IEC 63027:2023

Photovoltaic power systems - DC arc detection and interruption

IEC 63027:2023 applies to equipment used for the detection and optionally the interruption of electric DC arcs in photovoltaic (PV) system circuits. The document covers test procedures for the detection of series arcs within PV circuits, and the response times of equipment employed to interrupt the arcs.
The document defines reference scenarios according to which the testing is conducted. This document covers equipment connected to systems not exceeding a maximum PV source circuit voltage of 1 500 V DC. This document provides requirements and testing procedures for arc-fault protection devices used in PV systems to reduce the risk of igniting an electrical fire.

Systèmes photovoltaïques - Détection et interruption d’arc en courant continu

IEC 63027:2023 s’applique aux équipements utilisés pour la détection et éventuellement pour l’interruption des arcs électriques en courant continu des circuits des systèmes photovoltaïques (PV). Il couvre les procédures d’essai de détection des arcs en série dans les circuits PV, et les temps de réponse de l'équipement utilisé pour interrompre les arcs.
Le document définit les scénarios de référence selon lesquels les essais sont réalisés. Le présent document couvre les équipements reliés à des systèmes qui ne dépassent pas une tension maximale de circuit de source PV de 1 500 V en courant continu. Le présent document fournit des exigences et des procédures d’essai pour les dispositifs de protection contre les défauts d’arc utilisés dans les systèmes PV afin de réduire le risque d’incendie d’origine électrique.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 02-May-2023
• ICS: 27.160 - Solar energy engineering
• Technical Committee: TC 82 - Solar photovoltaic energy systems
• Drafting Committee: WG 6 - TC 82/WG 6
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 05-May-2023
• Completion Date: 03-May-2023

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 63027
®

Edition 1.0 2023-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside


Photovoltaic power systems – DC arc detection and interruption

Systèmes photovoltaïques – Détection et interruption d’arc en courant continu

IEC 63027:2023-05(en-fr)

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
THIS PUBLICATION IS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED
Copyright © 2023 IEC, Geneva, Switzerland

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester. If you have any questions about IEC
copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
your local IEC member National Committee for further information.


Droits de reproduction réservés. Sauf indication contraire, aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite ni
utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie et
les microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de l'IEC ou du Comité national de l'IEC du pays du demandeur. Si vous avez des
questions sur le copyright de l'IEC ou si vous désirez obtenir des droits supplémentaires sur cette publication, utilisez
les coordonnées ci-après ou contactez le Comité national de l'IEC de votre pays de résidence.

IEC Secretariat Tel.: [phone]
3, rue de Varembé [e-mail]
CH-1211 Geneva 20 www.iec.ch
Switzerland

About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigendum or an amendment might have been published.

IEC publications search - webstore.iec.ch/advsearchform IEC Products & Services Portal - products.iec.ch
The advanced search enables to find IEC publications by a Discover our powerful search engine and read freely all the
variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical publications previews. With a subscription you will always have
committee, …). It also gives information on projects, replaced access to up to date content tailored to your needs.
and withdrawn publications.

Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
The world's leading online dictionary on electrotechnology,
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published
containing more than 22 300 terminological entries in English
details all new publications released. Available online and once
and French, with equivalent terms in 19 additional languages.
a month by email.
Also known as the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary

(IEV) online.
IEC Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc


If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or need
further assistance, please contact the Customer Service
Centre: [e-mail].


A propos de l'IEC
La Commission Electrotechnique Internationale (IEC) est la première organisation mondiale qui élabore et publie des
Normes internationales pour tout ce qui a trait à l'électricité, à l'électronique et aux technologies apparentées.

A propos des publications IEC
Le contenu technique des publications IEC est constamment revu. Veuillez vous assurer que vous possédez l’édition la
plus récente, un corrigendum ou amendement peut avoir été publié.

Recherche de publications IEC -  IEC Products & Services Portal - products.iec.ch
webstore.iec.ch/advsearchform Découvrez notre puissant moteur de recherche et consultez
La recherche avancée permet de trouver des publications IEC gratuitement tous les aperçus des publications. Avec un
en utilisant différents critères (numéro de référence, texte, abonnement, vous aurez toujours accès à un contenu à jour
comité d’études, …). Elle donne aussi des informations sur les adapté à vos besoins.
projets et les publications remplacées ou retirées.

Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
Le premier dictionnaire d'électrotechnologie en ligne au monde,
Restez informé sur les nouvelles publications IEC. Just
avec plus de 22 300 articles terminologiques en anglais et en
Published détaille les nouvelles publications parues.
français, ainsi que les termes équivalents dans 19 langues
Disponible en ligne et une fois par mois par email.
additionnelles. Egalement appelé Vocabulaire

Electrotechnique International (IEV) en ligne.
Service Clients - webstore.iec.ch/csc

Si vous désirez nous donner des commentaires sur cette
publication ou si vous avez des questions contactez-nous:
[e-mail].

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
IEC 63027

®


Edition 1.0 2023-05




INTERNATIONAL



STANDARD




NORME


INTERNATIONALE
colour

inside










Photovoltaic power systems – DC arc detection and interruption



Systèmes photovoltaïques – Détection et interruption d’arc en courant continu


















INTERNATIONAL

ELECTROTECHNICAL

COMMISSION


COMMISSION

ELECTROTECHNIQUE


INTERNATIONALE





ICS 27.160  ISBN 978-2-8322-6743-1




Warning! Make sure that you obtained this publication from an authorized distributor.

Attention! Veuillez vous assurer que vous avez obtenu cette publication via un distributeur agréé.

® Registered trademark of the International Electrotechnical Commission
Marque déposée de la Commission Electrotechnique Internationale

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
– 2 – IEC 63027:2023 © IEC 2023
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 6
INTRODUCTION . 8
1 Scope . 9
2 Normative references . 9
3 Terms and definitions . 10
4 Classification . 12
4.1 General . 12
4.2 Protection coverage . 13
4.3 Method of implementation . 13
4.3.1 PCE integrated device (I) . 13
4.3.2 Stand-alone device (S) . 14
4.3.3 Distributed detection system (D) . 14
4.4 Functionality . 14
4.4.1 AFPE: Detection and interruption capability provided . 14
4.4.2 AFD: Only detection / no interruption capability provided . 14
4.5 Number of monitored strings (S) . 14
4.5.1 Single string . 14
4.5.2 Parallel string . 14
4.6 Number of input ports (I) . 14
4.7 Number of monitored channels (C) . 14
4.7.1 Single channel . 14
4.7.2 Multi channel . 15
4.8 Reconnection method . 15
4.8.1 General . 15
4.8.2 Manual reconnection . 15
4.8.3 Remote manual reconnection . 15
4.8.4 Automatic reconnection . 15
5 Ratings of AFPEs and AFDs . 15
5.1 General . 15
5.2 PCE integrated AFPEs and AFDs . 15
5.2.1 Rated and limiting values . 15
5.3 Stand-alone AFPEs and AFDs . 16
5.3.1 Rated and limiting values . 16
5.3.2 Utilization category . 17
6 Product information . 17
6.1 General . 17
6.2 PCE integrated devices . 17
6.3 Stand-alone devices . 18
6.3.1 Nature of information . 18
6.3.2 Marking . 18
6.3.3 Instructions for installation, operation and maintenance . 18
7 Normal service, mounting and transport conditions . 18
7.1 PCE integrated AFPEs . 18
7.2 Stand-alone AFPEs . 18
8 Construction and performance requirements . 19

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
IEC 63027:2023 © IEC 2023 – 3 –
8.1 General requirements for PCE integrated AFDs/AFPEs and stand-alone
AFDs/AFPEs . 19
8.1.1 General . 19
8.1.2 Construction requirements . 19
8.1.3 Operation in case of series arc fault event . 19
8.1.4 Reconnection capability of AFPE . 19
8.1.5 Self-test function . 20
8.2 PCE integrated AFDs and AFPEs . 21
8.3 Stand-alone AFDs and AFPEs . 21
9 Tests . 21
9.1 General . 21
9.2 Series arc fault test . 21
9.2.1 General . 21
9.2.2 Arc generator . 22
9.2.3 DC source . 23
9.2.4 Array line impedance network . 24
9.2.5 Line impedance network . 24
9.2.6 Test procedure . 25
9.2.7 Arc energy and response time measurement . 27
9.2.8 Self-test function . 27
9.2.9 Reconnection test . 28
Annex A (informative) String and channel examples . 29
A.1 General . 29
A.2 PCE integrated AFDs and AFPEs . 29
A.3 Stand-alone AFPEs . 30
A.4 Distributed AFPEs . 31
Annex B (normative) Test setups following different application cases . 32
B.1 General . 32
B.1.1 Overview . 32
B.1.2 PV source models . 33
B.1.3 Flow chart for test selection . 34
B.2 Application string inverter . 36
B.3 Application micro inverter . 37
B.4 Application module level DC/DC conversion . 39
B.4.1 Input setups . 39
B.4.2 Output setups . 42
B.5 Application external combined strings . 44
B.5.1 Input setups . 44
B.5.2 Output setups . 45
Annex C (informative) Application examples . 47
C.1 General . 47
C.2 Example 1: String inverter with integrated AFPE (F-I-AFPE) . 47
C.3 Example 2: Module level inverter with integrated AFPE (F-I-AFPE) . 48
C.4 Example 3: External AFPE (P-S-AFPE) . 49
C.5 Example 4: Module level DC-DC converter system with AFPE integrated

(F‑I‑AFPE) . 52
C.6 Example 5: String inverter with multiple Inputs (F-I-AFPE) . 55
C.7 Example 6: String inverter with multiple Inputs (F-I-AFPE) . 57
C.8 Example 7: String inverter with multiple Inputs (F-I-AFPE) . 59

---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
– 4 – IEC 63027:2023 © IEC 2023
Annex D (informative) Cross reference application and test setup . 64
Bibliography . 65

Figure 1 – Schematic of the arc generator . 22
Figure 2 – Dimensions of arc generator electrodes . 23
Figure 3 – DC source decoupling network . 24
Figure 4 – Array line impedance network . 24
Figure 5 – Line impedance network . 24
Figure 6 – Limitation input current . 26
Figure A.1 – Schematic of string setting of PCE integrated AFDs and AFPEs . 29
Figure A.2 – Schematic of parallel setting of PCE integrated AFDs and AFPEs . 29
Figure A.3 – Schematic of string setting of stand-alone AFPEs . 30
Figure A.4 – Schematic of parallel setting of stand-alone AFPEs . 30
Figure A.5 – Schematic of single string, single channel distributed AFPEs . 31
Figure A.6 – Schematic of single string, single channel (Inverter integrated AFD and
controller) . 31
Figure B.1 – PV source model . 33
Figure B.2 – Flow chart to select applicable test cases . 35
Figure B.3 – Single string test setup (tests 1, 2, 4) . 36
Figure B.4 – Parallel string test setup (tests 1 and 2) . 36
Figure B.5 – Parallel string test setup (tests 3 and 5) . 36
Figure B.6 – Single string test setup (tests 1 and 2) . 37
Figure B.7 – Single string test setup (tests 1 and 2) – series modules . 37
Figure B.8 – Parallel string test setup (tests 1 and 2) . 37
Figure B.9 – Parallel string test setup (tests 1 and 2) – series modules . 38
Figure B.10 – Parallel string test setup (tests 3 and 5) . 38
Figure B.11 – Single string test setup (tests 1, 2, 4) . 39
Figure B.12 – Single string test setup (tests 1, 2, 4) – series modules . 39
Figure B.13 – Parallel string test setup (tests 1 and 2) . 40
Figure B.14 – Parallel string test setup (tests 1 and 2) . 41
Figure B.15 – Parallel string test setup (tests 3 and 5) . 42
Figure B.16 – Single string test setup (tests 1, 2, 4) . 42
Figure B.17 – Parallel string test setup (tests 1 and 2) . 43
Figure B.18 – Parallel string test setup (tests 3 and 5) . 43
Figure B.19 – Single string test setup (tests 1, 2, 4) . 44
Figure B.20 – Parallel string test setup (tests 1 and 2) . 44
Figure B.21 – Parallel string test setup (tests 3 and 5) . 45
Figure B.22 – Single string test setup (test 1 and 2) . 45
Figure B.23 – Parallel string test setup (tests 3 and 5) . 46
Figure C.1 – Example of a string inverter with single input . 47
Figure C.2 – Example of a module level inverter with single input . 48
Figure C.3 – Example of an external AFPE with multiple input ports . 50
Figure C.4 – Example of a module level DC-DC converter system . 52

---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
IEC 63027:2023 © IEC 2023 – 5 –
Figure C.5 – Example of a string inverter with multiple input ports . 55
Figure C.6 – Example string inverter with multiple inputs . 58
Figure C.7 – Example string inverter with different channel classification . 60

Table 1 – Classification of protection coverage . 13
Table 2 – Combined classification of AFPEs and AFDs . 17
Table 3 – Marking and documentation requirements . 17
Table 4 – Requirements for documentation, marking and position of marking . 18
Table 5 – Arcing test conditions . 25
Table B.1 – General LRC component parameters . 33
Table B.2 – LCR component parameters for different module configurations . 34
Table C.1 – Overview tests F-I-AFPE string inverter . 48
Table C.2 – Overview tests F-I-AFPE module level inverter . 49
Table C.3 – Overview tests P-S-AFPE stand-alone AFPE . 51
Table C.4 – Overview tests F‑I‑AFPE . 55
Table C.5 – Overview tests F‑I‑AFPE . 57
Table C.6 – Overview tests F‑I‑AFPE . 59
Table C.7 – Overview tests F‑I‑AFPE . 63
Table D.1 – Cross reference application and test setup . 64

---------------------- Page: 7 ----------------------
– 6 – IEC 63027:2023 © IEC 2023
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________

PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS –
DC ARC DETECTION AND INTERRUPTION

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as "IEC Publication(s)"). Their
preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent
rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 63027 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 82: Solar photovoltaic energy
systems. It is an International Standard.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
82/2112/FDIS 82/2133/RVD

Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.

---------------------- Page: 8 ----------------------
IEC 63027:2023 © IEC 2023 – 7 –
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.

IMPORTANT – The "colour inside" logo on the cover page of this document indicates that it
contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding of its
contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.

---------------------- Page: 9 ----------------------
– 8 – IEC 63027:2023 © IEC 2023
INTRODUCTION
This document provides requirements and testing procedures for arc-fault protection devices
used in PV systems to reduce the risk of igniting an electrical fire.
A PV system contains a number of distributed DC sources (PV modules) and circuits. In AC
systems series arc durations are limited by the alternating current crossing through zero ampere
twice per cycle. In DC systems the arcing current may be constant and longer arc durations are
expected. In contrast to a centralized power supply, where in case of a fault the circuit is
disconnected at the connectio
...