Boosting Solar Safety with Smart Rapid Shutdown Technology

As solar power becomes more popular, homes and businesses around the world are installing solar systems. But with this growth comes a big question: how do we keep these systems safe? That’s where Fonrich Rapid Shutdown comes in. It’s a smart solution designed to protect people and property by quickly cutting power in an emergency. If you’ve ever wondered what is RSD, this article will explain it in simple terms.

What is RSD and Why Does It Matter?

RSD stands for Rapid Shutdown. It’s a safety feature required in many modern solar systems. When there’s a fire, system fault, or maintenance need, solar rsd devices reduce the voltage in the wires to a safe level within seconds. This protects firefighters and technicians from electric shock.

Leading solar energy companies like Fonrich have developed advanced RSD solutions that are fast, reliable, and easy to integrate into any solar system model.

In our daily lives, when selecting and using products such as solar generators, solar batteries, solar lights, and solar water heaters, we all certainly have safety requirements for these products or tools. Similarly, in the field of photovoltaics, the safety of PV systems, as well as the safety of rescue personnel, should not be overlooked. Therefore, Fonrich hereby calls on everyone—especially industry associations, regulatory bodies, and relevant practitioners—to pay greater attention to the safety of photovoltaic power stations, particularly the retrofitting of existing installations.

How Fonrich Rapid Shutdown Works

More solar energy companies are recommending Fonrich RSD because it makes solar installations safer for everyone. Fonrich’s RSD technology uses professional Module-level AFCI technologies (ie Smart Safety Protector THQx Series) to detect dangerous conditions and shut down power flow immediately. It works seamlessly with other solar components like the solar charge controller and solar charger, ensuring the whole system operates safely.

The installation position of the Forich RSD should be determined based on the specific scenario and installation method:

Standard Installation Position

The Forich RSD is specifically designed for mounting on PV rails and must not be installed on the module frame.

Other Installation Requirements

• Clearance Distance: Except for the mounting bracket, any surface of the RSD must maintain a minimum distance of 15mm from surrounding objects. In particular, DC cables must not be pressed against or cover the RSD housing.

• Output Cable Length:

  • For PV modules with split junction boxes, the output cable length must be at least 1.2 meters.

  • For PV modules with integrated junction boxes, the output cable length must be at least 0.9 meters.

• String Configuration: When two strings are connected in parallel to the same MPPT, all PV strings connected to that MPPT must use the same model and quantity of PV modules, and all modules must have the same orientation and tilt angle.

• Wiring Guidelines:

  • To ensure reliable communication, DC and AC cables must be routed separately, with a spacing greater than 10cm.

  • The positive and negative cables of the RSD should run closely together (i.e., minimize spacing and always place both conductors of the same string within the same cable tray).

Note

For floating solar projects, if you wish to avoid direct UV exposure on the RSD, it may be installed beneath the solar panels.

The number of PV modules in a single string can either be odd or even, and this affects the applicable wiring methods. For a more detailed explanation, please consult the Smart Safety Protector (RSD) - TH Series as an example.

Why Solar Energy Companies Choose Fonrich RSD

Fonrich TH Series Shutdown Device (smart safety protector, single-port 1-to-2 design) has the following core advantages. Choosing Fonrich marily based on its technological leadership, product performance, and comprehensive safety guarantees:

1. Comprehensive Safety Protection : It adopts dual protection of intelligent arc detection + rapid shutdown, capable of detecting series/parallel arc faults and extinguishing them quickly (module-level arc shutdown within 30 seconds). It supports automatic/manual rapid shutdown, complies with standards such as NEC690.12 (2017, 2020 & 2023), and effectively prevents photovoltaic fires.

2. Intelligent Communication and Monitoring : It supports long-distance PLC communication up to 1,600 meters, with bidirectional PLC enabling real-time data interaction at the module level. Paired with the SafeSolar cloud platform, it can monitor real-time module-level data such as voltage, current, power, and temperature, providing 2D & 3D display, automatic fault marking, and intelligent analysis for convenient operation and maintenance.

3. Excellent Product Performance : With a single-port 1-to-2 design, it features a maximum input operating voltage of 140V, current of 20A23A, operating temperature range of -40°C+85°C (over-temperature protection at 70°C-85°C), IP68 protection rating, and photovoltaic rail installation (dimensions: 120×68×26mm, weight ≤750g), adapting to harsh environments.

4. Strong Compatibility and Ease of Use : It is compatible with various brands of photovoltaic panels and mainstream inverters (both string inverters and photovoltaic storage all-in-ones have integration cases). Its modular design is compact, easy to install and integrate, and supports string current detection.

5. Reliable Technology and Certifications : Fonrich first domestic enterprise to pass the UL1699b certification, and its AFD products have passed UL1699b and IEC63027 certifications. It has breakthroughs in patented technologies such as rapid shutdown, 6 years of technical accumulation in photovoltaic module DC/DC, and full-stack technical capabilities in hardware, software, and algorithms.

Additionally, the following information is provided : Fonrich TH Series Shutdown Device belongs to the MLPE module-level shutdown solution, supporting devices such as the PLC transceiver (FR-PVMS-HKB, supporting 24 strings, embedded in the wire trough for installation) and intelligent data collector (FR-PVMS-MGES, for commercial and industrial scenarios), forming a complete module-level safety management system.

It’s not just about safety—it’s also about peace of mind. When you choose Fonrich, you’re choosing a brand trusted by professionals and homeowners alike.

Conclusion: Choose Fonrich for Safer Solar Energy

Today, RSD isn’t just a nice-to-have. In many regions, it’s the law. As solar systems evolve, so do safety standards. If you’re a homeowner exploring new energy options, solar lights and solar water heaters are probably already familiar to you. They’re great ways to start using clean energy at home. But for those who go a step further and install a full solar system model, you’ll likely care a lot about how much power your panels generate and how efficiently they convert sunlight into electricity. However, we must never overlook one key factor: solar system safety.

Solar power represents the future—but safety must always come first. With Fonrich Rapid Shutdown (RSD), your solar system delivers both peak efficiency and essential safety safeguards. No matter if you’re operating a residential, commercial, industrial, or utility-scale setup, Fonrich RSD provides that vital extra layer of protection.

Fonrich is proud to be at the forefront of this safety revolution, helping solar energy companies and end-users enjoy clean energy without risk.

If you want to learn more about what is RSD or how Fonrich can make your solar system safer, get in touch with our team today. Let’s build a safer, brighter future together.

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