Marley has further expanded its SolarTile® roof system solution with the launch of solar connector enclosure, ArcBox.
While the risk of electrical fire caused by solar PV is extremely low, with the specification of solar PV continuing to grow, the Marley ArcBox has been designed to further enhance safety across all types of installations.
Independently verified by the KIWA fire test laboratory and Loughborough University, ArcBox is available as part of Marley’s comprehensive full roof system, which offers specifiers additional peace of mind via its 15-year guarantee.
The solution works by simply snapping around a DC connector, ensuring that, should an electrical arc occur, it is safely contained and doesn’t spread to combustible materials in or around the solar installation.
The patented design of the ArcBox sees two hinged halves snap together. This process completely encloses the DC connector within highly temperature-resistant, refractory lining materials more usually found in furnaces and foundries. These materials are now being manufactured for the first time in more complex geometries, meaning they can now be used in solar applications.
The DC connector is suspended in free air between cable-sealing grommets at either end. Cleverly designed ventilation and drainage ports ensure the connector always remains within its operating temperature parameters for its rated current, while negating the build-up of moisture around the connector and the associated risks from this.
ArcBox is suitable for solar projects in both domestic and commercial settings such as factories, schools, hospitals, or care homes, and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) solar projects, or any building where DC cabling must be installed in the vicinity of roofing made of combustible materials. Flat roof installations, where single-ply membranes or asphalt are in use, are another ideal application.
A selection of batten mounting brackets is offered, enabling ArcBox to be mounted behind roof-integrated solar systems.
Daniel Redfern, Marketing Manager at Marley, commented: “As more specifiers seek ways to introduce sustainable energy into homes and the number of installs of solar PV increase, it’s vital we’re also supporting specifiers with the tools and products to ensure correct installation.
“Simple to install, ArcBox can be used on all solar panel installations including flat roof, bolt-on mounted, tray and roof integrated systems. It is simple to install and guarantees optimised safety, irrespective of the solar application where it is being used.
“While every Marley SolarTile® is fitted with Staubli MC4 solar connectors, ArcBox should be used at the end of the arrays, and, for extra safety, it can be used on all connections within the array.
“It provides further peace of mind for specifiers and end users against the risk of electrical arcing, which can result in extremely high temperatures, beyond the melting points of many metals used in these applications, and benefits from our 15-year guarantee when installed as part of our total roof system. With the ArcBox, any arc is safely contained and cannot spread to combustible materials within or near to the solar installation.”
For further details on Marley’s full roof system, including SolarTile® and ArcBox, please visit: www.marley.co.uk/arcbox