Thai solar energy Arc Detection Technology: Latest Innovations and Industry Standards

When working in Thailand’s PV industry, government regulations are becoming increasingly stringent—projects cannot pass inspection without compliant arc detection equipment. However, Thailand’s arc detection technology is not a copy of foreign solutions; instead, it incorporates extensive innovations tailored to the local high temperatures, dust, and grid characteristics, with clear standards in place. Today, we’ll explore Thailand’s latest PV arc detection technologies and mandatory rules, with Fonrich’s adaptive solutions serving as a practical reference.

I. 3 Latest Innovations in Thailand’s PV Arc Detection: Addressing Local Pain Points!

Thailand’s climate and power plant scenarios differ from other regions—rooftop temperatures can reach 60℃ in summer, the rainy season brings heavy downpours, and there are many old plant retrofits. As a result, the latest arc detection technologies are improved to tackle these issues, ensuring practicality and reliability:

1. "High-Temperature Anti-Interference Algorithm": No Blind Tripping Even in Extreme Heat!

In Thailand’s summer, PV equipment temperatures can soar to 85℃. Conventional arc detection devices are prone to interference from high temperatures—either missing arcs or tripping erroneously. Fonrich’s arc detection breakers now adopt a "high-temperature anti-interference algorithm": they automatically filter out clutter signals in circuits under high temperatures, and can still accurately distinguish between "normal current fluctuations" and "fault arcs" even when temperatures reach 80℃.

2. "Plug-and-Play" Design for Old Plant Retrofits: No Major Demolition, One String Installed in Half a Day!

Thailand has many old PV plants built before 2015 that lack arc detection equipment. Retrofitting these plants often raises concerns about "plant shutdowns and circuit dismantling." The latest String Level Arc Interrupter feature a "plug-and-play" design: they match the size and wiring method of conventional breakers in old plants. You can directly replace the original breakers without replacing combiner boxes or shutting down the entire inverter.

3. "Linked Protection" for PV-Storage Hybrid Plants: Protecting Both PV and Storage from Arcs!

More and more Thai plants are now equipped with energy storage systems. The DC sides of PV and storage are connected, so an arc on the PV side can easily spread to the storage side and ignite batteries. The latest arc detection technology enables "PV-storage linked protection": for example, when Fonrich’s arc detection system detects an arc on the PV side, it simultaneously sends a signal to the storage converter, triggering a DC circuit shutdown on the storage side as well—preventing fault spread.

II. 2 Core Mandatory Standards for PV Arc Detection in Thailand: Avoid Compliance Risks!

No matter how advanced the technology, non-compliance with Thailand’s industry standards will result in failed project inspection and grid connection rejection. Currently, two key standards (one national, one from the grid company) must be fully understood:

1. Thai Industrial Standard TISI 1668-2564: The "Entry Ticket" for Equipment!

TISI (Thai Industrial Standards Institute) issued the TISI 1668-2564 standard in 2021, specifically for PV system arc detection devices. It has 3 non-negotiable core requirements:

• Detection Accuracy: Must identify three arc types—"series arcs," "parallel arcs," and "ground arcs"—with a missed detection rate ≤0.1% and a false detection rate ≤0.5%.

• Response Time: Must cut off power within 1 second of arc detection, and reduce DC-side voltage to below 30V within 5 seconds.

• Weather Resistance: Must operate in a temperature range of -20℃ to 85℃, with a protection rating ≥IP65 (to adapt to Thailand’s high-temperature, high-humidity environment).

All of Fonrich’s arc detection devices have passed TISI 1668-2564 certification and obtained official certificates. Whether for new plant construction or old plant retrofits, installation of these devices ensures compliance—no time wasted on supplementary certification.

2. EGAT Grid Connection Technical Standards: Must Comply Before Grid Integration!

EGAT (Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand), Thailand’s national power company, has additional requirements for grid-connected PV plants—especially for arc detection systems, which must meet "data upload" and "safety linkage" rules:

• Data Upload: Arc detection devices must upload "arc alarm records" and "trip records" to the EGAT monitoring platform, with data stored for at least 1 year (to facilitate grid company audits).

• Safety Linkage: After an arc detection trip, the device must send a "shutdown signal" to the inverter simultaneously—preventing the inverter from continuously supplying power to the faulty circuit.

• Testing Requirements: Before grid connection, an "arc simulation test" must be conducted. Specialized equipment simulates different arc types to verify that the detection device trips normally and uploads data.

Fonrich’s arc detection system can directly connect to the EGAT platform via the Modbus protocol, with data upload formats fully meeting requirements. During grid connection testing, Fonrich also dispatches technicians to the site to assist, ensuring one-time test passage.

III. Choosing Arc Detection Devices for Thai Clients: Focus on These 3 Points to Avoid Risks!

Combining Thailand’s technological innovations and compliance standards, price should not be the sole factor when selecting products. Focus on these 3 key points—with Fonrich’s equipment as a reference:

1. First, Check for "Dual Certifications": TISI Certification and EGAT Compatibility Are Indispensable

• Devices without TISI certification will result in failed project inspection.

• Devices incompatible with the EGAT platform will cause grid connection delays.

When selecting, require the manufacturer to provide the TISI certificate and EGAT compatibility test report. Do not trust the gimmick of "certification can be supplemented later"—delayed project schedules will cause greater trouble.

2. Next, Verify "Local Adaptation": Choose "Thailand-Customized" Over "Generic"

Generic imported products often lack high-temperature anti-interference capabilities and are incompatible with combiner boxes in old Thai plants, leading to frequent issues. Opt for locally adapted solutions: high-temperature algorithms, plug-and-play designs, and PV-storage linkage—all tailored to Thailand’s conditions for hassle-free use.

3. Finally, Confirm "Local After-Sales Service": On-Site Support Within 48 Hours Is Reliable

Thailand’s PV plants are widely distributed. If after-sales service is based overseas, resolving issues can take half a month—resulting in significant losses. Choose providers with local after-sales centers that promise on-site support within 48 hours, 24/7 Thai-language customer service, and free inspections during the rainy season.

Related Q&A

Q: Do residential PV systems in Thailand (under 10kW) still need arc detection? Are there simplified standards?A: Yes, installation is required! Although residential PV systems are small, they are close to living areas—posing higher fire risks. Simplified standards apply: as long as the equipment has TISI certification, there is no need to connect to the EGAT platform (only connect to your own monitoring system). Fonrich offers a compact residential model that installs directly in distribution cabinets at an affordable price. Last year, it helped many community homeowners in Bangkok complete installations, all passing inspection smoothly.

Q: Can government subsidies be applied for when retrofitting old plants with arc detection?A: Yes! Thailand’s Ministry of Energy (DEDE) provides subsidies for safety retrofits of old PV plants. Installing compliant arc detection equipment qualifies for a 20% subsidy on retrofit costs (up to 500,000 THB). Fonrich can assist in preparing subsidy application materials, including TISI certification, retrofit plans, and budget sheets. Last year, it helped 3 old plants apply for subsidies, with the fastest approval taking just 1 month.