The Fluke GFL-1500 solar ground fault locator has been specially developed for the fast and reliable localization of active ground faults in photovoltaic systems. It generates an easily traceable signal in the DC array that guides technicians contactlessly along the fault path to the exact fault location. This significantly reduces time-consuming, manual troubleshooting and unnecessary hazards caused by working on live parts.
The system combines several diagnostic functions in one easy-to-use set and enables end-to-end troubleshooting: from the first suspicion of an earth fault to the precise localization of the affected module or string. This minimizes downtimes and maximizes the energy yield of PV systems.
Application areas
- Fault location for active ground faults in solar PV systems (rooftop, ground-mounted, commercial and utility-scale)
- Fast localization of faulty strings, junction boxes, cable routes and modules
- Documentation and verification of string layouts in complex or incompletely documented arrays
- Maintenance and servicing of PV systems with up to 1500 V DC system voltage
- Safe working in high-voltageDC systems thanks to high measurement category and non-contact signal tracking
- Finding cable breaks in insulated strings ("open circuit" function)
The FLUKE GFL-1500 is a three-part solar ground fault locator consisting of a transmitter, receiver and signal tracking clamp. It uses FaultTrack technology to detect active faults, feed a traceable signal into the array and track it audiovisually to the fault location.
The GFL-1500 transmitter feeds a characteristic signal into the affected string depending on the selected mode (fault, assignment, open circuit). The GFL-1500 receiver displays the signal numerically, as a bar chart and with acoustic feedback and supports technicians in step-by-step navigation along the fault path. The GFL-1500 clamp meter enables non-contact signal tracing and AC current measurement on insulated conductors up to 1500 V and is particularly useful for identifying faulty strings or junction boxes without having to disconnect connections.
With integrated analysis function, the device provides important diagnostic data such as estimated fault location (based on the number of modules in the string), resistance range and voltage to earth. This allows the condition of the system to be assessed before the actual troubleshooting begins.
Product features:
- Three-part system: transmitter, receiver and signal tracking clamp for a complete end-to-end fault solution in PV systems
- Measurement category: Transmitter and receiver in accordance with CAT III 1500 V DC / CAT IV 600 V, signal clamp designed for insulated conductors up to 1500 V
- FaultTrack technology for detecting active earth faults and injecting a well-traceable signal along the fault path
- Multiple diagnostic modes: Analysis function, fault tracing function, open circuit function to find cable breaks and mapping function to identify string layouts
- Tracing signal operating frequency: 6.25 kHz for fault and mapping mode, 32.764 kHz in open circuit mode
- Tracing signal output current (typical): Array HIGH mode approx. 30 mA rms, array LOW mode approx. 6 mA rms; unit HIGH mode up to 120 mA rms; in "Open" mode up to 100 mA rms (HIGH) or 30 mA rms (LOW)
- Signal voltage output in "Open circuit" mode: up to approx. 30 V rms (HIGH) or 25 V rms (LOW)
- Voltage measurement (Transmitter analysis function): Range 0-1500 V DC, resolution 1 V for evaluating the voltage to earth
- Resistance ranges (analysis function): graduated display from approx. < 5 kO to > 1 MO for assessing the fault path
- Display and user guidance: clearly visible graphic LCD with front illumination on the transmitter, segment LCD with backlighting on the receiver, acoustic feedback and LED signals for intuitive signal tracking
- AC current measurement with current clamp: range up to 150 mA, resolution 0.1 mA, maximum conductor diameter 61 mm
- Environmental conditions: Operating temperature transmitter -20 °C to 50 °C, receiver and current clamp -10 °C to 50 °C, high permissible humidity up to 95 % (non-condensing)
- Maximum operating altitude: operation up to 3,000 m, storage up to 12.000 m
- Protection class: Transmitter (no operation) and receiver IP54 for use in harsh environments, current clamp IP30 with closed clamp
- Mechanical robustness: Drop test from 1 m height and vibration test according to MIL-PRF-28800, class 2 (for the measuring lead set system)
- Power supply: Transmitter via 8 x AA batteries, receiver via 4 x AA batteries, current clamp via 2 x AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH)
- Typical battery runtimes: Transmitter up to approx. 15 hours (array mode error/assignment), receiver up to approx. 16 hours, clamp meter over 150 hours without backlight
- Dimensions (L x W x H, approx.): transmitter 244 x 180 x 106 mm, receiver 183 x 75 x 43 mm, clamp meter 257 x 116 x 46 mm
- Weights (approx., with batteries): Transmitter 2.04 kg, receiver 0.27 kg, current clamp 0.6 kg
- Measuring lead set in set: TL324 measuring leads (3 pieces, 4 mm), AC385 alligator clips (3 pieces) and TLPV1 MC4-to-4-mm measuring leads for safe use up to 1500 V in PV systems
