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p r ot e c t i o n n ot e 5
P h otovo lta i c B y R o b e r t Lyo n s , J r .
Syst e m s p e r P r o d u c t M a n ag e r
t h e N at i o n a l
El e c t r i c a l C o d e
Introduction points of
Properly sizing fuses for photovoltaic (PV) systems is critical for interest
the safe, reliable and long-term operation of this renewable power The requirement to
source. Unlike typical electrical power distribution and control protect photovoltaic
applications, fuses in photovoltaic systems are subject to unique systems from overcurrent
conditions. Prolonged exposure to elements of the environment conditions is defined in
can produce abnormal ambient temperatures, which in turn affects Article 690.9(A) of the
fuse performance, conductor selection and sizing. Also, unlike NEC. Fuses are required
traditional circuits which are normally sized based on continuous to protect cables and PV
loads, PV modules produce continuous currents, leading to additional modules from line-line,
considerations when sizing fuses. Taking these conditions into line-ground and mismatch
account, a unique method for sizing fuses in PV systems is necessary. faults
The following paper will first determine when fusing is required and
The following equation
secondly will outline a five step process for sizing fuse ampere ratings
can be used to properly
for photovoltaic applications according to the 2011 National Electrical
size string and array type
Code (NEC).
fuses for photovoltaic
source circuits and
W h e n to F u s e , W h e n N ot to F u s e photovoltaic output
circuits, where Irated
The requirement to protect photovoltaic systems from overcurrent
is the desired fuse
conditions is defined in Article 690.9(A) of the NEC. Fuses are
nameplate ampere rating,
required to protect cables and PV modules from line-line, line-ground
Isc is the PV module rated
and mismatch faults. The sole purpose is to prevent fire and safely
short-circuit current or
open a faulted circuit if an overcurrent event were to occur. However,
the sum of parallel PV
there are some situations where fusing is not required and is defined
module rated short-circuit
by the following:
currents, and Kf is the
Single Series String (fusing not required) Article 690.9(A),
exception a, states that for PV module or PV source circuit temperature de-rating
conductors where there are no external sources connected (such coefficient (if required):
as parallel connected source circuits, batteries or backfeed from
ISC x 1.56
inverters) fusing is not required. This case is true as long as the
Irated = Kf
connecting cables are rated at 1.56 x Isc or higher.
Two Strings in Parallel (fusing not required) Article 690.9(A),
exception b, states that fusing is not required if the short-circuit
currents from all sources do not exceed the ampacity of the
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S i z i n g F u s e s f o r P h otovo lta i c S y s t e m s p e r t h e
N at i o n a l El e c t r i c a l C o d e
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N at i o n a l El e c t r i c a l C o d e
sunlight irradiance that exceed the standard rating Step 2: Determine the Nominal Fuse Ampere
value of 1000 W/m2. Figure 2 illustrates an example Rating
PV module nameplate. Notice the reference to the NEC Article 690.8(B)(1)(a) states that overcurrent
Standard Test Conditions and the indicated value of protection devices (OCPD) shall carry not less than
Isc which will be used in the Step 1 calculation. 125 percent of the maximum circuit current (Imax),
or continuous current, as calculated in 690.8(A)(1),
For our calculations, per the NEC, PV system Step 1. In other words, the OCPD cannot be loaded
currents are considered to be continuous. The to more than 80% of its nameplate ampere rating
term continuous is defined as more than three continuously. This is a required factor of safety.
hours in duration, hence maximum circuit current By code, generally you do not load conductors
is sometimes referenced by industry experts as the to 100%; the same concept applies to fusing.
continuous current. PV source circuits are defined Therefore, by using the maximum circuit current
as conductors between modules and from modules (Imax) calculated in Step 1, the following equation for
to the common connection point in a DC system2. determining the nominal fuse ampere rating (In) is:
PV output circuits are defined as circuit conductors
between the PV source circuit and the inverter or
DC utilization equipment3. In = Imax x 1.25
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N at i o n a l El e c t r i c a l C o d e
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N at i o n a l El e c t r i c a l C o d e
5.75A x 1.56
Summary Irated = 0.9 = 9.97A
To summarize steps 1 through 5, the following
equation can be used to properly size string and
array type fuses for photovoltaic source circuits In this example, 9.97A is not a readily available fuse
and photovoltaic output circuits, where Irated is ampere rating. The code allows us to use the next
the desired fuse nameplate ampere rating, Isc is the available fuse ampere rating, which is 10A.
PV module rated short-circuit current or the sum
of parallel PV module rated short-circuit currents References
and Kf is the temperature de-rating coefficient (if
Earley, Mark W., ed. National Electrical Code
required): I x 1.56 sc Handbook, Twelfth Edition. Quincy, MA: 2011.
Irated = Kf
Wiles, John. Series String OCPD Requirements
If the desired fuse nameplate value (Irated) is not a for Grid-Direct Inverter Applications. SolarPro
readily available nameplate rating, you are allowed Magazine, December/January 2009.
to select the next highest available rating. The final
calculated fuse nameplate rating must be less than Wiles, John. Conductor Sizing & Overcurrent Device
or equal to the ampacity of the conductor selected, Ratings. Home Power Magazine, February/March
if not then the conductor size must be increased. 2011.
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