South Africa’s rapid adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery energy storage, and hybrid power solutions has fundamentally changed the way electrical protection is specified. From residential rooftop PV to large commercial and agricultural installations, DC systems now operate at higher voltages and currents than ever before, often in harsh environmental conditions.
In this environment, reliable DC protection is not optional. It is essential.
To support this growing market, ACDC Dynamics has introduced the FMB DC breaker range, a PV-compliant series of DC miniature circuit breakers engineered specifically for South African operating conditions.
Designed for real-world DC fault conditions
Unlike alternating current, direct current does not pass through zero, making arc interruption far more demanding. In solar PV and battery systems commonly installed across South Africa, incorrect or underspecified DC protection can lead to persistent arcing, equipment damage, or fire risk.
The FMB range DC MCBs are purpose-designed to handle these fault conditions safely and predictably. The range provides reliable protection against overload and short-circuit events across current ratings from 6 A to 125 A and operating voltages from 12 V DC up to 1,000 V DC. This makes the range suitable for residential battery systems, commercial PV strings, agricultural solar pumping, and utility-scale installations.
Optimised for the South African energy landscape
South African DC installations are diverse and often demanding. Systems may be installed on exposed rooftops, in plant rooms, shipping containers, or outdoor enclosures in high ambient temperatures.
The FMB range is ideally suited for use in:
- Residential and commercial solar PV installations;
- Off-grid and hybrid systems supporting loadshedding resilience;
- Battery energy storage systems in homes, businesses, and telecom sites;
- Agricultural and borehole solar pumping systems; and
- Industrial DC distribution and renewable energy projects.
Whether installed in a PV combiner box, battery cabinet, or DC distribution board, the FMB range delivers consistent and dependable protection under fluctuating load and environmental conditions.
Engineered for harsh local environments
South African solar and storage systems are frequently exposed to heat, dust, and electrical stress. To address this, FMB DC breakers feature a fire-resistant, high-strength enclosure designed to maintain insulation integrity and mechanical stability under elevated temperatures and high DC voltages.
This robust construction supports long service life, even in remote or unattended installations where reliability is critical.
Simplified installation for local contractors
Incorrect polarity remains a common cause of DC breaker failure in the field. To reduce installation risk, the FMB range is designed for bidirectional connection, allowing installers to connect the breaker without concern for positive or negative orientation.
This design simplifies installation, reduces wiring errors, and supports faster commissioning, particularly valuable in time-sensitive projects.
All breakers are manufactured in a standard modular DIN-rail format, making them easy to integrate into locally manufactured enclosures, combiner boxes, and distribution boards commonly used in South Africa.
Reliable protection with manual reset control
In the event of an overload or short-circuit condition, the FMB DC breaker interrupts the circuit safely, protecting connected equipment and cabling. Once the fault has been identified and resolved, the breaker can be manually reset, restoring system operation without replacing components.
This practical, service-friendly approach is well-suited to South African installations where rapid restoration of power is often essential.
A trusted DC protection solution from ACDC Dynamics
With the introduction of the FMB DC breaker range, ACDC Dynamics continues its commitment to supplying engineered, fit-for-purpose electrical solutions to the South African market. Backed by local availability, technical support, and a deep understanding of renewable energy applications, the FMB range delivers dependable DC protection for a rapidly evolving energy sector.
For South African engineers, installers, and system integrators, the choice is clear. When DC protection must perform reliably in demanding local conditions, the FMB range from ACDC Dynamics is engineered to deliver.
