Fluke GFL-1500 Solar Ground Fault Locator

In utility-scale solar systems, ground faults are a common challenge often caused by environmental wear, aging infrastructure or installation quality issues. These faults can lead to costly downtime and reduced energy output.

The Fluke GFL-1500 combines the power of a signal-producing transmitter with a non-contact detection clamp and a non-contact signal receiver to help technicians pinpoint the location of active ground faults.

Fluke GFL-1500 is capable of identifying the faulted branches and locations within a string without relying on site maps or test procedures.

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

    Fluke GFL-1500 Datasheet

    Fluke Solar Utility Brochure

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    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. This enables 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.

    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.

    Specification

    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)

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