"Inverter fault current documentation" ??

[maxpower]

Hello,

I have a Sunny Boy 6.0-US inverter at my house as part of a recently installed/inspected PV system that I undertook with the help of my electrician. To connect to my power authority (PNM in New Mexico) they require "inverter fault connection documentation." I have not been able to identify this information in any of the manuals and spec sheets I've found online and was hoping someone could help me locate it.

"Fault current information - Fault current information showing the AC output fault current for each type of inverter used. Fault current at 3 cycles or 50 ms is preferable. If the manufacturer does not provide this, the closest available reading is acceptable. Acceptable documentation for the AC output fault current: (1) specifications data sheet from the manufacturer; or (2) an e-mail from the manufacturer giving the AC output fault current. Please not that official documentation is required; noting the data on the 1-line or 3-line diagrams will not be accepted."

I have not been able to get a response from SMA. Does anyone know where this information is commonly found? Thanks!

[solarix]

Never seen a fault current spec on an inverter. However, our utility here has an A.I.C. rating requirement for interconnection. Some how, they are worried about 10,000 amps flowing during an inverter fault. The disconnecting means and the overcurrent device has to be rated for this. Only way to assure it is to install conductors to limit the fault current. For 6kW inverter you need 31amps ampacity or 8ga wire which needs at least 6 feet of wire length between the breaker and the AC disconnect to limit the "Amps Interrupting Current" to 10,000 amps.

[maxpower]

Thanks for the response and thoughts. I'm just surprised no one has direct experience with this, since in the state of New Mexico (and maybe others?) it seems to be a requirement, but maybe it's an unusual requirement...