Solar Lattice

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

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