Solar Inception SolaGRID Audible Alarm

The SolaGRID Audible Alarm is a self-contained, lightweight safety device that ensures solar power users are immediately alerted if an earth fault affects an inverter. The unit can be placed in areas near the solar user such as a kitchen or office and if a fault is detected the unit emits both an audible (beeping - 74 dB @ 1 m) and visual (flashing red light) alarm.

The alarm complies with latest modifications to the Australia and New Zealand Safety and installation Standard 5033:2012. Clause 3.4.3 of the standard requires that low-voltage PV arrays be equipped with an alarm that alerts the solar user when an earth fault has occurred and repeats the alarm at least once each hour until the fault has been resolved. The alarm goes a step further - although the user can push a mute button to silence the audible warning, the red light will continue to flash until the fault is cleared.

Like any resource that results in electrical power, solar solutions must be designed to ensure safety. Since solar arrays are usually installed in exposed areas, they are subject to both environmental and operational conditions that can cause a safety hazard. For example, the impact of lightning, wind, vermin infestation or mechanical failure can lead to a short circuit or earth fault, which, if undetected, could potentially lead to fire or electrocution.

Many solar inverters have a local indicator that triggers if a fault occurs. The problem is placement as inverters may be located in a garage, switch room or on a rooftop, where a solar system owner or operational staff member may not notice the warning - a clearly dangerous circumstance. The alarm overcomes this safety issue by providing a compact, self-contained unit that can be placed where it can be easily seen and heard. It enables the user to identify possible hazards quickly and institute control measures including shutting down the solar system and contacting service personnel.

The alarm is compatible with high-quality inverter products, including Power One and SMA. Powered from a 230 VAC single-phase control circuit - 1 A max, one unit will track and alert an earth fault from multiple inverters.The user can then check the inverter displays to determine which inverter carries the fault.

The SolaGRID Audible Alarm is available in easy-to-assemble kit form.