Fluke GFL-1500 Solar Ground Fault Locator
Key features
- Identify and locate active ground faults in PV systems
- Reduce troubleshooting time with easy-to-follow traceable signal
- Decrease exposure to hazards with non-contact tracing
- Analyze, Fault Tracing, Open Circuit, and Mapping functions
- CAT III 1500 V DC/CAT IV 600 V rated transmitter and receiver
Product overview: Fluke GFL-1500 Solar Ground Fault Locator
Revolutionize Fault Location, Maximize Solar Production
The Fluke GFL-1500 Solar Ground Fault Locator is a frontline troubleshooting tool that helps technicians quickly pinpoint active ground faults in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. It works by producing a traceable signal in the array, allowing for fast, intuitive, non-contact tracing directly to the fault location. This innovative approach eliminates the frustration of time-consuming, brute-force troubleshooting and reduces unnecessary exposure to electrical hazards.
In addition to improving safety and reducing downtime, this innovative solution redefines how technicians locate active ground faults in solar PV systems. By replacing complex, manual diagnostics with an easy-to-follow trace signal, the GFL- 1500 streamlines fault isolation, helping teams restore system operation quickly and effectively.
The GFL-1500 Ground Fault Locator is a three-piece troubleshooting system designed to optimize technician workflow in the field, enabling faster and more confident fault resolution. This gives site managers greater assurance in system performance and uptime. The GFL-1500 system consists of the GFL-1500 Transmitter, GFL-1500 Receiver, and GFL-1500 Signal Tracing Clamp.
FaultTrack™ Technology — Solar Ground Fault Detection
The GFL-1500 utilizes FaultTrack™ Technology to detect active faults and generate a traceable signal through the fault path, enabling technicians to follow that signal from the transmitter through the faulted path to the precise point of failure. Pinpointing the exact location of an active fault used to be a challenge—with FaultTrack™ Technology, that work is easier than ever.
In large-scale solar arrays, the challenge of finding active faults is often exacerbated by the difficulty of identifying string layouts with incomplete or outdated documentation. With a general understanding of your site’s configuration, just a few connections, and non-contact tracing, the GFL-1500 enables technicians to identify the faulted branch and pinpoint the fault location within a string—without relying on detailed site maps or time-consuming test procedures. By combining multiple diagnostic functions into a single, easy-to-use system, the GFL-1500 delivers an unmatched ability to locate faults with non-contact signal tracing, making it an essential tool for high-efficiency solar maintenance and troubleshooting.
Ease-of-Use and Time Savings
The GFL-1500 is built to simplify solar ground fault detection in the field. From a central test location, technicians can begin tracing the fault path without repeatedly disconnecting conductors and brute-force testing each individual string. This streamlined approach saves valuable time and increases troubleshooting safety, enabling your team to solve problems quickly and confidently.
The GFL-1500 system includes both a signal tracing receiver and clamp, each suited to different stages of the diagnostic process. The clamp is especially useful for identifying the faulted combiner or string without making disconnections, even in noisy environments where signal clarity may be reduced. Once the affected solar string is identified, the signal tracing receiver or clamp can be used to precisely follow the fault path and pinpoint the issue within the string.
Designed for real-world conditions, the GFL-1500 is intuitive to operate, quick to deploy, and built for harsh environments, delivering an end-to-end troubleshooting solution that enables technicians to move efficiently from problem to resolution.
Safety and Compliance
As utility-scale PV systems increasingly adopt 1500 V DC architectures, the demand for safe, accurate, higher voltage-rated diagnostic tools continues to grow. High-voltage DC systems offer greater efficiency through longer strings and fewer components, but they also operate at voltages that require heightened safety awareness and specialized equipment for troubleshooting. The Fluke GFL-1500 system includes:
- Transmitter: CAT III 1500 V DC, CAT IV 600 V, meets the rigorous safety standards outlined in IEC 61010-1 and 61010-2-030.
- Receiver: CAT III 1500 V DC, CAT IV 600 V, meets IEC standard 61010-1.
- Signal Tracing Clamp: Rated for use on insulated conductors up to 1500 V.
Whether you're working at the inverter, combiner, or module level, the GFL-1500 Ground Fault Locator has been rigorously tested for safety and durability to provide a rugged, safe, fast, and reliable solution for identifying ground faults in high-voltage environments—empowering technicians to work confidently and efficiently in the field.
What's in the box:
- GFL-1500 Transmitter
- GFL-1500 Receiver
- GFL-1500 Clamp
- MC4 Test Leads 1500 V rated test leads
- Alligator clips
- MC4 unlocking tool
- Soft carrying case
- Backpack style shoulder strap
- AA Alkaline batteries (14)
Specifications: Fluke GFL-1500 Solar Ground Fault Locator
Specifications | |||
General | Transmitter | Receiver | Clamp |
Measurement category | CAT III 1500 V DC / CAT IV 600 V | Not category rated. Use on insulated conductors only, up to 1500 V | |
Operating voltage | 1500 V DC / 600 V AC | Non-contact. Use on insulated conductors only, up to 1500 V | |
Trace signal operating frequency | FAULT & MAP: 6.25 kHz OPEN: 32.764 kHz | N/A | |
Trace signal indications | Graphical display, audible beep | Numeric, bar graph display, audible beep, LED | AC current |
Trace signal current output (typical) | FAULT & MAP: Array HIGH mode: 30 mA RMS Array LOW mode: 6 mA RMS Unit HIGH mode: 120 mA RMS OPEN: Unit HIGH mode: 100 mA RMS Unit LOW mode: 30 mA RMS | N/A | N/A |
Trace signal voltage output - open circuit (typical) | FAULT & MAP: Unit HIGH mode: 30 V RMS OPEN: Unit HIGH mode: 30 V RMS Unit LOW mode: 25 V RMS | N/A | N/A |
Voltage range / Resolution (ANALYZE) | Range: 0-1500 V DC Resolution: 1 V No voltage measurement if high capacitance & resistance detected | N/A | N/A |
Resistance ranges (ANALYZE) | ≈ <5 kΩ (FAULT) ≈ 10 kΩ (FAULT) ≈ 50 kΩ ≈ 100 kΩ ≈ 500 kΩ ≈ >1 MΩ No resistance range if high capacitance & resistance detected | N/A | N/A |
Range detection (typical) | N/A | FAULT & MAP: Array Mode Max distance via air: 4.75 m (15.6 ft) FAULT & MAP: Unit Mode Max distance via air: 5.9 m (19.4 ft) OPEN: Unit Mode Max (open air): 2.7 m (8.9 ft) | N/A |
AC Current Measurement | Transmitter | Receiver | Clamp |
Range | N/A | N/A | 150 mA |
Resolution | N/A | N/A | 0.1 mA |
Maximum conductor diameter | N/A | N/A | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Display | Transmitter | Receiver | Clamp |
Display type | Graphic LCD Display | Segment LCD Display | |
Illumination | Front light | Back light | |
Environmental specifications | Transmitter | Receiver | Clamp |
Operating temperature | -20 °C to 50 °C (-4 °F to 122 °F) | -10 °C to 50 °C (14 °F to 122 °F) | |
Operating Humidity (non-condensing) | 95 %RH: 0 °C to <30 °C (32 °F to <86 °F) 75 %RH: 30 °C to <40 °C (86 °F to <104 °F) 45 %RH: 40 °C to 50 °C (104 °F to 122 °F) | 90 %RH: 10 °C to <30°C (50 °F to <86 °F) 75 %RH: 30 °C to <40 °C (86 °F to <104 °F) 45 %RH: 40 °C to 50 °C (104 °F to 122 °F) | |
Operating Altitude | 0 to 3 000 m (9 843 ft) | ||
Storage altitude | 0 to 12 000 m (39 371 ft) | ||
Storage temperature and humidity (without batteries) | -20 °C to 70 °C (-4 °F to 158 °F), <95 %RH | -40 °C to 60 °C (-40 °F to 140 °F), <95 %RH | |
Transient protection | 10.00 kV (1.2/50 μS surge) | N/A | N/A |
Pollution degree | 2 | ||
IP rating | IP54 (Non-operating) | IP54 | IP30 ( Jaw Closed) |
Drop test | 1 m (3.28 ft) | ||
Mechanical and general specifications | Transmitter | Receiver | Clamp |
Power supply | 8 x AA IEC LR6 alkaline or NiMH rechargeable | 4 x AA IEC LR6 alkaline or NiMH rechargeable | 2 x AA IEC LR6 alkaline |
Battery life (typical) No buzzer or front light | FAULT & MAP Array Mode: approx. 15 h FAULT & MAP Unit Mode: approx. 8 h OPEN Unit Mode: approx. 15 h | Approx. 16 h | >150 h (without backlight and spotlight) |
Low battery indication | Yes | ||
Dimensions (L x W x H) | Approx. 244 x 180 x 106 mm (9.6 x 7.0 x 4.2 in) | Approx. 183 x 75 x 43 mm (7.2 x 2.95 x 1.69 in) | Approx. 257 x 116 x 46 mm (10.1 x 4.6 x 1.8 in) |
Weight (batteries installed) | Approx. 2.04 kg (4.5 lb) | Approx. 0.27 kg (0.6 lb) | Approx. 0.6 kg (1.32 lb) |
Test Lead Kit General Specifications | |||
Includes | 3x TL324 4mm to 4mm test leads (red, black, green),3x AC385 alligator clips (red, black, green), 2x TLPV1 MC4 to 4mm test leads (red, black) | ||
Measurement category | CAT III 1500 V / CAT IV 1000 V (TL324 and AC385) CAT III 1500 V / CAT IV 600 V (TLPV1) | ||
Operating current | 30 A | ||
Operating temperature | -20 °C to 50 °C (-4 °F to 122 °F) | ||
Storage temperature | -20 °C to 70 °C (-4 °F to 158 °F) | ||
Operating and storage humidity | 95 %RH: 10 °C to <30 °C (50 °F to <86 °F) 75 %RH: 30 °C to <40 °C (86 °F to <104 °F) 45 %RH: -20 °C to <10 °C or 40 °C to 50 °C (-4 °F to <50 °F or 104 °F to 122 °F), non-condensing | ||
Operating altitude | 3000 m (~9843 ft) | ||
Storage altitude | 12 000 m (~39 371 ft) | ||
Pollution degree | 2 | ||
Drop proof | 1 m (3.28 ft) | ||
Vibration | MIL-PRF-28800, class 2 | ||
Dimensions | TL324: 2 m (6.56 ft) AC385: approx. 93 x 52 x 21 mm (3.66 x 2.05 x 0.83 in), TLPV1: 1.5 m (4.92 ft) | ||
Weight | Approx. 0.48 kg (1.06 lb) |