The IMO FireRaptor is designed to be the ultimate Solar Panel Rapid Shutdown Solution. Developed by UK based IMO Precision Controls, already well known in the solar industry for their DC isolator which is widely used by solar inverter manufacturers, the FireRaptor is designed with fire safety prominently in mind.

Introducing the FireRaptor from IMO.

Solar panels produce DC electricity and there is a valid reason why many electrical engineers call it the "Death Current". Unlike AC supply, which passes through 0V at least 50 times per second and has a pulsating characteristic, DC supply is constant in its effect. Combine this with the fact that the absolute current value often used in solar installations is much higher than typical consumer AC supply, and is it not difficult to understand what makes solar installations a potential source of grave danger to Fire Fighters around the world

In cases of fire in buildings with solar installations present, the panels continue to produce energy as long as there is daylight present so it is critical that the live DC wiring in and around the building is isolated as close to the panels as possible. The FireRaptor ensures that this isolation, or "shutdown", takes place as close to the solar panel as possible.

Each FireRaptor operates two solar panels and is positioned behind the panels attached to the same mounting frame. It is rated at 700W so is suitable for most types of solar panel currently available on the market.

The FireRaptors are connected in series using plug-and-play connectors and the signal cable is then taken to the Emergency Switch which can be situated anywhere inside or outside the building. As soon as the Emergency Switch is activated, the FireRaptor "shuts-down" the solar panels by isolating all the DC cabling in the building right back to the rear of the panel installation. In a larger multi-storey building, a number of Emergency Switch units can be located in multiple zones around the building or on different floors as required.

The FireRaptor is not only operated manually but also offers two different types of automatic shutdown feature:

1) Automatic Emergency Temperature Shutdown whereby the temperature monitor onboard the FireRaptor will automatically shutdown the panels if the temperature in the area exceeds 85° C.

2) Automatic Emergency Power Loss Shutdown whereby the removal of the AC mains supply to the Emergency Switch will cause the FireRaptor to automatically shutdown the panesl. A great feature for Fire Fighters where building AC mains disconnection is standard practice on arrival to a fire emergency.

The Emergency Switch is supplied with the power supply built-in and is available in both standard emergency push-button or key-operated format.

As its functionality is completely independent, the FireRaptor is compatible with any string inverter and is compliant with the current requirements for Rapid Shutdown as stipulated in the US NEC2014. It is also compliant with the most recent NEC2017 revision.

For further information contact IMO Automation LLC on 678 679 7110 or go to www.imopc.solar.