The new LED Controls website is here! And it’s jam-packed with features designed to make your procurement process quicker, easier and more efficient.
Photovoltaic
Photovoltaic (PV) DC Switchgear and Protection
Photovoltaic components must be rated for the high DC voltages of solar strings and combiners. LED Controls Ltd supplies PV switch disconnectors up to 1500 V DC, gPV string fuses and fuse holders, DC-rated MCBs and DC surge protection devices from ABB, Mersen, IMO, Chint, Woehner and Lovato Electric.
Filter by brand, DC voltage and current rating. Every product here is specified for DC duty – for AC switchgear see Switchgear & Circuit Protection.
Photovoltaic (PV) DC Switchgear and Protection
Photovoltaic components must be rated for the high DC voltages of solar strings and combiners. LED Controls Ltd supplies PV switch disconnectors up to 1500 V DC, gPV string fuses and fuse holders, DC-rated MCBs and DC surge protection devices from ABB, Mersen, IMO, Chint, Woehner and Lovato Electric.
Most Popular Category
Shop PV MCCB →
PV MCCB
PV MCCBs provide moulded-case protection for larger DC circuits between combiner boxes and inverters or battery systems. This category is being populated; in the meantime, high-current DC protection is available as gPV NH fuses and switching as PV switch disconnectors. Contact our team with your DC voltage and current for a quotation.
306
Products Available
1
Brands Stocked
Fast
UK Delivery
PV Connectors
4
Products
Shop PV Connectors →
PV Fuses Protection
101
Products
gPV fuses are purpose-designed for photovoltaic strings and combiner boxes, clearing DC faults at 1000–1500 V DC where ordinary fuses would sustain an arc. We stock Mersen HelioProtection 10 ×…
Shop PV Fuses Protection →PV MCB
56
Products
PV MCBs give overcurrent protection on DC circuits up to 1000 V DC, with polarity-marked terminals and arc chutes designed for DC. This range stocks Chint NB1-63DC four-pole, C-curve breakers…
Shop PV MCB →PV Monitoring & Rapid Shutdown
13
Products
Shop PV Monitoring & Rapid Shutdown →
PV Surge Protection Device
25
Products
PV surge protection devices protect inverters and combiner boxes from lightning-induced and switching surges on the DC side. We stock Mersen Type 2 DC SPDs in 3-pole (Y-configuration) form at…
Shop PV Surge Protection Device →PV Switch Disconnect
197
Products
PV switch disconnectors isolate solar strings and inverters for safe maintenance, breaking load current at up to 1500 V DC. This is our largest PV range: ABB OTDC DC switch…
Shop PV Switch Disconnect →Choosing the Right PV Protection and Switching
DC from a PV array behaves differently from AC: there is no natural current zero to help extinguish an arc, and string voltages reach 1000–1500 V DC. Every switch, fuse and surge device on the DC side must be rated specifically for it.
PV Switch Disconnectors
DC-rated switch disconnectors isolate strings and arrays for maintenance, with multi-pole series-connected contacts to break 1000 V or 1500 V DC safely.
- String isolation
- Inverter DC input
- Combiner boxes
- Rooftop isolators
- Battery systems
PV Fuses & Protection
gPV string fuses and holders protect module strings and cables from reverse currents and faults, rated to IEC 60269-6.
- String protection
- Combiner boxes
- Array cables
- Battery strings
- Inverter inputs
PV Surge Protection
Type 1 and Type 2 DC surge protection devices protect inverters and modules from lightning-induced transients on the DC side.
- Inverter DC input
- Combiner boxes
- Long DC runs
- Exposed rooftops
- Ground-mount arrays
| Feature | PV Switch Disconnector | gPV Fuse | DC SPD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Function | Isolation | Overcurrent protection | Transient protection |
| Voltage Rating | 1000 – 1500 V DC | 1000 – 1500 V DC | 600 – 1500 V DC |
| Standard | IEC 60947-3 | IEC 60269-6 | EN 50539-11 / IEC 61643-31 |
| Location | String / array / inverter | Combiner box | Inverter / combiner |
| Typical Applications | Maintenance isolation | String protection | Lightning protection |
Photovoltaic Products by Application
Explore common solar installation types and the DC protection and switching products we recommend for each.
Commercial Rooftop
String fuses, isolators and Type 2 surge protection for multi-string commercial arrays.
Recommended Products
Ground-Mount & Solar Farms
1500 V DC rated switching and protection for combiner boxes on utility-scale arrays.
Recommended Products
Residential Installations
Compact DC isolators and MCBs for domestic string inverters.
Recommended Products
Battery Storage
DC-rated protection and isolation for battery strings and hybrid inverters.
Recommended Products
Combiner Boxes
Fuse holders, disconnectors and SPDs assembled into string combiner and re-combiner boxes.
Recommended Products
Lightning-Exposed Sites
Type 1+2 DC surge protection where the array is on an exposed roof or open ground.
Recommended Products
Trusted Photovoltaic Component Manufacturers
We supply DC switching and protection from manufacturers with proven products in solar installations worldwide.
ABB
ABB OTDC switch disconnectors, PV fuse holders and surge protection devices are widely specified in commercial and utility-scale solar.
Explore ABB Products →Mersen
Mersen HelioProtection gPV fuses and holders protect PV strings and arrays up to 1500 V DC.
Explore Mersen Products →IMO
IMO SI series DC isolators are a cost-effective, IP66 solution for rooftop and inverter isolation.
Explore IMO Products →Carlo Gavazzi
Carlo Gavazzi supplies DC monitoring, energy metering and switching components for PV and storage systems.
Explore Carlo Gavazzi Products →Looking for Another Manufacturer?
In addition to ABB, Mersen, IMO and Carlo Gavazzi, we supply products from over 40 leading industrial automation manufacturers, helping engineers source everything they need from one trusted supplier.
View All ManufacturersFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about DC protection and switching for solar installations. Our technical team can help with specific system voltages and string configurations.
Can I use a standard AC isolator on the DC side of a PV system?
No. DC arcs do not self-extinguish, so a PV switch disconnector must be specifically rated for DC at the system voltage, typically by connecting several poles in series. Using an AC-only device is a fire risk.
When do PV strings need fuses?
When three or more strings are connected in parallel, a fault in one string can carry the reverse current of all the others. gPV fuses in each string protect the modules and cables. Check the module reverse-current rating.
What is the difference between 1000 V and 1500 V PV components?
Utility-scale arrays increasingly run at 1500 V DC to reduce cable losses. Components must be rated for the maximum open-circuit voltage of the array at the lowest expected temperature, so 1500 V arrays need 1500 V rated switches, fuses and SPDs.
Do I need surge protection on the DC side?
Where DC cable runs are long or the array is exposed, a DC surge protection device at the inverter input protects the inverter electronics from induced transients. Type 1+2 is used where there is an external lightning protection system.
Are your DC isolators IP rated for outdoor use?
Yes. Enclosed PV isolators are available in IP65/IP66 polycarbonate housings for rooftop mounting, as well as open versions for installing inside combiner boxes and inverters.
Which photovoltaic brands does LED Controls supply?
We supply ABB, Mersen, IMO, Carlo Gavazzi, Lovato Electric and Chint PV components.
Do you offer trade accounts?
Yes. Trade accounts are available for solar installers, EPCs, panel builders and contractors.
Do you provide technical support after purchase?
Yes. Our team can help with voltage ratings, string protection and product selection before and after purchase.
Why Businesses Choose LED Controls
From single replacement components to complete photovoltaic solutions, businesses across the UK trust LED Controls for expert advice, leading brands and dependable customer service. Our experienced team supports customers throughout every stage of their project, from specification through to delivery.
🏆
Industry Partnerships
As an ABB Value Provider and Danfoss Authorised Partner, we supply genuine products backed by manufacturer expertise and support.
⚙️
Technical Expertise
Our knowledgeable team can assist with product selection, application advice and identifying the most suitable photovoltaic solution for your project.
🚚
Fast UK Delivery
Thousands of photovoltaic products are available for fast dispatch, helping minimise downtime and keep your projects moving.
🏭
Trusted by Industry
We support OEMs, panel builders, machine manufacturers, system integrators and maintenance engineers across a wide range of industrial sectors.
Need Help Specifying PV Protection?
Tell us your array voltage, string configuration and inverter and our technical team will recommend the switching, fusing and surge protection to match.
● latest blog
Factory Automation
Insights
ABB Electronic Motor Starters from LED Controls, Your UK ABB Distributor
ABB electronic motor starters are ideal for machinery that you need to start, stop and reverse on the regular. Get yours from LED Controls!
Looking for a Better Danfoss Drives Supplier? Try LED Controls
LED Controls is an official Danfoss Drives Authorised Partner. Already buying from another Danfoss Drives supplier? Send us your next requirement and see how we compare.