Inmetro (National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology) has released new regulations that will directly impact photovoltaic inverters and microinverters sold in Brazil.
Ordinance 515/2023, published in the DOU (Official Gazette of the Union), last Tuesday (14), establishes the mandatory use of electric arc protection devices in these equipments.
According to the Ordinance, all inverters above 120 V and 20 A of input current must have AFCI. Below this voltage and current, the equipment must undergo a test; if it sustains an arc, it will also need to be tested; if it does not sustain an arc, it will not need to be tested.
According to the published document, the Ordinance comes into force on December 1, 2023. The deadline established for the adaptation of inverters is 12 months from the effective date of the Ordinance.
See excerpts from Ordinance 515/2023
Inmetro’s motivation
According to the Ordinance, the implementation of these devices, known as AFCI (Arc Detection Circuit Interrupter), aims to improve electrical safety in installations that use power inverters.
These devices are designed to detect arc flashes, which are uncontrolled electrical discharges, and immediately stop the electrical current, thereby reducing the risk of fires and other damage.
In publishing the Ordinance, Inmetro highlighted that the regulation is part of a continuous effort to align the Brazilian market with the best international electrical safety practices.
Companies that manufacture and sell power inverters must, in the coming months, familiarize themselves with the requirements of the new Ordinance and initiate the necessary processes to ensure the compliance of their products within the stipulated deadline.
Inmetro emphasizes that the measure aims to protect not only end consumers, but also professionals involved in the installation and maintenance of this equipment.
For more details about the Ordinance click here and access the document.
Answers of 2
Is anyone who already has an inverter installed that does not comply with this new ordinance obliged to change it too?
INMETRO's attitude is very timely, as ensuring the quality of products supplied to consumers and professionals in the area is of utmost importance. Once again, INMETRO is on the side of Brazilian consumers. Protection is everything when it comes to electricity. No one knows what comes from above.