SolarEdge Arc Fault Detected — LOCKED_INV_ARC_DETECTED

What Does This Error Mean?

LOCKED_INV_ARC_DETECTED on a SolarEdge inverter means the arc fault detection system has identified an electrical arc in the DC solar circuit and has permanently locked the inverter. An arc in a solar DC circuit is a fire hazard — it produces sustained high-temperature sparks that can ignite nearby materials. The inverter cannot be reset by the homeowner — it requires a licensed electrician to inspect the system and then an authorised SolarEdge procedure to unlock it.

Affected Models

SolarEdge SE2200H
SolarEdge SE3000H
SolarEdge SE5000H
SolarEdge SE7000H
SolarEdge SE10000H
SolarEdge StorEdge (all models)
SolarEdge HD-Wave Series

Common Causes

Loose, corroded, or improperly assembled MC4 DC connector creating an intermittent arc
Damaged DC cable with exposed conductors arcing against a metal surface
Rodent damage to cable insulation creating an arc path
Connection within a panel junction box that has loosened over time
Lightning or surge event causing wiring damage that results in an arc

How to Fix It

Check for any signs of fire, burning smell, or discolouration near the solar panels, cabling, or inverter.

If you see any evidence of burning, do not approach the affected area. Call emergency services if there is any sign of active fire.
Do not attempt to reset or unlock the inverter.

SolarEdge intentionally requires a licensed electrician to be involved before the arc fault lock can be cleared. This is a deliberate safety barrier — it cannot be bypassed from the display or app.
Turn off the AC disconnect switch on the inverter.

This isolates the inverter from the grid while you wait for an electrician.
Contact your solar installer or a licensed solar electrician immediately.

A SolarEdge arc fault lockout requires: (1) physical inspection of all DC wiring and connectors, (2) repair of any fault found, and (3) an authorised unlock procedure performed by the technician.

When to Call a Professional

Arc fault detection is a critical safety feature. Do not attempt to unlock the inverter yourself. Contact a licensed solar electrician to inspect the entire DC wiring system before the inverter is cleared. If you smell burning or see any discolouration near any solar component, contact emergency services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does SolarEdge detect arc faults?

SolarEdge inverters continuously analyse the electrical signature of the DC current flowing from the panels. Electrical arcs produce a distinctive high-frequency noise pattern in the current signal — the arc fault detection algorithm identifies this pattern and triggers the lockout. This technology, required in many markets, is specifically designed to detect the loose-connector arcs that are a leading cause of solar system fires.

Can an arc fault be a false alarm?

False positives are rare but can occur if there is electrical noise on the system from nearby high-power equipment. However, treating every arc fault as real until proven otherwise is the correct approach. An electrician inspection takes a few hours; a roof fire takes seconds to start.