lower value is required by the specific local electric codes, SolarEdge suggests an RCD value between
100mA and 300mA. For the three phase inverters stated in the table below, use the following RCD values:

Three Phase Inverter Minimum RCD value

SE12.5K, SE15K, SE16K, SE17K 100mA

SE30K, SE40K 1 100mA

SE25K, SE27.6K, SE33.3K 2 100mA

SE50K, SE55K, SE66.6K, SE80K 3 200mA

SE75K, SE82.8K, SE90K, SE100K, SE120K 4 300mA

Where required by local regulations the use of an RCD type-B is permitted.

In installations where the local electric code requires an RCD with a lower leakage setting, the discharge current might result in
nuisance tripping of the external RCD. To avoid nuisance tripping of the external RCD and to ensure correct operation after the
installation, it is important to select the correct RCD. An RCD with a rating of 30mA may trip at a leakage as low as 15mA
(according to IEC 61008). High quality RCDs typically trip at a value closer to their rating.

1 Applicable for inverters with PN SEXXK-XXX0IXXXX


2 For inverters with PN SEXXK-XXX0BXXXX the value is 300mA
3 For inverters with PN SEXXK-XXXPXXXXX the value is 600mA

4 For inverters with PN SEXXK-XXXPXXXXX the value is 900mA

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