Eaton PVGard Solar Photovoltaic Circuit Breakers
PVGard Solar Circuit Breakers—600 Vdc Per-Pole and 1000 Vdc Poles-in-Series
Product Overview
- Two PVGard lineups
- 600 Vdc per-pole breaker and switch. Each pole rated 600 Vdc
- 1000 Vdc poles-in-series breaker and switch. Requires poles in series connection
- Both options UL 489B listed for solar photovoltaic circuit protection
- 50°C calibration
- Offers both 100% and 80% rated breakers
- Handle bi-directional current flow
Product Description
Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert the energy of the sun into electrical power that is fed directly into the electric grid. Within the balance of system (BOS), direct current (DC) circuit breakers protect the wiring connected from the PV modules to the combiner or the inverter, while also behaving as a disconnect.
Eaton is a global leader in circuit protection and brings this expertise to bear in the photovoltaic market. PVGard solar circuit breakers are part of a product family that combines a disconnect with circuit protection in a single, compact, resettable device to protect and isolate DC circuits as needed in photovoltaic systems. PVGard breakers can replace fuses, fuse holders and disconnects in combiner box and inverter applications— saving space, streamlining design, purchasing and receiving, and reducing spare parts requirements.
There are two PVGard lineups to choose from: the industryexclusive, 600 Vdc per-pole breakers and switches designed for residential and light commercial applications and 1000 Vdc poles-in-series breakers and switches for commercial and utility scale applications.
PVGard 600 Vdc Per-Pole Lineup
Only Eaton can offer this breakthrough breaker that will save significant space, time and cost. As a single-circuitper- pole device, it allows space savings of up to 66% when compared to traditional poles-in-series disconnects, switches and breakers. In addition, it eliminates the need for jumpers for poles-inseries connection—saving on installation time, labor and even inventory.
PVGard 1000 Vdc Poles-in-Series Lineup
This 1000 Vdc poles-in-series lineup provides reliable and safe disconnect means and overcurrent protection in a single, compact device for commercial and utility scale PV systems. This solution does not require jumpers with the breaker/switch to be a UL 489B listed device, providing reliability and flexibility in design without limitation on implementation of the breaker/switch. If needed, cost-effective Eaton jumpers can be included.
Application Description
Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert the energy of the sun into electrical power that is fed directly into the electric grid. PVGard circuit breakers are used to protect the wiring from the modules to the combiner box or inverter from overcurrents, and to provide an isolation mechanism.
Eaton offers a complete line of UL 489 Listed multi-purpose 600 Vdc poles-in-series breakers and switches, as well as protection for the AC side of the inverter.
Features
PVGard breakers are uniquely esigned with these features:
- Meets the higher voltage nd lower fault current evels of solar systems
- Tested to extreme ambient onditions from –40° to 90°
- Full complement of accessories for status, signalling, and on/off operation remotely
- Can handle bi-directional flow of current
- Can be applied in grounded, ungrounded or bi-polar systems
- Meets and exceeds the standards of UL 489B for photovoltaic molded case circuit breakers and molded case switches
- Available both standard (80%-rated) and 100%- rated breakers
- 50°C calibration
- Ability to open on signal from DC arc or ground fault detector
- Wide range of current ratings increases options for matching incoming strings
- Eliminates fuse stocking costs and matching issues
Designed specifically for high- and low-temperature demands of PV installations, PVGard circuit breakers undergo extreme ambient cycling tests, and carry a robust operating temperature range. Trip units calibrate at 100% and 80% of nameplate current in a 50ºC ambient, ensuring continuous operation in higher temperature environments typical to solar.
Rigorous third-party testing includes limited and standard fault current tests, electrical and mechanical endurance, di-electric voltage withstand and temperature tests. Eaton’s PVGard products are stand-alone devices without requiring jumpers to be UL 489B listed devices.
PVGard breakers are available with a full complement of accessories to provide string status, enable remote trip, on/off operation, and can be customized to site requirements.
Standards and Certifications
- Designed to meet UL 489B for solar photovoltaic circuit protection
- UL File E350638, Category Control Number DIUR