Cable fault locator GFL-1500

for solar applications

Product overview
The Fluke GFL-1500 is a three-piece solar ground-fault locator (transmitter, receiver, signal-tracing clamp) designed to quickly identify and pinpoint active ground faults in photovoltaic (PV) arrays. It injects a traceable signal into the fault path to enable fast, non-contact tracing from a central test location to the exact fault point, reducing troubleshooting time and exposure to electrical hazards.

FaultTrack™ Technology
FaultTrack™ detects active faults and generates a traceable signal through the fault path so technicians can follow the signal from the transmitter to the precise point of failure. The system supports identification of the faulted combiner, branch or string even when site documentation is incomplete.

Ease of use and workflow
Designed for field workflow: deploy from a central test point without repeated conductor disconnections. The receiver and clamp enable rapid identification of the affected branch or combiner and allow tracing within a string to locate the defective module or connection.

Safety and compliance
Rated for PV architectures up to 1500 V DC. Transmitter and receiver: CAT III 1500 V DC / CAT IV 600 V. Clamp is for non-contact use on insulated conductors up to 1500 V. Use within applicable safety standards and site procedures.

Key features

• Locate active ground faults in PV systems
• Traceable, easy-to-follow non-contact signal to reduce troubleshooting time
• Analyze, fault tracing, open-circuit detection and mapping functions
• Transmitter and receiver rated CAT III 1500 V DC / CAT IV 600 V
• Field-ready kit: transmitter, receiver and signal-tracing clamp

What’s in the box

• GFL-1500 Transmitter
• GFL-1500 Receiver
• GFL-1500 Signal Tracing Clamp
• MC4 test leads, 1500 V rated
• Alligator clips
• MC4 unlocking tool
• Soft carrying case and backpack-style shoulder strap
• AA alkaline batteries (14)

Notes on use
Suitable for utility-scale and commercial PV arrays. The clamp enables non-contact identification of the faulted combiner or string in noisy environments and supports following the signal inside a string to pinpoint the fault. Follow site safety procedures when working on energized equipment.

Technical specifications

• Measurement category: Transmitter & Receiver = CAT III 1500 V DC / CAT IV 600 V; Clamp = use on insulated conductors only, up to 1500 V
• Operating voltage: 1500 V DC / 600 V AC (transmitter/receiver); clamp non-contact on insulated conductors up to 1500 V
• Trace signal frequencies: FAULT & MAP = 6.25 kHz; OPEN = 32.764 kHz
• Trace indicators: Transmitter = graphical display + audible beep; Receiver = numeric, bar-graph display, audible beep, LED; Clamp = AC current indication
• Trace signal current output (typical): Array HIGH 30 mA RMS; Array LOW 6 mA RMS; Unit HIGH 120 mA RMS (FAULT/MAP); OPEN Unit HIGH 100 mA RMS; OPEN Unit LOW 30 mA RMS
• Trace signal voltage output (open circuit, typical): Unit HIGH 30 V RMS; OPEN Unit LOW 25 V RMS
• Voltage range / resolution (ANALYZE): 0–1500 V DC, resolution 1 V (no voltage measurement if high capacitance & resistance detected)
• Resistance ranges (ANALYZE): ≈ <5 kΩ (FAULT), ≈ 10 kΩ (FAULT), ≈ 50 kΩ, ≈ 100 kΩ, ≈ 500 kΩ, >1 MΩ
• Range detection (typical): FAULT & MAP Array Mode max via air 4.75 m; FAULT & MAP Unit Mode max via air 5.9 m; OPEN Unit Mode max via air 2.7 m
• AC current (clamp): range 150 mA; resolution 0.1 mA; max conductor diameter 61 mm
• Displays: Transmitter & Receiver = Graphic LCD; Clamp = Segment LCD. Illumination: transmitter/receiver front light; clamp backlight
• Environmental: Operating temp transmitter/receiver -20 °C to 50 °C; clamp -10 °C to 50 °C; operating altitude 0–3000 m; storage altitude 0–12,000 m
• Ingress / mechanical: Transmitter non-operating IP54; Receiver IP54; Clamp IP30 (jaw closed). Drop tested to 1 m
• Transient protection: 10 kV (1.2/50 μs surge) on applicable units
• Power supply: Transmitter 8×AA; Receiver 4×AA; Clamp 2×AA (alkaline or NiMH where applicable)
• Battery life (typical): Transmitter Array FAULT/MAP ≈15 h; Transmitter Unit modes ≈8–15 h; Receiver ≈16 h; Clamp >150 h (without backlight/spotlight)
• Dimensions (L×W×H) & weight (with batteries): Transmitter ≈244×180×106 mm, ≈2.04 kg; Receiver ≈183×75×43 mm, ≈0.27 kg; Clamp ≈257×116×46 mm, ≈0.6 kg