Morningstar GFPD-150V Ground Fault Protection Device

Description

Morningstar GFPD-150V Ground Fault Protection Device (GFPD)

Developed for ground fault detection and interruption for the photovoltaic (PV) industry, Morningstar’s GFPD offers greater sensitivity and better isolation while maintaining the bond to earth ground. Ground fault protection is used in electrical systems to prevent current from following any unintended paths during a ground fault. Morningstar’s GFPD models have been designed to meet the ground fault protection requirements of the US National Electric Code (NEC) for grounded PV Systems.

Morningstar’s GFPD better isolates the array from the battery and loads, while maintaining the bond to ground.

Morningstar GFPD-150V Ground Fault Protection Device Features

Simple and Flexible Installation

• Compatible with other supplier’s PV controllers and inverters
• Feedback signal wire harness comes pre-wired
• Includes fused battery cable for power
• For positive or negative grounded PV systems
• Side or below flush mounting with coupling hardware included

No Fuses

• Uses high quality breaker switches that continue to operate after ground fault interruptions
• Avoids problematic replacements of fuses, which are often unavailable at remote sites

Supports both single and multiple controller systems

• Multiple controllers and GFPDs may be added later on an as-needed basis
• Will only shut off affected controllers while maintaining the system earth bond
• All loads will continue to operate safely with the battery remaining bonded to the ground

Safety Features

• Includes push-button test circuit
• Leaves the battery and DC loads grounded under all conditions. Alternative ground fault solutions require a warning label on the battery to note that “dangerous voltages are present”
• Breaks the connection to the PV array during a fault condition
• Features audible and visual indications

Greater Sensitivity

• Sensing device provides consistent, accurate measurement
• More precise than fused ground fault protection
• Activates starting at 300mA compared to 1A for alternative solutions

Better Isolation

• Completely isolates the ground fault from the controller, battery, and loads
• Disconnects both the positive and negative conductor

Maintains the bond to earth ground

• Avoids problems of other ground fault protection options, which can allow the battery and load to float to PV array voltages in relation to ground
• Normally grounded components (conductors, controller, battery, and DC loads) will not be left floating

Morningstar GFPD-150V Ground Fault Protection Device Specifications

Electrical

• Maximum Solar Voltage (VoC): 150V
• Maximum Solar Current: 85 Amps
• Supply Voltage Range: 10 – 72 VDC
• Self-Consumption: <0.5Watts
• Ground Fault Threshold Current: 300 mA +/- 10%
• Number of Poles: 2
• Trip Method: Relay
• Output Trip Signal: 12 V
• Nominal System Voltage: 12, 24, 36, or 48 VDC

Mechanical

• Dimensions: 10.6″ x 5.1″ x 4.4″
• Weight: 4.4 LBS
• Mounting Post: DIN- and Panel-Mount Options
• Terminal: 6 AWG

Environmental

• Ambient Temperature: -40°F to 122°F
• Storage Temperature:  -67°F to 185°F
• Humidity: Up to 100%, non-condensing
• Tropicalization: PCB Conformal Coating

Electronic Protections & Certifications

• Disconnected Feedback Signal Circuit Detection
• Reverse Polarity
• CE, RoHS, and REACH Compliant
• Meets EMC Directives (Immunity, Emissions, and Safety)
• FCC Class B Part 15 Compliant
• Manufactured in a Certified ISO 9001 Facility
• U.S. National Electrical Code (NEC) 690.5 Compliant for use as a GFPD device
• UL 1741 and CSA C22.2 No. 107.1-01 Listed
  • GFPD-150V is UL-489 Listed

GFPD-150V Manual