Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA Arc-Fault

2016-11-14 Thread jerrysgarage01 


DaveDid you make your MC Cables, are there any jumpers used, l have seen 
crimped terminals cause faults and over time will overheat and fail open. Just 
a thought.Jerry


Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

 Original message 
From: Matthew Sirum  
Date: 11/14/16  1:07 AM  (GMT-10:00) 
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org 
Subject: [RE-wrenches]  SMA Arc-Fault 

Greetings Dave,

Have you considered possibly installing a hybrid type transient
voltage surge suppressor (TVSS), to include filters to remove high
frequency EMI/RFI?  Or possible a straight line filter device?  If
this nuisance arc fault issue is still occurring and it may be related
to an AC issue you may be able to get some technical help and advice
from an engineer at one of the TVSS manufacturers such as Total
Protection Solutions, Richmond, VA 800.647.1911 or Surge Suppression
Incorporated, Destin, FL 888.987.8877.  I would also recommend
reaching out for an application engineer in the SPD division at Eaton.
Eaton Technical Resource Center 800.809.2772.  SSI also has a very
experienced field troubleshooting technician they send all around the
country to help contractors with difficult electrical issues... Of
course that would probably cost $1000-$2000 per day.

I avoid using piercing taps and connectors.  I prefer to use service
entrance tap boxes, insulated multi port connectors, or line side
rated power distribution blocks.  I cannot help but wonder if there
may be an actual arc event occurring at one or more of the piercing
taps which is somehow picked up by the DC AFCI.  In commissioning this
system it would be a good idea to use a non-contact IR thermometer
and/or thermal imaging camera/scope to check the piercing taps for
excessive heating while the conductors are energized and carrying peak
currents.

I hope you are successful in resolving this issue soon.  I will
continue to follow the thread.  Hopefully we can all learn something
from this.

Best regards,

MATT

Matthew Sirum
P.O. Box 1227
Greenfield, MA 01302-1227  USA
phone: +1.413.773.0611
email: matthewsi...@gmail.com
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Firmware, Firmware, Firmaware was Outback Programming Ghost

2016-11-14 Thread Chris Schaefer 
Lones,
Ok, so my question is if we save the original user settings to one SD card
and then format a separate SD card with the new firmware and install. Once
the new firmware is installed can we put the original SD card in and upload
all of our user settings. Or do we have to manually input all the settings?

Also do you have a spreadsheet of the installer settings we can download as
is found at the end of the Owners manual just in case we need to manually
put the settings back in for recording purposes?

Thanks,
Christopher

On Mon, Nov 14, 2016 at 11:53 AM, Lones Tuss  wrote:

> Hello All
>
>   The legacy Mate(2) and legacy FX inverters did require the units to be
> sent to OutBack to be updated.
>
> The Mate3 and the FXRA inverters can all be updated in the field.
>
> The newest revisions of software are available on the OutBack website.
>
> http://outbackpower.com/catalogs-collaterals/category/td-firmware-updates
>
>
>
> Down load the new firmware on an SD Card insert it into the Mate3
>
> Press the Lock Button enter 141 as the password.
>
> Select Firmware Update
>
> Then choose the device you wish to update.
>
>
>
>  When updating the inverters it is advised to put the system in Bypass as
> the inverters will shut down when an update is performed.
>
>
>
>
>
> Lones Tuss
>
> Applications Engineer
>
> OutBack Power Technologies
>
> 17825 59th Ave NE, Suite B, Arlington, WA 98223
>
> 360.618.4383 Office | 425.213.8794 Cell
>
> www.outbackpower.com
>
>
>
> *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
> Behalf Of *William Miller
> *Sent:* Saturday, November 12, 2016 9:17 AM
> *To:* RE-wrenches
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Firmware, Firmware, Firmaware was Outback
> Programming Ghost
>
>
>
>  Ray:
>
>
>
> Upgrading firmware on inverters and Mates requires either a board swap for
> inverters or a trip to the factory for a standard Mate. Only the Mate3 can
> be field upgraded.
>
>
>
> Then, if you have mixed inverter firmware, there can be unintended
> consequences. For example, we upgraded a fourth inverter because of a
> failure. We were told to make it the master. When we did, the gen would
> disconnect after 20 minutes. We changed it back to a slave and problem
> resolved.
>
>
>
> In our society, the price for added features is added frustration.
>
>
>
> William
>
>
> On Nov 12, 2016, at 8:32 AM, Ray Walters  wrote:
>
> I second uprading all firmware on all devices.  I had a recent FXR install
> that was dropping one of the inverters (and its leg) whenever the system
> tried to sell.  Latest firmware cured the issues.
> The industry is moving from us being electricians to becoming computer
> techs.  Retirement looks better each day.
>
> R.Ray Walters
>
> CTO, Solarray, Inc
>
> Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
>
> Licensed Master Electrician
>
> Solar Design Engineer
>
> 303 505-8760
>
> On 11/12/2016 6:08 AM, Wayne Irwin wrote:
>
> Very strange that all the programming is scrambled.
>
>
>
> Recently we had a FXR system which had been working fine for nearly six
> months come up with an incompatibility error with the slave inverter even
> though the firmware was the most recent and the same for both inverters.
> After several failed attempts to re-upgrade the inverter firmware, we took
> a shot at upgrading the Mate 3 firmware which did work. We then again tried
> the inverters and it worked. System is now working again (for now) and the
> programming is all still valid.
>
>
>
>
>
> Wayne Irwin,
> President
> License #CVC56695
> State Licensed Solar Contractor
> Pure Energy Solar International Inc.
> wa...@pureenergysolar.com 
> http://PureEnergySolar.com
> http://SolarChargingStation.net 
> 352 377-6527 Office
> 352 336-3299 Fax
>
>
> The Sun Is Always Shining!
>
> The content of this message is Pure Energy Solar Confidential. If you are
> not the intended recipient and have received this message in error, any use
> or distribution is prohibited. Please notify me immediately by reply e-mail
> and delete this message from your computer system. Thank you.
>
>
> --
>
> *From:* RE-wrenches 
>  on behalf of William Miller
>  
> *Sent:* Thursday, November 10, 2016 11:26 PM
> *To:* RE-wrenches
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback Programming Ghost
>
>
>
> Ray:
>
>
>
> I have no reason to believe anyone has been meddling. No one knows the
> password. It does look like some serious glitch.
>
>
>
> William
>
>
> On Nov 10, 2016, at 6:25 PM, Ray Walters  wrote:
>
> It almost sounds like someone got in there and tried to reprogram stuff
> themselves.  Have you installed the proper anti-Gremlin devices?
>
> R.Ray Walters
>
> CTO, Solarray, Inc
>
> Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
>
> Licensed Master

Re: [RE-wrenches] Advanced Energy MM 5 inverter

2016-11-14 Thread Brian Teitelbaum 
Hola Marco,



Advanced Energy was purchased by Beacon Power way back when, so you might
contact them to see if they have a manual. If you Google “Beacon Power M5
inverter” you can find a spec sheet, but I didn’t see the manual anywhere.



Brian





Brian Teitelbaum

Applications Engineer

AEE Solar, Inc.

Redway, CA

Tel: (805) 242-7856

Toll Free 1-800-777-6609 ext 7856

bteitelb...@aeesolar.com

www.aeesolar.com







*From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
Behalf Of *Marco Mangelsdorf
*Sent:* Monday, November 14, 2016 2:04 PM
*To:* 'RE-wrenches'
*Subject:* [RE-wrenches] Advanced Energy MM 5 inverter



Hola Wrenches,



I’m in search of a spec sheet and manual for a 2002 vintage Advanced Energy
Multi-Mode 5 kW inverter.



Looked on-line to no avail.



Please send to me off-line if you have these docs.



Mahalo,

marco



[image: provision_highres_solar_logo2 with C-26351]

Marco Mangelsdorf, President
69 Railroad Avenue, A-7
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
(808) 969-3281, 934-7462 facsimile
www.provision-solar.com 






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[RE-wrenches] Advanced Energy MM 5 inverter

2016-11-14 Thread Marco Mangelsdorf 
Hola Wrenches,

 

I'm in search of a spec sheet and manual for a 2002 vintage Advanced Energy
Multi-Mode 5 kW inverter.

 

Looked on-line to no avail.

 

Please send to me off-line if you have these docs.

 

Mahalo,

marco

 

provision_highres_solar_logo2 with C-26351

Marco Mangelsdorf, President
69 Railroad Avenue, A-7
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
(808) 969-3281, 934-7462 facsimile
  www.provision-solar.com

 

 



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Re: [RE-wrenches] Ring Connectors

2016-11-14 Thread toddcory 

this might be unnecessary/ old school, but after i crimp i solder too 
(oxidation happens).
 
todd
 
 
 
 


On Monday, November 14, 2016 1:16pm, "Ray Walters"  said:



Here's the lug you would use for the inverter and batteries [ 
https://www.delcity.net/store/Straight-Tinned-Copper-Lugs/p_810763.h_796015.t_1 
]( 
https://www.delcity.net/store/Straight-Tinned-Copper-Lugs/p_810763.h_796015.t_1 
)
 It doesn't say here, but on the bag I got, it specifically is listed for fine 
strand cables too.

 I have 3 crimpers that I use: one like Allan's for the large cable (2/0 and 
4/0) , then a smaller, easier to handle one for #2 to #8.  
 For #10 and smaller, I use a Klein crimper with the indenter.

 I've had failures and repaired other people's problems with the hex crimpers.  
In all cases, I recommend a crimper that has a V on one side and an indenting 
pin that pushes into the V.  
 I've taken apart factory cables from Outback, Trace, Midnite, etc, and they 
all use the V crimper style, not the hex type.
[ 
https://www.delcity.net/store/Heavy!Duty-Terminal-Crimping-Tool/p_10379.h_45483.t_1
 ]( 
https://www.delcity.net/store/Heavy!Duty-Terminal-Crimping-Tool/p_10379.h_45483.t_1
 )
[ 
https://www.delcity.net/store/Heavy!Duty-Hammer-Cable-Crimper/p_10383.h_54606.t_1
 ]( 
https://www.delcity.net/store/Heavy!Duty-Hammer-Cable-Crimper/p_10383.h_54606.t_1
 )
[ 
https://www.delcity.net/store/V!Crimp-Heavy!Duty-Crimping-Tool/p_800107.h_800109.t_1
 ]( 
https://www.delcity.net/store/V!Crimp-Heavy!Duty-Crimping-Tool/p_800107.h_800109.t_1
 )

 All of these make good professional crimps.  I've tried several other crimpers 
that did not work as well.  Hex crimps can rip through heat shrink, while some 
ratcheting oval crimpers let the wire pull out after, etc.  With the 
indent, it will always hold the wire, even with different types of wire and 
different lugs.



R.Ray WaltersCTO, Solarray, IncNabcep Certified PV Installer, Licensed Master 
ElectricianSolar Design Engineer303 505-8760
On 11/14/2016 10:56 AM, Allan Sindelar wrote:Will,
 1/4" ring by whatever size wire you choose. Del City is a good source - [ 
www.delcity.net ]( http://www.delcity.net ). #153145 is 1/4"/#10AWG; #254145 is 
same for #8 and #255145 for #6.
 Standard indent crimper for non-insulated terminals, not the automotive type. 
Mine is a Klein. 
 Allan





Allan Sindelar
[ al...@sindelarsolar.com ]( mailto:al...@sindelarsolar.com )
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
 NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
 New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
 Founder (Retired), Positive Energy, Inc.
505 780-2738 cell
 
On 11/14/2016 10:34 AM, Will White wrote:

Hey Wrenches,
I'm doing an upgrade to an Outback VFX series off-grid system with the flexware 
boxes.  What type/brand of ring connectors and crimpers do you all use for the 
DC breakers with the post terminals?

 Thanks,
Will


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Ring Connectors

2016-11-14 Thread Ray Walters 
Here's the lug you would use for the inverter and batteries 
https://www.delcity.net/store/Straight-Tinned-Copper-Lugs/p_810763.h_796015.t_1
It doesn't say here, but on the bag I got, it specifically is listed for 
fine strand cables too.


I have 3 crimpers that I use: one like Allan's for the large cable (2/0 
and 4/0) , then a smaller, easier to handle one for #2 to #8.

For #10 and smaller, I use a Klein crimper with the indenter.
Image result for klein crimper
I've had failures and repaired other people's problems with the hex 
crimpers.  In all cases, I recommend a crimper that has a *V* on one 
side and an indenting pin that pushes into the V.
I've taken apart factory cables from Outback, Trace, Midnite, etc, and 
they all use the V crimper style, not the hex type.

https://www.delcity.net/store/Heavy!Duty-Terminal-Crimping-Tool/p_10379.h_45483.t_1
https://www.delcity.net/store/Heavy!Duty-Hammer-Cable-Crimper/p_10383.h_54606.t_1
https://www.delcity.net/store/V!Crimp-Heavy!Duty-Crimping-Tool/p_800107.h_800109.t_1

All of these make good professional crimps.  I've tried several other 
crimpers that did not work as well.  Hex crimps can rip through heat 
shrink, while some ratcheting oval crimpers let the wire pull out after, 
etc.  With the indent, it will always hold the wire, even with 
different types of wire and different lugs.



R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760

On 11/14/2016 10:56 AM, Allan Sindelar wrote:

Will,
1/4" ring by whatever size wire you choose. Del City is a good source 
- www.delcity.net. #153145 is 1/4"/#10AWG; #254145 is same for #8 and 
#255145 for #6.
Standard indent crimper for non-insulated terminals, not the 
automotive type. Mine is a Klein.

Allan

*Allan Sindelar*
al...@sindelarsolar.com 
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Founder (Retired), Positive Energy, Inc.
*505 780-2738 cell*

**

On 11/14/2016 10:34 AM, Will White wrote:

Hey Wrenches,

I'm doing an upgrade to an Outback VFX series off-grid system with 
the flexware boxes.  What type/brand of ring connectors and crimpers 
do you all use for the DC breakers with the post terminals?


Thanks,
Will


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Ring Connectors

2016-11-14 Thread Glenn Burt 
Panduit ring tongue terminals and a Panduit full cycle ratcheting crimp tool.

Glenn

-Original Message-
From: "Will White" 
Sent: ‎11/‎14/‎2016 12:34
To: "RE-wrenches" 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Ring Connectors

Hey Wrenches,

I'm doing an upgrade to an Outback VFX series off-grid system with the
flexware boxes.  What type/brand of ring connectors and crimpers do you all
use for the DC breakers with the post terminals?

Thanks,
Will
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Ring Connectors

2016-11-14 Thread Allan Sindelar 

Will,
1/4" ring by whatever size wire you choose. Del City is a good source - 
www.delcity.net. #153145 is 1/4"/#10AWG; #254145 is same for #8 and 
#255145 for #6.
Standard indent crimper for non-insulated terminals, not the automotive 
type. Mine is a Klein.

Allan

*Allan Sindelar*
al...@sindelarsolar.com 
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Founder (Retired), Positive Energy, Inc.
*505 780-2738 cell*

**

On 11/14/2016 10:34 AM, Will White wrote:

Hey Wrenches,

I'm doing an upgrade to an Outback VFX series off-grid system with the 
flexware boxes.  What type/brand of ring connectors and crimpers do 
you all use for the DC breakers with the post terminals?


Thanks,
Will


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[RE-wrenches] Ring Connectors

2016-11-14 Thread Will White 
Hey Wrenches,

I'm doing an upgrade to an Outback VFX series off-grid system with the
flexware boxes.  What type/brand of ring connectors and crimpers do you all
use for the DC breakers with the post terminals?

Thanks,
Will
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Firmware, Firmware, Firmaware was Outback Programming Ghost

2016-11-14 Thread Lones Tuss 
Hello All
  The legacy Mate(2) and legacy FX inverters did require the units to be sent 
to OutBack to be updated.
The Mate3 and the FXRA inverters can all be updated in the field.
The newest revisions of software are available on the OutBack website.
http://outbackpower.com/catalogs-collaterals/category/td-firmware-updates

Down load the new firmware on an SD Card insert it into the Mate3
Press the Lock Button enter 141 as the password.
Select Firmware Update
Then choose the device you wish to update.

 When updating the inverters it is advised to put the system in Bypass as the 
inverters will shut down when an update is performed.


Lones Tuss
Applications Engineer
OutBack Power Technologies
17825 59th Ave NE, Suite B, Arlington, WA 98223
360.618.4383 Office | 425.213.8794 Cell
www.outbackpower.com

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of William Miller
Sent: Saturday, November 12, 2016 9:17 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Firmware, Firmware, Firmaware was Outback 
Programming Ghost

 Ray:

Upgrading firmware on inverters and Mates requires either a board swap for 
inverters or a trip to the factory for a standard Mate. Only the Mate3 can be 
field upgraded.

Then, if you have mixed inverter firmware, there can be unintended 
consequences. For example, we upgraded a fourth inverter because of a failure. 
We were told to make it the master. When we did, the gen would disconnect after 
20 minutes. We changed it back to a slave and problem resolved.

In our society, the price for added features is added frustration.

William

On Nov 12, 2016, at 8:32 AM, Ray Walters 
> wrote:
I second uprading all firmware on all devices.  I had a recent FXR install that 
was dropping one of the inverters (and its leg) whenever the system tried to 
sell.  Latest firmware cured the issues.
The industry is moving from us being electricians to becoming computer techs.  
Retirement looks better each day.


R.Ray Walters

CTO, Solarray, Inc

Nabcep Certified PV Installer,

Licensed Master Electrician

Solar Design Engineer

303 505-8760
On 11/12/2016 6:08 AM, Wayne Irwin wrote:

Very strange that all the programming is scrambled.



Recently we had a FXR system which had been working fine for nearly six months 
come up with an incompatibility error with the slave inverter even though the 
firmware was the most recent and the same for both inverters. After several 
failed attempts to re-upgrade the inverter firmware, we took a shot at 
upgrading the Mate 3 firmware which did work. We then again tried the inverters 
and it worked. System is now working again (for now) and the programming is all 
still valid.




Wayne Irwin,
President
License #CVC56695
State Licensed Solar Contractor
Pure Energy Solar International Inc.
wa...@pureenergysolar.com
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From: RE-wrenches 

 on behalf of William Miller 

Sent: Thursday, November 10, 2016 11:26 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback Programming Ghost

Ray:

I have no reason to believe anyone has been meddling. No one knows the 
password. It does look like some serious glitch.

William

On Nov 10, 2016, at 6:25 PM, Ray Walters 
> wrote:
It almost sounds like someone got in there and tried to reprogram stuff 
themselves.  Have you installed the proper anti-Gremlin devices?


R.Ray Walters

CTO, Solarray, Inc

Nabcep Certified PV Installer,

Licensed Master Electrician

Solar Design Engineer

303 505-8760
On 11/10/2016 12:34 PM, William Miller wrote:
Colleagues:

I maintain an off-grid, 8 stack FX Outback system with 3 charge controllers.  
The system has been on line for about 6 years.  It got upgraded about 7 months 
ago with 2 Mate3s.

About a week ago the system shutdown, leaving the customer without power.  A 
maintenance worker started a generator and power was restored.  I did not hear 
about the situation for several days.

A maintenance supervisor was dispatched yesterday to work with me over the 
telephone to see if we could restart the system.  The system would only run if 
the inverter output breakers were all off.

I examined the system via Optics.  I was very surprised to see that the system 
programming was absolutely scrambled.

[RE-wrenches] SMA Arc-Fault

2016-11-14 Thread Matthew Sirum 
Greetings Dave,

Have you considered possibly installing a hybrid type transient
voltage surge suppressor (TVSS), to include filters to remove high
frequency EMI/RFI?  Or possible a straight line filter device?  If
this nuisance arc fault issue is still occurring and it may be related
to an AC issue you may be able to get some technical help and advice
from an engineer at one of the TVSS manufacturers such as Total
Protection Solutions, Richmond, VA 800.647.1911 or Surge Suppression
Incorporated, Destin, FL 888.987.8877.  I would also recommend
reaching out for an application engineer in the SPD division at Eaton.
Eaton Technical Resource Center 800.809.2772.  SSI also has a very
experienced field troubleshooting technician they send all around the
country to help contractors with difficult electrical issues... Of
course that would probably cost $1000-$2000 per day.

I avoid using piercing taps and connectors.  I prefer to use service
entrance tap boxes, insulated multi port connectors, or line side
rated power distribution blocks.  I cannot help but wonder if there
may be an actual arc event occurring at one or more of the piercing
taps which is somehow picked up by the DC AFCI.  In commissioning this
system it would be a good idea to use a non-contact IR thermometer
and/or thermal imaging camera/scope to check the piercing taps for
excessive heating while the conductors are energized and carrying peak
currents.

I hope you are successful in resolving this issue soon.  I will
continue to follow the thread.  Hopefully we can all learn something
from this.

Best regards,

MATT

Matthew Sirum
P.O. Box 1227
Greenfield, MA 01302-1227  USA
phone: +1.413.773.0611
email: matthewsi...@gmail.com
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Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA Arc-Fault

2016-11-14 Thread Chris Mason 
You can use a Fluke 435 series, it will reveal any harmonics and record the
energy levels for each harmonic. It has a scope feature. You can rent one
pretty cheaply and record 24 hours of data. I can send you a sample report
from mine if you want.

On Sun, Nov 13, 2016 at 9:36 PM, Dave Tedeyan  wrote:

> Howie,
> Yes, we have actually already replaced both inverters on site and the
> issues are still happening. At this point I doubt that we could have
> gotten 4 units with faulty arc fault sensors...
>
> Drake,
> I am beginning to think that it may be some noise from the utility.
> Would you know of a way to test for this? eGague unit maybe?
>
> Cheers,
> Dave
>
>
>
> *--*
>
>
> *Dave Tedeyan*
> *Project Engineer*
>
> *Taitem Engineering, PC*
> 109 S. Albany Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
> Voice: (607) 277-1118 x121
> www.taitem.com
>
> On Fri, Nov 11, 2016 at 10:15 AM, Drake  redwoodalliance.org> wrote:
>
>> Electrical noise coming in from the utility side can also cause an arc
>> fault code.
>>
>> At 07:32 AM 11/11/2016, you wrote:
>>
>> This array is a ground mount, so not on a roof, and no radio towers
>> nearby.
>>
>> As for grounding, The array and the shed with the interconnection point
>> are in the same area.
>> There are a couple ground rods there, which everything on the AC side is
>> connected to,Â
>> including a #6 wire from each inverter. there is just a #10 ground coming
>> from the array to the inverters.Â
>> The house is a couple hundred feet away and has its own grounding
>> electrode system.
>>
>> Jerry,
>> The inverters are new (replaced 2 months ago), but it is a good idea to
>> check firmware.
>> As for AC loads, nothing stands out as the types of things you mentioned,
>> although there
>> may be a well pump. They also do have a large water storage tank for
>> heating, but they
>> say that they have not needed to use it yet this year. Then there is also
>> the generator...
>>
>> Thanks for your recommendations.
>> -Dave
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> *-- Dave Tedeyan*
>> Project Engineer
>>
>>
>> *Taitem Engineering, PC *109Â S. Albany Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
>> Voice:Â (607) 277-1118 x121 
>> www.taitem.com
>>
>> On Thu, Nov 10, 2016 at 9:51 PM, Jerry Shafer > > wrote:
>> Dave.
>> We have many TL-22 in the field and they will detect faults even when
>> they are normal contactor faults, have you made sure the SW is the latest,
>> last I checked it is 2.65.3R and it may have a patch in there, you can turn
>> off the feature for testing only and see if you melt something down but if
>> you do please be on site as a arc may happen. Do you have a well, AC system
>> with contacts, welders, compressors, anything that has a dry contacts that
>> brakes under load, this is another place I would look. Every time we have
>> had a code out it was real weather from something normal or a wire issue.
>> Not to brag but we have hundreds in the field from the 3's to the 24's and
>> as much as I dread getting a call with this issue I can usually find the
>> problem and it can be either AC or DC.
>> Jerry
>>
>> On Thu, Nov 10, 2016 at 8:14 AM, Dave Tedeyan 
>> wrote:
>> Hi All,Â
>>
>> Maybe someone will have some ideas for why a couple inverters keep arc
>> faulting:
>>
>> -There are two SB7000TL-22 inverters, Sunpower branded.
>> -3 Strings of 7 SPR-327's to each inverter. Kept separate until the
>> inverter.
>> -Ground mount about 50' from the shed where the inverters are located
>> (indoors)
>> -Simple grid connected system, no batteries.
>> -There is a whole house generator co-located in the shed.
>> -We interconnect by using piercing taps on the line side of the generator
>> transfer switch
>> -There has been only one power outage there since the system was
>> installed in April, but the generator fires up weekly.
>>
>> -The arc faults have been happening on both inverters. Sometimes only one
>> at a time, sometimes both will go within a day of each other.
>> -The events have been approximately one a month, but sometimes more,
>> sometimes less.
>>
>> -We have already checked every single connection in the system twice, by
>> two different people.
>> -We have replaced the underground wires (and they looked just fine)
>> -We have replaced all home runs.
>> -We have replaced both inverters.
>> -Arc faults are still happening.
>> -Arc faults are not always on the same day/time of the week.
>>
>> I am wondering if this can be caused by the generator?Â
>> Has anyone run into a situation like this or something similar?
>>
>> Thanks for your help,
>> Dave
>>
>> --
>>
>> Dave Tedeyan
>> Project Engineer
>>
>> Taitem Engineering, PC
>> 109Â S. Albany Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
>> Voice:Â (607) 277-1118 x121 
>>
>> www.taitem.com
>>
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