ArcBox

Another #solar #fire incident prevented by ArcBox Your first layer of defence against #solarfire should be to select compatible high-quality components and install them correctly. ArcBox provides defence in depth, a second layer of protection that can stop a simple mistake from turning into a tragedy. Called to site to investigate a non-functioning PV string, the reason soon became obvious to the solar technician when this burnt out DC connector was found inside a closed ArcBox in the cable tray. This #solarpv installation was on the flat roof of a student accommodation block in the Midlands, UK Fortunately for the building owner, residents and #insurers, the solar installer had chosen to protect the hand-made DC connectors on this building with ArcBox and this prevented this malfunctioning connector from setting fire to the combustible roof covering below the cable tray. Having proven its performance in rigorous independent testing, ArcBox is increasingly demonstrating its value out in the real world.

ArcBox In Action A UK solar installer was recently called to a new-build property in Warwickshire after the homeowner reported their solar system had stopped working. Investigation revealed a burnt DC connector in the loft. Fortunately, the connector was housed within an ArcBox. This photo was taken on site. The resulting arc fault completely destroyed the centre of the connector, but ArcBox contained the event and prevented ignition of surrounding combustible materials, including roof timbers and membrane. What could have developed into a roof fire was resolved by simply replacing the damaged connector and installing a new ArcBox. Designed for the day you hope never comes. #ArcBox #SolarSafety #ArcFault #SolarPV #FireProtection

Mitigating the consequences of PV electrical faults The award-winning #ArcBox has been rigorously tested, with the effectiveness of the product independently verified by the Kiwa BDA Testing B.V. Fire Safety and Security Laboratory alongside Loughborough University, while further tests were conducted at the ZAG test laboratory in Slovenia. During testing, #ArcBox successfully contained DC connector arc faults and prevented their development into roof fires when tested with both flat-roof and BIPV in-roof solar installations. This independently verified performance gives insurers greater confidence in the ability of #ArcBox to reduce fire risk, helping to minimise potential losses and improve risk management outcomes.

Breaking the chain from PV fault to fire loss Electrical faults can happen. ArcBox is designed to help contain the consequences before a localised fault becomes a major loss. #ArcBox is a simple, low-cost approach to reducing the fire risk associated with solar PV systems. It simply clips around a DC solar connector, protecting it to reduce the likelihood of a fault occurring and in the event of an electrical fault, containing it to preventing it starting a fire. As part of a wider risk management strategy, #ArcBox helps organisations reduce exposure to fire-related losses, downtime, and operational disruption.

From electrical fault to insured loss - ArcBox helps break the chain #solarPV systems have an excellent #safety record compared to other electrical appliances that people don’t think twice about having in their own homes, but as the number of solar systems in operation increases, so too does the frequency of #solarfires. An array of solar panels is often spread over large areas, which means that if a fire does start, it can cause considerable damage, either from the fire itself or from the firefighting measures needed to bring it under control. By addressing a well-known point of failure in #solarPV systems, #ArcBox can help insurers reduce fire-related losses while supporting more robust risk mitigation and asset protection strategies.

Preventing Solar PV faults from escalating into major losses The frequency of fires related to #solar PV is increasing. #ArcBox is a simple, low-cost approach to reducing the fire risk associated with solar PV systems. It simply clips around the DC solar connectors, which are a well-known weak point. #ArcBox protects the connector in use and in the event of a fault, contains electrical arcing to prevent it from starting a serious fire.