Version 2.

0, November 2023 1

Rapid Shutdown (RSD) Error Troubleshooting Guide -

NAM
Revision History
Version 2.0, November 2023: Content update

Contents
Overview ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 1
Related Error Codes .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
Additional Troubleshooting Scenarios ....................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Battery Installs ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Three-Phase Inverter Hardware Mismatch ............................................................................................................................................................... 2
Three-Phase Strings with 28 or More Optimizers .................................................................................................................................................. 2
No Cause for RSD Errors Found.................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Contact Support ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3

WARNING
This guide troubleshoots a SolarEdge installation that is showing a Rapid Shutdown error. You should be
completely familiar with SolarEdge systems, their concept of operation, safety features, and all applicable
safety procedures and requirements. Do not attempt any troubleshooting without adequate safety
equipment and a thorough understanding of all procedures.

Overview
Rapid Shutdown is a function that, when the DC and/or AC circuit is open, the DC voltage in the PV array lowers to <
30VDC within 30 seconds (NEC 2014 690.12). Rapid shutdown errors flag when the inverter detects a higher voltage than
30VDC while in a non-productive state.

Related Error Codes

3x9B: Rapid shutdown
18xC7: Rapid shutdown test failure on H-Series Single Phase Inverters
2xC5: Rapid shutdown test failure on A-Series Single Phase Inverters
8x18: Rapid shutdown test failure Three-Phase Inverters

Troubleshooting
To troubleshoot rapid shutdown errors, perform the following steps:

1. Turn off the inverter by moving the P/1/0 switch to the 0 (OFF) position and wait for at least 5 minutes for the DC
voltage to drop to a safe level.
2. Monitor VDC in SetApp, or on the LCD Inverter screen and record VDC once it has stopped draining.
3. Turn off the DCD switch, then remove the inverter and DCD switch cover. Check for any signs of dynamic failure
such as debris, burn, or damage.
If any damage is found, take photos and contact SolarEdge Technical Support.
4. Remove one string at a time and measure the string’s DC voltage in open air. Record VDC.
VDC from strings > 30VDC: DC voltage is too high causing the inverter to flag rapid shutdown errors.
Move on to Step 5.
VDC from strings < 30 VDC: See Additional Troubleshooting Scenarios for further troubleshooting of rapid
shutdown errors.

5. A string measuring over 30V will cause the inverter to flag rapid shutdown errors. If the string is shorter than 28
Power Optimizers but is measuring over 30V, investigate the string for any potential causes of the additional
Rapid Shutdown (RSD) Error Troubleshooting Guide - NAM
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voltage. This includes but is not limited to, improper connections in the array, failed Power Optimizer outputting
> 1.1V while in safe voltage, and improper or damaged connections between Power Optimizers and PV modules
within the string.

NOTE
If the voltage at the output of a Power Optimizer in the string is > 1.1V, you should investigate the string for any
causes of this voltage increase. In this case, document the serial number and the voltages measured from the
Power Optimizer and PV modules, and contact SolarEdge Technical Support.

6. If none of the above steps found a cause for the rapid shutdown errors, see Additional Troubleshooting
Scenarios.

Additional Troubleshooting Scenarios

Battery Installs
Batteries should not send any voltage to the inverter when the inverter’s switch is in the 0 (OFF) position. To test if the
battery is the cause of the rapid shutdown issues, do as follows:

1. Turn off the inverter by moving the P/1/0 switch to the 0 (OFF) position to stop production.
2. Turn the DCD switch to the OFF position and remove the cover.
3. Remove the PV strings from the inverter.
4. Set the DCD switch to the ON position, while ensuring the P/1/0 switch remains in the 0 (OFF) position.
5. Record VDC measured by the inverter on the SetApp Status screen or the inverter screen for inverters with a
display.
6. Shut down the battery and repeat step 5.
NOTE
If the battery is causing the DC voltage to be over 30V while the inverter is in a non-production state, contact
the battery manufacturer for battery support.

Three-Phase Inverter Hardware Mismatch

Some three-phase inverters have had a hardware change in both the inverter and DCD switch. However, in certain
instances, one can be replaced independently, resulting in rapid shutdown errors. If you have replaced an inverter and/or
DCD switch and see rapid shutdown errors since replacement, please contact SolarEdge Technical Support.

Three-Phase Strings with 28 or More Optimizers

Per NEC 2104 690.12, the voltage on the rooftop solar system should be less than 30 VDC within 30 seconds of DC
termination. However, three-phase inverters can have 28 or more Power Optimizers per string (1 Power Optimizer can be
up to 1.1V while in safe VDC), causing the inverter to flag rapid shutdown errors.

If the system is a ground-mounted installation, if the region the system is installed in has not adopted NEC 2014, or if the
string has less than 28 Power Optimizers and flagging RSD, gather the single line diagram of the system, the installation
date, the installation location (city/state), and contact SolarEdge Technical Support for further assistance.

No Cause for RSD Errors Found

If the inverter flags rapid shutdown errors, but a cause for a higher voltage cannot be found, please contact SolarEdge
Technical Support for further analysis and troubleshooting assistance.

Rapid Shutdown (RSD) Error Troubleshooting Guide - NAM

 Version 2.0, November 2023 3

Contact Support
To open a case with SolarEdge Technical Support, use one of the following contact methods:

SetApp: You can open a new case or start a live chat session via the SetApp smart device application.
SolarEdge Support Portal – If registered, sign in and create a new case. Attach this filled-out form including
any photos. Once a case is opened, use the case number provided when speaking with SolarEdge support.
Chat – Located at the bottom of the Support Portal page, initiate a chat with a live agent to open a case. The
agent can assist you in getting a case created and reviewing the supplied documentation.
Phone – When contacting support by phone, notify the agent that you have this form and details to send in. The
agent can assist you in submitting the attachments.

Filling out this form does not guarantee a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA), and additional on-site
troubleshooting may be required.

Date

Company Name

Technician Name

Site Name
(If monitored)

Inverter SN

Number of strings

Number of modules in each

string

VDC of string in open air

Faulty Optimizer SN

New Optimizer SN
(If replaced while on-site)

Module make and model

VDC Measured on Optimizer

VDC Measured on Module

Rapid Shutdown (RSD) Error Troubleshooting Guide - NAM