EN 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.

Gleichstrom-Lichtbogenerkennung und -Unterbrechung in photovoltaischen Energiesystemen

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.

Fotonapetostni sistemi - Zaznavanje enosmernega loka in prekinitve (IEC 63027:2023)

Standard IEC 63027:2023 se uporablja za opremo, ki se uporablja za zaznavanje in po izbiri prekinitev električnega enosmernega loka v tokokrogih fotonapetostnih sistemov (PV). Dokument obravnava preskusne postopke za zaznavanje niza lokov v tokokrogih fotonapetostnih sistemov in odzivne čase opreme, ki se uporablja za prekinitev lokov.
Dokument opredeljuje referenčne scenarije, po katerih se izvaja preskušanje. Ta dokument zajema opremo, priključeno na sisteme, ki ne presegajo največje napetosti izvornega tokokroga fotonapetostnih sistemov 1500 V enosmernega toka. Ta dokument podaja zahteve in preskusne postopke za zaščitne naprave za okvarni oblok, ki se uporabljajo v fotonapetostnih sistemih za zmanjšanje nevarnosti vžiga in električnega požara.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 08-Jun-2023
• ICS: 27.160 - Solar energy engineering
• Technical Committee: CLC/TC 82 - Solar photovoltaic energy systems
• Drafting Committee: IEC/TC 82 - IEC_TC_82
• Current Stage: 6060 - Document made available - Publishing
• Start Date: 09-Jun-2023
• Completion Date: 09-Jun-2023
• Ref Project: SIST EN IEC 63027:2023 - Photovoltaic power systems - DC arc detection and interruption (IEC 63027:2023)

Overview

EN IEC 63027:2023 - Photovoltaic power systems: DC arc detection and interruption (published by CLC/CENELEC and identical to IEC 63027:2023) specifies requirements and test procedures for equipment that detects-and optionally interrupts-DC arc faults in photovoltaic (PV) circuits. The standard focuses on detection of series arcs, defines reference test scenarios, and requires measurement of device response times and arc energy. It applies to PV source circuits up to 1 500 V DC and aims to reduce the risk of electrical fire by standardizing arc-fault protection devices for PV systems.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and purpose
  • Detection and optional interruption of DC arcs in PV arrays (series arcs).
  • Limits application to systems ≤ 1 500 V DC.
• Classification and device types
  • PCE integrated devices (integrated into power conversion equipment).
  • Stand‑alone devices (external AFPE/AFD).
  • Distributed detection systems (module- or string-level architectures).
  • Functionality classes: AFPE (detection + interruption) and AFD (detection only).
• Performance, ratings and product information
  • Rated/limiting voltages and currents, utilization categories and marking/instructions for installers.
• Construction and operational requirements
  • Self-test functions, reconnection behavior (manual, remote, automatic), and operational responses on detection of series arc faults.
• Test methods
  • Normative series arc fault tests including arc generator setup, DC source decoupling, line and array impedance networks.
  • Measurement of arc energy and device response time, self-test verification, and reconnection tests.
• Annexes and examples
  • Application-specific test setups (string inverters, microinverters, module-level converters), wiring examples and flow charts for selecting test cases.

Practical applications and users

EN IEC 63027:2023 is essential for:

• PV inverter and module-level power electronics manufacturers designing integrated arc-fault protection (AFPE).
• Stand‑alone arc-fault device manufacturers and suppliers.
• Certification bodies and test laboratories performing conformity and safety testing.
• System designers, electrical installers and asset owners aiming to meet fire-safety best practice for PV arrays.
• Regulators and insurers referencing harmonized testing for risk mitigation.

Related standards

Relevant normative references include (as cited in EN IEC 63027:2023):

• IEC 60730-1 (automatic electrical controls)
• IEC 60947-1 / IEC 60947-3 (low-voltage switchgear)
• IEC 61508 series (functional safety)
• IEC 62109-1 (safety of power converters for PV)
• IEC/TS 61836 (PV terms and symbols)
• IEC 62606 family (PV module power electronics)

For implementation and certification, consult the full EN IEC 63027:2023 text from an authorized distributor or your national CLC member to obtain complete test methods, limits and mandatory requirements.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2023
Fotonapetostni sistemi - Zaznavanje enosmernega loka in prekinitve (IEC
63027:2023)
Photovoltaic power systems - DC arc detection and interruption (IEC 63027:2023)
Gleichstrom-Lichtbogenerfassung und -Unterbrechung in photovoltaischen
Energiesystemen (IEC 63027:2023)
Systèmes photovoltaïques - Détection et interruption d’arc en courant continu (IEC
63027:2023)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 63027:2023
ICS:
27.160 Sončna energija Solar energy engineering
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 63027

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM June 2023
ICS 27.160
English Version
Photovoltaic power systems - DC arc detection and interruption
(IEC 63027:2023)
Systèmes photovoltaïques - Détection et interruption d'arc Gleichstrom-Lichtbogenerfassung und -Unterbrechung in
en courant continu photovoltaischen Energiesystemen
(IEC 63027:2023) (IEC 63027:2023)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2023-06-07. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2023 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 63027:2023 E
European foreword
The text of document 82/2112/FDIS, future edition 1 of IEC 63027, prepared by IEC/TC 82 "Solar
photovoltaic energy systems" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by
CENELEC as EN IEC 63027:2023.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2024-03-07
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2026-06-07
document have to be withdrawn
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 63027:2023 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standard indicated:
IEC 62606:2013 NOTE Approved as EN 62606:2013 (not modified)
IEC 62606:2013/AMD1:2017 NOTE Approved as EN 62606:2013/A1:2017 (not modified)
IEC 62606:2013/AMD2:2022 NOTE Approved as EN 62606:2013/A2:2022 (not modified)

Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: EN 62606:2023/FprA2:2022.
Annex A
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.
NOTE 1 Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the
relevant EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2 Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available
here: www.cencenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60730-1 2013 Automatic electrical controls - Part 1: EN 60730-1 2016
General requirements
+ A1 2015  + A1 2019
+ A2 2020  + A2 2022
IEC 60947-1 2020 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - EN IEC 60947-1 2021
Part 1: General rules
IEC 60947-3 2020 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - EN IEC 60947-3 2021
Part 3: Switches, disconnectors, switch-
disconnectors and fuse-combination units
IEC 61508 series Functional safety of EN 61508 series
electrical/electronic/programmable
electronic safety-related systems
IEC 62109-1 2010 Safety of power converters for use in - -
photovoltaic power systems - Part 1:
General requirements
IEC/TS 61836 2016 Solar photovoltaic energy systems - - -
Terms, definitions and symbols

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

– 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

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

– 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

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

– 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.

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.

– 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 connection to the supply, a PV system is made up of distributed power
supplies which cannot disconnect circuits in a single location. For extinguishing series arcs,
however, the location of the arc within the circuit is irrelevant as long as the current is
interrupted. This arc fault protection may be located inside the inverter, on array circuits,
subarray circuits, string circuits, or at the module level. Therefore, this document provides a
range of test setups to cover the expected system topologies.
In PV systems earth fault protection is required according to the IEC installation standards.
Moreover, single core cables with double or reinforced insulation are required (except ELV
systems). Consequently, the risk of parallel arcs is quite low because in most cases an earth
fault occurs first. As such, this document does not address requirements or testing for parallel
arc detection. The larger risk for PV systems comes from series arcs, therefore the focus of this
document is to provide requirements and tests for arc fault protection equipment to ensure that
most series arcs in a PV system will be detected.
Many arc fault detectors detect arcs by analyzing and comparing the arc’s HF signal emission.
These devices may trip due to external disturbances from other equipment connected to the PV
array, e.g. the inverter. Therefore, interoperability needs to be evaluated. Other external
influences such as radio signals, sparks from trams, and load switching, among others, may
also cause nuisance tripping. These causes are a performance issue and therefore not
addressed by this document.
Arc fault detectors for PV systems have been introduced as a requirement in the USA since the
2011 U.S. National Electrical Code was published. This led to the development of a PV arc-fault
protection product standard, UL 1699B. Experience derived from these documents and their
application in the USA has been used as a basis for this document. This document was written
in parallel to the maintenance of UL 1699B. Both writing teams considered the work of each
other and aligned requirements as much as possible, including the dimensions of the electrodes.
Arc fault detectors have been mandatory for many years in the USA for certain AC installations.
Within the IEC, arc fault detectors required according to IEC 62606 have been introduced for
certain locations for AC circuits. For PV circuits there was no IEC product standard available.
This document therefore now provides test procedures for PV system arc fault detectors, where
required by installation standards.
This document was written for the special needs and characteristics of PV systems. The unique
aspects of PV DC sources (group of distributed sources, current behavior, dependency to
irradiance, system impedance, etc.) differ considerably from other DC sources and applications.
Therefore, this PV specific standard was necessary, and equipment compliant to this document
is not suitable for other DC sources and applications.

IEC 63027:2023 © IEC 2023 – 9 –
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS –
DC ARC DETECTION AND INTERRUPTION

1 Scope
This document 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.
The detection of parallel circuit arcs is not covered in this document. This document is not
applicable to DC sources or applications other than PV DC sources.
NOTE Parallel arc detection may be considered for a future edition.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60730-1:2013, Automatic electrical controls – Part 1: General requirements
IEC 60730-1:2013/AMD1:2015
IEC 60730-1:2013/AMD2:2020
IEC 60947-1:2020, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 1: General rules
IEC 60947-3:2020, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 3: Switches, disconnectors,
switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units
IEC 61508 (all parts), Functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-
related systems
IEC TS 61836:2016, Solar photovoltaic energy systems – Terms, definitions and symbols
IEC 62109-1:2010, Safety of power converters for use in photovoltaic power systems – Part 1:
General requirements
– 10 – IEC 63027:2023 © IEC 2023
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions in IEC TS 61836 apply, as well as
the following:
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
arc
arcing
self-maintained gas conduction for which most of the charge carriers are electrons supplied by
primary‑electron emission
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-121:1998, 121-13-12]
3.2
arc fault
arcing fault
dangerous unintentional parallel or series arc between conductors
[SOURCE: IEC 62606:2013, 3.2, modified – "parallel or series" and "between conductors" has
been added]
3.3
arc fault detector
AFD
device or group of devices to detect arcs
3.4
arc fault interrupter
AFI
device triggered by an AFD and able to interrupt an arc
3.5
arc fault protection equipment
AFPE
combination of AFD and AFI to detect and interrupt arc faults
3.6
arc detection
function of sensing the presence of an arc fault
[SOURCE: IEC 62606:2013,3.5, modified – "consisting in" has been replaced by "of"]
3.7
arc interruption
function of extinguishing the arc by de-energizing it, achieved by e.g. opening the circuit using
a mechanical contact set with an air gap or a solid state switching device
3.8
series arc fault
arcing that is in series with the load and is the result of a failure in the intended continuity of a
conductor, connection, module or other system components in the direct current PV circuit

IEC 63027:2023 © IEC 2023 – 11 –
3.9
open-circuit voltage
V
oc
voltage at the output terminals of a PV device at a particular temperature and irradiance when
the output electric current of the PV device is zero, defining a voltage input parameter of the
AFPE or AFD
[SOURCE: IEC TS 61836:2016, 3.4.56, modified – "defining a voltage input parameter of the
AFPE or AFD" has been added]
3.10
current at maximum power point
I
mpp
current at the output terminals of a PV device at a particular temperature and irradiance at the
conditions of maximum power of the PV device, defining a current input parameter of the AFPE
or AFD
3.11
voltage at maximum power point
V
mpp
voltage at the output terminals of a PV device at a particular temperature and irradiance at the
conditions of maximum power of the PV device, defining a voltage input parameter of the AFPE
or AFD
3.12
rated channel current
current the AFPE or AFD channel can carry. This corresponds to the sum of all currents carried
by a channel
3.13
rated interruption current
current the AFI or AFPE can interrupt
3.14
maximum rated current per input port
I
pA
current that one input port of an AFD or AFPE is limited to
Note 1 to entry: The maximum current per input port is typically identical to the maximum arc current.
3.15
power conversion equipment
PCE
device or equipment able to convert electric power from one form to another
3.16
string
circuit of one or more series-connected PV modules
3.17
PCE integrated device
AFD or AFI or AFPE which are integrated into the PCE
3.18
stand-alone device
AFD or AFI or AFPE which are separated and independent from the PCE

– 12 – IEC 63027:2023 © IEC 2023
3.19
distributed detection system
AFPE which is distributed within the PV system
3.20
single channel device
device which has one sensor circuit for arc detection
3.21
multi channel device
device which has two or more independent sensor circuits for arc detection
3.22
device under test
DUT
particular sample that is being measured or observed
3.23
photovoltaic
PV
relating to the conversion of light directly into electrical energy
[SOURCE: IEC 62109-1:2010, 3.55]
3.24
short-circuit current
I
sc
electric current at the output terminals of a PV device at a particular temperature and irradiance
when the device output voltage is equal to or close to zero
[SOURCE: IEC 61836:2016, 3.4.80, modified – Note 1 has been deleted]
4 Classification
4.1 General
This clause gives an overview of the classifications used for AFD and AFPEs in this document.
The classification scheme describes the equipment type and considers the important aspects
relevant for testing and installation. Installation standards can refer to this classification to
specify requirements for arc fault protection.
Protection coverage: Defines which parts of a PV system or installation are covered by the AFD
or AFPE.
Method of implementation: Defines the type and design of the AFD or AFPE. The method of
implementation especially impacts construction requirements and testing.
Functionality: Indicates whether an equipment or device is an AFD or AFPE.
Number of monitored strings, inputs and channels: The maximum number of connected PV
strings, inputs and measurement channels that can be supported by the AFD or AFPE, and for
which it is tested.
Reconnection method: Defines which reconnection methods are supported by the product.

IEC 63027:2023 © IEC 2023 – 13 –
Annex B provides additional information and introduces measures to group the following
classifications into various use cases.
AFPE may have more than one classification, and different ratings may apply for each
classification. In this case the manufacturer shall document the installation and connection
requirements for each classification.
NOTE One example is an inverter that allows for the direct connection of PV strings or the connection of one DC
main cable. For direct string connections the classification could be F-I-AFPE-1-4-1 and for the main cable connection
the classification could be P-I-AFPE-6-1-1.
AFPE may provide input ports with different ratings (e.g. number of strings per input port,
current rating). In this case the tests shall be performed in the worst-case configuration.
4.2 Protection coverage
The protection coverage defines which circuits and components of the PV system are covered
by the AFD or AFPE.
Two types of classifications are defined, see Table 1.
Table 1 – Classification of protection coverage
System Code Description
F Arc fault protection is provided from the PV
modules up to the inverter input terminals.
(Full coverage)
P Arc fault protection is provided from the PV
modules up to the parallel connection of the
strings. No arc fault protection is provided for
wiring between the parallel connection and the

inverter input terminals. (Partial coverage)

NOTE Typically full coverage (F) is hard to achieve for high currents in DC main cables. Also, the 750 J protection
threshold may be difficult to achieve because of the high currents and the physical limits in interruption times. Fire
hazard protection may be provided by means of installation.
4.3 Method of implementation
4.3.1 PCE integrated device (I)
The AFPE is implemented within a PCE connected to the PV array and makes use of the
housing and terminals of the PCE.

– 14 – IEC 63027:2023 © IEC 2023
4.3.2 Stand-alone device (S)
The AFPE is a single device, that works independently and makes use of its own enclosure or
other dedicated enclosures.
4.3.3 Distributed detection system (D)
The AFPE comprises more than one device. The devices may be stand-alone devices or
integrated within a PCE.
4.4 Functionality
4.4.1 AFPE: Detection and interruption capability provided
The device incorporates AFD and AFI for full AFPE functionality.
4.4.2 AFD: Only detection / no interruption capability provided
The device only detects the arc. An AFD without a dedicated AFI does not fulfill the
requirements of an AFPE according to this document. Such devices may be used to indicate
arc events, e.g. in connection with a fire alarm system.
4.5 Number of monitored strings (S)
4.5.1 Single string
The AFD or AFPE are designed in a way that only one string of the array or one module may
be connected to one input port for detection and, in the case of AFPE, interruption.
4.5.2 Parallel string
The AFD or AFPE are designed in a way that multiple strings or modules may be connected for
detection and, in the case of AFPE, interruption. The maximum number of strings for one input
port shall b
...