DH161UDKN EATON CUTLER HAMMER, DH161UDKN Datasheet - Page 3
![Solar Disconnect Switch](/photos/21/25/212517/4674895_sml.jpg)
DH161UDKN
Manufacturer Part Number
DH161UDKN
Description
Solar Disconnect Switch
Manufacturer
EATON CUTLER HAMMER
Datasheet
1.DH161NDK.pdf
(6 pages)
Specifications of DH161UDKN
No. Of Poles
1
Current Rating
30A
Switch Features
Non-Fusible
Approval Categories
NEMA 12
Voltage Rating
600VDC
Switching 600 Vdc
When photovoltaic panels convert the sun’s energy into electricity,
the power generated is direct current (DC). Typically, the systems
are designed with DC system voltages in the 400–600V range. This
is much higher voltage than typically found in building systems.
The higher voltage, when combined with the lack of a current sine
wave with zero crossings, creates a number of challenges in wiring,
particularly when switching circuits on and off.
DC circuits consist of two wires—a positive and a negative. In most
PV systems, one of these wires is grounded (like a neutral in an
AC system). Which of the two wires is grounded is specified by
the solar panel manufacturer. The more common application is a
negative ground, and the location of this bond is usually found at
the inverter. Per the National Electrical CodeT (NECT) Section
690.5(A), only the current-carrying ungrounded conductor should
be switched. Thus, in a negative-grounded system, only the positive
wire is switched.
Unlike AC systems that possess a current sine wave with zero
crossings, the interruption of higher voltage DC circuits requires
an increased air gap to safely and quickly interrupt and break the
arc. The increased gap is accomplished by wiring multiple poles of
a single switch in series for safe arc interruption. All switch manu-
facturers require the use of multiple poles at 600 Vdc to maintain
the ULT listing. For this reason, a switch should only be used to
switch one circuit. The UL listing of these products does not permit
multiple circuits to be switched by one switch. Eaton’s new offering
of PV switches have multiple poles factory-wired, and they are
approved for NEC Article 690 applications right from the box.
Other manufacturers require the contractor to add jumpers to a
two- or three-pole switch, add a neutral, and add labels to meet this
requirement. For fusible switches, the new Eaton PV switch requires
only one fuse per switch—saving the customer at least one fuse
on each switch.
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EATON CORPORATION
Eaton’s solar disconnect
Eaton Corporation is proud to offer a new line of solar disconnects
that provide the best solution for switching solar PV circuits. This
exciting new offering is the first UL 98 listed switch that is labeled
as “suitable for NEC Article 690 photovoltaic applications per
UL 1741 requirements.”
Features include:
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Marked as suitable for NEC 690 PV applications up to 600 Vdc
UL 98 listed
All switches are single-pole and suitable for switching
one circuit
Clear polycarbonate deadfront to guard against accidental
contact with live parts
NEC 690.17–compliant labeling warning that the switch terminals
may be energized in the open position
NEC 690.14.(C) 2 required “PV System Disconnect” label included
Isolated ground terminals (neutral) for grounded conductors
Ground lug for equipment grounding conductor
NEMAT 3R, 12 and 4X stainless enclosures
Fusible and non-fusible configurations—Class R fuse
clips standard
Fuse clips are located on the center pole to ensure that both fuse
clips are de-energized—meets NEC Article 690.16, which requires
isolation of the fuse from all potential supply sources
Available for Flex Center modifications
(windows, pilot lights, 316 grade stainless, and so on)