Characterization of DC series arc faults in PV systems based on current low frequency spectral analysis

•An experimental characterization of DC series arc faults in PV systems is presented.•Arcing and non-arcing current signals are acquired and compared.•The behavior of indicators based on low frequency spectral analysis is studied.•The impact of measurement equipment on indicators effectiveness is investigated. This work presents an experimental study focused on the characterization of series arc faults in direct current (DC) photovoltaic (PV) systems. The aim of the study is to identify some relevant characteristics of arcing current, which can be obtained by means of low frequency spectral analysis of current signal. On field tests have been carried out on a real PV system, in accordance with some tests requirements of UL 1699B Standard for protection devices against PV DC arc faults. Arcing and non-arcing current signals are acquired and compared and the behavior of a set of indicators proposed by authors is analyzed. Different measurement equipment have been used, in order to study the impact of both measurement transducers and data acquisition systems on proposed indicators effectiveness. Presented results show that the considered indicators are suitable for detecting the arc presence even with commercial devices normally used for smart metering applications.