Installation
900-0209-01-00 Rev A
15
Ground Fault Detection and Interruption (GFDI)
If a ground-fault event occurs, the controller’s GFDI fuse will open. The FLEXmax 100 GFDI circuit
detects continuity across the fuse. Lack of continuity will cause the charge controller to shut down. If the
fuse is not initially installed, the controller will be unable to operate. In either case the LED indicators and
the system display will show
GFDI Fault
. (See pages 30 and 38.)
If multiple controllers are used on a common system, all but one fuse must be removed. The other
controllers will detect the continuity of the remaining fuse. All units will then respond equally to a ground
fault. Figure 7 shows how the fuse is removed or replaced.
IMPORTANT:
Removing the fuse from all controllers (or failing to install it) will prevent the controllers
from functioning.
Using multiple fuses will keep the FLEXmax 100 GFDI protection from working as
specified. It will also establish multiple ground bonds, potentially leading to other error
conditions. This will result in noncompliance with NEC or other codes.
Removing the ground bonding wire from all controllers will defeat the GFDI function.
This is a requirement in positive-ground systems. See the
Ground Bonding
section.
Figure 7 GFDI Fuse
External GFDI
IMPORTANT:
An external ground fault device must also contain the means for PV disconnection.
This function is built into OutBack GFDI products.
If alternate PV system grounding configurations or GFDI methods are required, remove the ground
bonding jumper wire from all FLEXmax 100 controllers. (See Figure 6 and the
Ground Bonding
section.) Do not remove the GFDI fuses from any controllers. Once the bonding wire has been removed,
the external ground fault device can be installed according to its own instructions.
1.
To remove the fuse holder
A
, simply
grip it tightly by the top handle and pull
upward. The fuse and holder will
unsnap from the board.
2.
To open the fuse holder, push on the
two halves of the top handle in
opposite directions as shown in
B
.
The holder will open on a hinge.
3.
The fuse
C
can be
easily removed and
replaced as needed.
Replace with a fuse of
the same type.
4.
Replace the fuse holder by following these instructions in reverse.
A
B
Hinge
C
Hinge