SMA Solar Technology AG
Danger to life due to electric shock when touching live system components in
case of a ground fault
If a ground fault occurs, parts of the system may still be live. Touching live parts and cables
results in death or lethal injuries due to electric shock.
• Disconnect the inverter from voltage sources and make sure it cannot be reconnected
before working on the device.
• Touch the cables of the PV array on the insulation only.
• Do not touch any parts of the substructure or frame of the PV array.
• Do not connect PV strings with ground faults to the inverter.
• Once disconnected from voltage sources, wait five minutes before touching any parts of the
PV system or the inverter.
Danger to life due to fire or explosion
In rare cases, an explosive gas mixture can be generated inside the inverter under fault
conditions. In this state, switching operations can cause a fire inside the inverter or explosion.
Death or lethal injuries due to hot or flying debris can result.
• Ensure that unauthorized persons have no access to the inverter.
• Do not remove the Electronic Solar Switch (ESS) from the inverter.
• Disconnect the PV array from the inverter via an external disconnection device. If there is no
disconnecting device present, wait until no more DC power is applied to the inverter.
• Disconnect the AC circuit breaker, or keep it disconnected in case it has already tripped,
and secure it against reconnection.
• Only perform work on the inverter (e.g., troubleshooting, repair work) when wearing
personal protective equipment for handling of hazardous substances (e.g., safety gloves,
eye and face protection, respiratory protection).
Risk of injury due to toxic substances, gases and dusts.
In rare cases, damages to electronic components can result in the formation of toxic substances,
gases or dusts inside the inverter. Touching toxic substances and inhaling toxic gases and dusts
can cause skin irritation, burns or poisoning, trouble breathing and nausea.
• Only perform work on the inverter (e.g., troubleshooting, repair work) when wearing
personal protective equipment for handling of hazardous substances (e.g., safety gloves,
eye and face protection, respiratory protection).
• Ensure that unauthorized persons have no access to the inverter.
Replacement Manual
DANGER
WARNING
WARNING
STPTL-20-AST-RM-xx-10
2 Safety
9