Function
PV rapid shutdown
- ID
func:rapid-shutdown
- IRI
https://solarlattice.org/kb/func/rapid-shutdown
- Status
- active
- Also known as
- rapid shutdown, RSD, PVRSS, module-level rapid shutdown, PV hazard control, PV Rapid Shutdown System, PV Hazard Control System
- Category
- Protection
- Function kind
- protection
Rapid shutdown lowers the voltage on PV conductors after an initiator is operated. Its purpose is to reduce shock hazard for first responders working in and near the array. SMA US inverters are listed under UL 1741 as rapid shutdown equipment only. A complete system also needs PV array disconnect switches and an initiator, which is usually the AC disconnect. When shutdown starts, the inverter stops sending the SunSpec permission-to-operate signal. On the Sunny Boy Smart Energy, the parameter Operation.RSSInitiator selects the initiator: either the AC disconnect or a digital input. Generac PV Link handles shutdown of the conductors leaving the array. For 2017 and 2020 NEC compliance, one SnapRS per module must be added and the Enable PVRSS setpoint turned on (it ships off). Enphase IQ8 systems without an IQ System Controller can use the PV or service disconnect as the initiator. In multimode with IQ System Controller 2, the Enphase DPST System Shutdown Switch is required instead. If the IQ System Controller stays in rapid shutdown or reports a rapid shutdown error, check the wiring of the rapid shutdown switch.
<!-- review notes
- sentence 1: support check: partial - Passages say rapid shutdown protects first responders and reduces shock hazard in the array, but voltage reduction after initiator operation is only implied.
- sentence 2: support check: partial - Listing as PVRSE, complete system components, AC disconnect initiator and signal stop are stated, but 'only' and 'usually the AC disconnect' for US inverters are not exactly stated.
- sentence 6: support check: partial - u34 says to test the wiring if the controller stays in rapid shutdown; u17 mentions the error but neither explicitly says to check wiring for the error case.
-->
Parts
Claims
requires
c1 drafted · lead
Generac PV Link
Scope: products Generac SnapRS
SnapRS devices must be paired with the Generac S2502 PV Link to make a complete PVRSS under NEC 690.12.
c2 drafted · lead
Enphase IQ System Controller
Scope: products Enphase IQ8 Series Microinverters proposed
Applies only when IQ8 is commissioned in multimode with IQ System Controller 2. A DPST rapid shutdown switch wired to the controller then initiates the shutdown.
c3 verified · fact
SunSpec rapid shutdown signal
Applies when SunSpec-compliant PV array disconnect switches are installed. The inverter sends a permission-to-operate signal over the DC conductors and stops sending it when shutdown is initiated.
verified by: review-workflowverified on: 2026-10-24
trip_threshold
c4 drafted · lead
≤ 30 V
Conditions: DC conductors after rapid shutdown, complete PVRSS built around an SMA US inverter
c7 drafted · lead
≤ 30 V
Conditions: Controlled conductors leaving the array, as Generac reports the NEC 2014 requirement
c9 drafted · lead
≤ 30 V
Conditions: Controlled conductors leaving the array, as Generac reports the NEC 2017/2020 requirement
c10 drafted · lead
≤ 80 V
Conditions: Controlled conductors inside the array boundary or within 1 m (3 ft) of the building penetration point, as Generac reports the NEC 2017/2020 requirement
c12 drafted · lead
≤ 80 V
Scope: products Generac SnapRS
Conditions: Controlled conductors within the 1 ft (305 mm) array boundary, SnapRS used with PV Link
c15 drafted · lead
≤ 30 V
Scope: products Enphase IQ8 Series Microinverters proposed
Conditions: Rapid shutdown state of IQ8 microinverters after initiation through IQ System Controller 2
trip_time
c5 verified · fact
≤ 30 SEC
Conditions: Time for an SMA-based PVRSS to bring DC conductors below 30 V
verified by: review-workflowverified on: 2026-10-24
c6 verified · fact
≤ 15 SEC
Conditions: PV array disconnect switches disconnecting the array from an SMA inverter after initiation
verified by: review-workflowverified on: 2026-10-24
c8 verified · fact
≤ 10 SEC
Conditions: Controlled conductors leaving the array, as Generac reports the NEC 2014 requirement
verified by: review-workflowverified on: 2026-10-24
c11 drafted · lead
≤ 30 SEC
Conditions: Controlled conductors inside and outside the array, as Generac reports the NEC 2017/2020 requirement
c13 drafted · lead
≤ 30 SEC
Scope: products Generac SnapRS
Conditions: SnapRS used with PV Link, measured from rapid shutdown initiation
c16 drafted · lead
≤ 30 SEC
Scope: products Enphase IQ8 Series Microinverters proposed
Conditions: Transition of IQ8 microinverters to the rapid shutdown state
response_time
c14 drafted · lead
≤ 10 SEC
Scope: products Generac PV Link, Generac SnapRS
Conditions: PV Link and SnapRS response after rapid shutdown initiation (shutdown time of the RS801, RS801A and RS802)
Referenced by
Data