Product recall: SMA calls in MLPE over rapid shutdown problem

SMA is contacting U.S. commercial and industrial customers after discovering problems with its branded TS4-R-F 42 Sunspec Rapid Shutdown device.

Some 28 U.S. states have introduced new NEC2017 690.12 module-level shutdown requirements. Under the new standard, all conductors within 30cm of an array must lose voltage to 80V or less within 30 seconds of rapid shutdown initiation. One method of complying with the new safety standard is to install module-level power electronics such as rapid shutdown devices.

However, having carried out tests in its lab German inverter maker SMA discovered deviations in some instances from the Sunspec Rapid Shutdown standard when the product is combined with SMA inverters in commercial and industrial applications.

“The recall only affects a few customers, exclusively in the commercial sector in the USA,” an SMA spokesperson told pv magazine. “We have informed these customers personally and in writing.”

The inverter manufacturer says it is already exchanging affected products with a new TS4-R-F to comply with the standard.

SMA began shipping the TS4-R-F-42 to residential and commercial customers in the U.S. in September. For the U.S. market, SMA sold its Sunny Tripower Core1 string inverter with the TS4-R-F-42 shutdown device for NEC2017 standard compliance.

This article has been amended to stand corrected on the relationship of SMA and Tigo. TS4-R-F-42 are SMA branded products, which are sold and shipped by SMA. TS4-R-F's are made by Tigo and supplied to SMA.