Solar Inverters Required AFCI in Brazil

According to Brazil's new regulations by Inmetro, from December 1st, the solar?inverter in Brazil must be equipped with Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (AFCI) to enhance the safety of solar installations nationwide.

Although the Inmetro regulation allows for a transition period for solar inverters without AFCI being sold, it is important to note that buildings without protection measures will not be accepted by the fire department. The evaluation and implementation of products are two separate matters, and the fire department has the authority to determine whether solar inverter generator meets electrical safety requirements. They may even impose stricter rules on products already on the market. By next year, these devices will no longer be permitted for sale, so installers who have inventory products must make an effort to comply with new regulations.

Let's delve deeper into why the solar inverter must be equipped with AFCI in Brazil.

What is AFCI？

AFCI, short for Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter, is a circuit protection device that detects arc faults in circuits and cuts off the power supply to prevent fires or short circuits. It effectively identifies loose screws or poor contact in DC loops and can distinguish between normal arcs and faulty arcs, interrupting the circuit when a fault arc is detected.

With the rapid growth of solar utilization in Brazil, fire incidents related to solar storage systems have increased. This emphasizes the critical role played by AFCI in detecting and interrupting arcs, which are a major cause of such fires.

Mandating the installation of AFCI in inverters can effectively reduce the risk of solar battery backup systems?catching fire in Brazil, particularly important for regions with high temperatures and prolonged sunlight hours to ensure long-term safe operation of both?commercial?and industrial solar systems.

The implementation of this policy by Brazil is a crucial milestone for the advancement of the solar industry. It not only enhances safety standards but also demonstrates Brazil's commitment to ensuring the security of solar energy storage systems. Although it may incur short-term market adaptation costs, in the long run, it will foster sustainable industry growth and bolster user confidence. Moreover, this policy serves as valuable guidance for other countries seeking to expand their utilization of solar energy.