I-LEAK PRO: Leakage current protection

The "I-LEAK PRO" error indicates that the inverter has detected a leakage current exceeding the permissible safety limits. Leakage current is an unwanted electrical flow that deviates from its intended path and flows to ground or other conductive parts.

Why it's problematic

Leakage current can pose a serious safety hazard, potentially leading to electric shocks or even electrocution.
A leakage current fault can also trip protective devices like residual current devices (RCDs), interrupting the power supply.

Possible causes

Damaged insulation: Deteriorated or damaged insulation in the wiring, connectors, or solar panels can create pathways for current leakage.
Moisture or water ingress: The presence of moisture in the inverter or wiring connections can cause leakage currents.
Ground faults: An unintentional connection between a live conductor and ground can lead to a significant leakage current flow.
Faulty inverter components: Internal faults within the inverter, such as capacitor degradation or circuit board issues, can contribute to leakage current.

Before you begin

Safety First: Working with electrical equipment always involves risks. Ensure you are qualified and follow appropriate safety precautions. Disconnect the inverter from both AC and DC sources before performing any physical inspection or adjustments.

Gather Information: Before starting troubleshooting, have the inverter manual on hand. You should also gather information about the inverter model and serial number, the installation date, and the PV array configuration (number of panels, capacity, and number of strings).

Troubleshooting steps

Restart the inverter: A simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches that may be causing the error. Power off the inverter completely, wait for a minute, and then power it back on.
Inspect for moisture: Check the inverter enclosure, wiring connections, and surrounding areas for any signs of moisture or water ingress. Dry any wet components thoroughly before reconnecting the inverter.
Check AC and DC connections: Carefully examine all wiring connections, both on the AC and DC sides, for any signs of damage, loose connections, or corrosion. Tighten loose connections and replace damaged components as needed. Pay particular attention to the grounding connections.
Inspect cable insulation: Carefully check the insulation of all cables, including those connecting the panels to the inverter and those from the inverter to the grid, for any signs of damage, cracks, or wear. Replace any cables with damaged insulation.

Verifying the solution

After troubleshooting, restart the inverter and monitor its display. If the "Leakage Current Check Protection" error has cleared and the inverter is operating normally, the issue is resolved.

If the problem is not resolved

If the error persists after following all the above steps, there might be an internal fault within the inverter that requires professional attention.

As a system owner: In this case, contact the inverter installer or distributor for further assistance. You can find the details of your installer in the MyAutarco app.
As a certified installer: Contact Autarco Support; you can submit a support case via Helios.