ArcBox – self-contained fire-containment device for photovoltaic panel connectors

ArcBox – Advanced safety for photovoltaic installations

ArcBox is an innovative device that significantly reduces the risk of fire in solar photovoltaic installations. The growing number of PV systems also brings the risk of faults when connecting DC cables (poor crimping, connectors from different manufacturers, assembly in wet conditions, incomplete connection), which can generate an electrical arc. ArcBox was designed to contain such arcs and prevent the fire from spreading to combustible materials.

How it works

• Installs quickly by closing the housing around the DC connector (“snap-fit” system).
• The connector is fully enclosed in a refractory material that withstands very high temperatures.
• The sealed cable grommets suspend the connector in the air, reducing heat transfer.
• The ventilation and drainage openings keep the temperature within the recommended limits and prevent moisture buildup.

Recommended applications

• Residential, commercial, and industrial systems (ground-mount, pitched or flat roof).
• Building-integrated PV (BIPV) and areas with combustible materials (membranes, shingles, bitumen, etc.).
• Buildings with a high impact from interruption: hospitals, schools, care centers, factories.

Certification and testing

• KIWA Fire Test Laboratory: > 5 minutes of arcing with no fire spread to the surrounding materials (BIPV case).
• ZAG Slovenia: > 5 minutes of arcing with no spread on a flat roof.
• Loughborough University: temperatures under load remain within the limits recommended by connector manufacturers.

Key advantages

• Fast installation, with no special tools.
• Patented design, compatible with multiple mounting systems.
• Essential protection against electrical arc and fire risks.

Mounting options (compatibility examples)

• ARC-M01 – rail mounting with an 8/10 mm T-bolt; compatible with Schletter FixGrid, K2 Dome, Van der Valk ValkPro, Sunfixings, etc.
• ARC-M02 – for rails up to 40 mm (1.57 in); ideal beneath low-profile modules (pitched roof).
• ARC-M03 – for Esdec FlatFix (with a cable-clip accessory), three possible orientations.
• ARC-M04 – for Renusol FS Pro & FS10.
• ARC-BM25 / ARC-BM30 / ARC-BM40 – brackets for battens (22–25 mm / 30 mm / 38 mm; approx. 0.87–0.98 in / 1.18 in / 1.50 in) on roof-integrated systems.

Technical specifications