The VICFUSE PV Series is a family of fuses specially designed for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. As PV installations and system capacities increase, effective overcurrent protection of string and array conductors becomes necessary to prevent conductor damage and isolate faulted PV strings so the rest of the array can continue generating power. The PV Series covers multiple voltage classes, current ratings, and mounting/terminal styles to support a range of PV combiner box and string-protection designs.

Per VICFUSE's PV fuse selection guidance, string fusing is generally required where three or more PV strings are connected in parallel, since fewer strings will typically not generate enough fault current to damage properly sized conductors. Where fusing is required, VICFUSE recommends sizing the fuse current rating at approximately 1.56× the module's short-circuit current (I_sc), rounded up to the next standard fuse rating, with the fuse voltage rating equal to or greater than the maximum system voltage.

Key Features

• Purpose-built for PV string and array conductor protection
• Voltage classes of 1000V DC and 1500V DC (or less)
• Current ratings from 0.5A to 630A across the PV Series, depending on sub-series
• Interrupt ratings up to 50kA, depending on sub-series and current rating
• Operating class gPV on select sub-series
• Multiple terminal and mounting styles, including P1, P2, LT, AB, and D08
• Designed to UL2579, UL248, IEC 60269, and GB 13539
• Matching fuse bases available for several PV fuse body sizes

Technical Specifications

The PV Series spans two primary voltage classes — 1000V DC and 1500V DC — with current ratings ranging from 0.5A up to 630A depending on the specific sub-series and body size. Interrupt ratings across the line span 10kA to 50kA, also varying by sub-series and current rating. Operating temperature is stated as -40°C to +125°C for the base PV Series (P1/P2 mount).

Typical Applications

• Protection of PV string conductors in arrays with three or more parallel strings
• Isolation of a faulted PV string so the remainder of the array continues generating power
• PV sub-array and array output circuit overcurrent protection

Certifications and Compliance

All PV Series sub-series comply with RoHS. CE marking applies to the PV Series base (P1/P2 mount), PV1451, and PV22 sub-series. cULus certification applies under two file numbers depending on sub-series: File No. E364283 for the PV Series base (P1/P2 mount), and File No. 364283 for the PV10, PV160, PV355, PV630, PV NH1–NH3, and PV XL1–XL4 sub-series (1000V DC). The PV1451 sub-series additionally carries CQC and TÜV certification.

Certification coverage varies by sub-series and voltage class. Buyers should confirm the exact catalog number and voltage/terminal variant needed against the applicable certification before specifying.

Engineering Benefits

The PV Series gives PV system designers and combiner-box manufacturers a dedicated fuse platform for string- and array-level overcurrent protection, with sizing guidance (1.56× I_sc) that aligns with common PV protection-coordination practice. The range of voltage classes, current ratings, and terminal styles supports a variety of combiner box and disconnect designs, while matching fuse bases are available for several current-rated fuse bodies to simplify system integration.