Electric Arc Detected

[sabersix]

My solar system has stopped working. The inverter is showing an error "Electric Arc Detected". I tried to reset it, but no luck. This is an SMA 5000TL-US-22 inverter with 21 SolarWind SW275 Mono Protect modules. I've emailed the installer, but haven't heard back yet over the weekend.

Anyone have any experience with this particular fault?

[solarix]

They want the installer to check into the fault, so they don't make doing a reset of it easy.
Try shutting it all down for a few minutes, then as it is turning back on watch it like a hawk for quite a few minutes until it throws up the arc fault error message again - then immediate knock on it twice (within 8 seconds) and it should do a restart with the error going away. I can't always get this to work though. The next easiest method is log into the internal software (wifi code on the lower label) and edit the device parameters to initiate a "operation inhibition reset" (whatever that means). If all fails call tech support and be prepared to wait on hold a long time.

[sabersix]

I have attempted the complete shutdown, restart, and knock reset. Continues to get the Electric Arc Detected error, so may be a hard failure. Installer technician is coming tomorrow afternoon.

[wayne23836]

Most grid inverters have a 1 amp grounding fuse (kld-1 600v) likely blown check the manual. I had to replace one in my Conext tx5000.

[sabersix]

Installer technician came today. Turned out to be a hard failure in the junction box on the roof. Luis from Solare Energy in San Diego arrived right on time and had it diagnosed and repaired in an hour.

J-box Repair1.jpgJ-box Repair2.jpgJ-box Repair3.jpgJ-box Repair4.jpg

[RichardCullip]

Yeh, I would certainly call that second picture a hard failure....

[solardreamer]

How old is the system?

[sabersix]

How old is the system?

PTO was May 2015.