Determining The Circuit Breaker Size For Three-Phase Inverters

Version 1.0, Feb.
2019
Determining the Circuit Breaker Size

Revision History
Version 1.0 February 2019: first release
Introduction
Inverters should be protected by circuit breakers. This document describes how to determine which circuit breaker to use in three
phase commercial installations.
Using Transformers in Commercial Three Phase Inverter Installations

Using transformers in a commercial installation is optional. In most cases a transformer is used to connect the installation to the
medium voltage power grid. The following figure illustrates a typical transformer and commercial three phase inverter installation
topology.
Figure 1: Typical transformer and commercial three phase inverter installation topology
There are many considerations for selecting the suitable transformer and its associated current limiting devices such as circuit
breakers and fuses. The considerations must include at least the following:
The transformer should be designed for a typical PV system production profile: high daytime loads with no loads at night.
The current limiting devices should protect the electrical circuits and the inverters from the excess current created by an
overload, or a short circuit. If a short circuit or other overcurrent occurs, the current limiting devices should block the current
flow to the circuit, thus preventing damage to the electrical circuits and the inverters.
The circuit breakers and the fuses should comply with the transformer manufacturer recommendations and with the relevant
sections in standards such as IEC 60909, IEC 60364, UL 508A and NEC 2017.
Some manufacturers provide detailed information about the transformer short circuit calculation procedure, and its effect on
the selection of circuit breakers and fuses at the different hierarchical levels of the installation topology (see Figure 1).
For an example of a calculation, refer to:
Guidelines on the Short Circuit Current Rating for Industrial Control Panels
Short-circuit current rating (SCCR) of industrial control panels
To ensure that the circuit breaker and fuses trip as expected, follow their manufacturers' recommendations, especially with
respect to the various de-rating considerations.
NOTE
Transformer procurement, installation, maintenance and support are the responsibility of the installer. Damage to the
inverter due to incorrect transformer installation, or use of a transformer that is incompatible with the SolarEdge system will
render the SolarEdge warranty invalid.
2 Determining the Size of an Inverter Circuit Breaker
NOTE
Transformer procurement, installation, maintenance and support are the responsibility of the installer. Damage to the
inverter due to incorrect transformer installation, or use of a transformer that is incompatible with the SolarEdge system will
render the SolarEdge warranty invalid.
Determining the Size of an Inverter Circuit Breaker

This section explains how to determine the rate of a circuit breaker next to an inverter. For an example of an inverter with a circuit
breaker next to it see Figure 1.
Ensure you have the following parameters before determining the circuit breaker size:
The inverter's maximum continuous output current as appears in the datasheet.
Factor for the installation's country. This factor is dictated by regulation, applicable standards or common practice and is
usually 1.25.
To determine the size of an inverter circuit breaker:

1. Multiply the inverter's maximum continuous output current by the factor.
For example, 40A x 1.25= 50A
2. Round up the rated size, as calculated in step 1, to the closest standard circuit breaker size. See Circuit Breaker Criteria table below
for standard sizes suitable for SolarEdge three phase inverters.
NOTE
If the result has a decimal fraction smaller than 0.5 round it down.
3. To ensure that the selected circuit breaker trips as expected, at minimum consider the following:
The circuit breaker rated voltage.
Temperature de-rating due to both close proximity of other circuit breakers and the effect of ambient temperature on the
distribution board.
De-rating due to permanent load.
If the de-rated current of the selected circuit breaker is lower than the maximum output current of the inverter, consider selecting a
circuit breaker that is designed for a higher rated current, or reducing the temperature de-rating effect by increasing the distance
between adjacent circuit breakers.
NOTE
Make sure to select cables that are suitable for the environmental conditions, the operating voltage and the selected
circuit breaker.
Three or four pole circuit breakers are required. It is recommended to use a four pole circuit breaker when applicable.
It is recommended to use a circuit breaker with tripping characteristic B or C.

Determining the Circuit Breaker Size 3
Table 1: Circuit Breaker Criteria
Max. Continuous Output Current

Inverter Recommended Circuit Breaker
(per Phase)
SE12.5K 20A 25A
SE14.4KUS 40A 50A
SE15K 23A 32A
SE16K 25.5A 32A
SE17K 26A 32A
SE25K 38A 50A
SE27.6K 40A 50A
SE30K 36.5A 50A
SE33.3K 40A 50A
SE43.2KUS 120A 150A
SE50K 76A 100A
SE55K 80A 100A
SE66.6K 80A 100A
SE66.6KUS 80A 100A
SE75K 120A 150A
SE82.8K 120A 150A
SE100K 120A 150A
SE100KUS 120A 150A

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Version 1.0, Feb.

Determining the Circuit Breaker Size

Using Transformers in Commercial Three Phase Inverter Installations

Short-circuit current rating (SCCR) of industrial control panels

Determining the Size of an Inverter Circuit Breaker

To determine the size of an inverter circuit breaker:

Table 1: Circuit Breaker Criteria

Max. Continuous Output Current

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