Higher Solar Voltages Calls For Certified Fuse Holders

By Kathie Zipp | August 6, 2013

As photovoltaic system voltages migrate to higher levels, and with 1500Vdc now the new target, manufacturers will be looking for the ability to mount fuses associated with the increased value. This voltage enhances the efficiency of the power conversion equipment and lowers the cost of the copper cabling required on the project. The race to 1500Vdc is seen as a critical mile-marker for PV system sustainability.

It’s important to use electrical and photovoltaic power distribution solutions that are certified for such high voltages. For instance, Woehner USA offer three fuse holders for 1500Vdc photovoltaic applications that have been certified to the UL4248-18 standard.

“The UL mark has become a make or break formality for component manufacturers. Achieving a UL listing indicates that we have market-ready products that meet high standards of performance and can be used with confidence,” concludes Saunders.

All three fuse base holders are used in balance of system assemblies produced by combiner box and inverter manufacturers to protect the wires and cables in a DC power distribution system of utility or commercial scale photovoltaic installations.

The three fuse base holders are the PVH-NH1XL, PVH-NH2XL/3L and the AMBUS EasySwitch holder for 10X85 cylindrical fuses (AES10x85). All are traditionally panel mounted and are suitable for DIN-rails or mounting plates. The AES10x85 is a cylindrical photovoltaic fuse holder for 30A applications. Woehner is the only manufacturer of dead-front, DIN-mount, finger-safe fuse holder for 10x85mm fuses, good for up to 1500Vdc.

“Having our products UL listed is very important for our customers from an assurance perspective,” says Kevin Saunders, Managing Director of Woehner USA. “Customers who build to either the UL508 or UL1741 standards find the process of obtaining their UL certification is streamlined when they use UL listed components. Without this mark, customers have to endure added expense, test procedures and follow-up testing. By carrying the UL mark, our customers are guaranteed that the component has passed the stringent testing to be suitable for use in their UL assembly.”

Woehner USAwww.woehner.com