1.1 These requirements cover DC photovoltaic arc-fault circuit protection devices intended for use in solar photovoltaic electrical energy systems as described in Article 690 of the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70. This protection is intended to mitigate the effects of arcing faults that may pose a risk of fire ignition under certain conditions if the arcing persists.

1.2 These requirements cover devices including photovoltaic (PV) dc arc-fault circuit-interrupters (AFCI), arc-fault detectors (AFD), interrupting devices (ID) and inverters, converters, and charge controllers with integral arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection.

1.3 These requirements cover devices rated 1500 volts or less. They are intended for use in dc electrical systems that are supplied by a photovoltaic source, such as a module with solar cells designed to generate dc power when exposed to sunlight.

1.4 These devices are not intended to detect glowing connections.

1.5 In Part 1 of these requirements the term "device" is used generically to apply to all of the devices covered by these requirements and is modified when the requirement does not apply to all types. In Part 2 and Part 3 of these requirements the term "device" is used generically to apply to all devices covered by the particular part of this Standard, and is modified when the requirement does not apply to all types.

1.6 A device that is also intended to perform other functions, such as overcurrent protection, disconnects, combiner boxes, inverters, or other PV system functions or any combination thereof, shall additionally comply with the requirements of the applicable Standard or Standards that cover devices that provide those functions as intended for use in PV systems.