New Fluke GFL-1500 Quickly Locates Ground Faults to Boost Solar System Uptime

Rhea-AI Summary

Fluke Corporation (NYSE:FTV) has launched the GFL-1500 Ground Fault Locator, an innovative tool designed to help solar technicians quickly and safely locate ground faults in solar systems. This breakthrough technology uses non-contact tracing to reduce the need for multiple disconnections and individual string testing.

The device combines a signal-producing transmitter with non-contact detection capabilities to pinpoint active ground faults in complex arrays. Ground faults, which accounted for 4.0% of U.S. workplace electrical fatalities from 2011-2023, have been a significant challenge in utility-scale solar systems, causing costly downtime and reduced energy output.

The launch comes as solar generation saw a 30% global growth last year, making efficient fault detection crucial for maintaining clean energy production.

Positive

• Reduces time to locate ground faults, improving solar system uptime
• Enhanced safety features reduce risk of workplace electrical accidents
• Compatible with 1500V PV systems, offering complete workflow coverage
• User-friendly design suitable for technicians of all experience levels

Negative

• None.

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Ground fault locator eliminates time-consuming fault hunts by reducing disconnections and brute-force testing individual strings, helping solar technicians work faster and safer

Everett, Washington, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fluke Corporation, a leading provider of safe, rugged, and reliable industrial tools and integrated software, today announced the launch of the Fluke GFL-1500 Ground Fault Locator, a breakthrough technology designed to address some of the most persistent pain points faced by solar technicians. The Fluke GFL-1500 enables solar technicians to locate ground faults quickly, safely, using non-contact tracing—reducing the need for multiple disconnections and brute-force testing of individual strings.

In utility-scale solar systems, ground faults, which were responsible for 4.0% of all workplace electrical fatalities in the U.S from 2011 to 2023, 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. By streamlining the fault-finding process, the Fluke GFL-1500 allows technicians to work more safely, faster, and without disruption—ensuring continuous clean energy production.

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 quickly and accurately pinpoint the location of active ground faults, even on complex arrays. The Fluke 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.

“The Fluke GFL-1500 marks a pivotal advance in non-contact ground-fault troubleshooting for solar technicians,” said Vineet Thuvara, Chief Product Officer at Fluke. “With solar generation surging 30% globally last year**—the fastest annual growth since 2017—there’s more urgency than ever to restore systems swiftly when faults occur. The GFL-1500 cuts through uncertainty, enabling technicians to pinpoint and resolve issues fast, minimize expensive downtime, and keep clean energy flowing. It’s built from on-the-ground insights to tackle the real challenges of today’s booming solar industry.”

Locating ground faults has traditionally been a time-consuming, manual, and challenging task for solar technicians. The Fluke GFL-1500 simplifies the process by offering:

• Complete Workflow Coverage: The GFL-1500 provides a new end-to-end solution that is compatible with 1500V PV systems, locating ground faults anywhere between the inverter and the module.
• Enhanced Safety: Technicians can troubleshoot with confidence by avoiding unnecessary interactions with energized systems, reducing the risk of injury or damage to system components.
• Significant Time Savings: Early adopters reported significantly reducing the time to locate hard ground faults. These results will significantly reduce the time it takes to get solar sites back online, while freeing up technicians to tackle other tasks.
• User-Friendly Design: Intuitive interface makes it easy to operate for solar technicians with varying levels of experience.

Fluke will be exhibiting at RE+  from September 8-11 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Please visit booth V2065 to receive a demo of Fluke products.

For more information and to purchase the GFL-1500, visit Fluke GFL-1500 Solar Ground Fault Locator | Fluke.

About Fluke
As the world leader in test and measurement equipment, software, and service, Fluke is committed to advancing sustainability at a global level. Growth in renewable energy industries requires precision measurement, quality control, and reporting capabilities for installation, maintenance, and service. Every day, Fluke customers stake their reputations on Fluke tools—it’s why they depend on Fluke’s reliability, accuracy, and commitment to help them extend their skills and professionalism.

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*Electrical Safety Foundation International: Workplace Electrical Fatalities: 2011 – 2023
** International Energy Agency: Solar Generation Grew by 30% in 2024

FLUKE is a registered trademark of Fluke Corporation. For more information, visit the Fluke website.

Attachments

• New Fluke GFL-1500 Quickly Locates Ground Faults to Boost Solar System Uptime
• New Fluke GFL-1500 Quickly Locates Ground Faults to Boost Solar System Uptime

Dave Smith
Fluke Corporation
dave.smith@fluke.com

FAQ

What is the Fluke GFL-1500 Ground Fault Locator and how does it work?

The GFL-1500 is a non-contact ground fault detection tool that combines a signal-producing transmitter with a detection clamp and receiver to quickly locate ground faults in solar systems, eliminating the need for multiple disconnections and manual testing.

How does the Fluke GFL-1500 improve safety for solar technicians?

The GFL-1500 improves safety by enabling non-contact troubleshooting, reducing unnecessary interactions with energized systems, and minimizing the risk of electrical injuries that contribute to 4.0% of workplace electrical fatalities.

What are the main benefits of the Fluke GFL-1500 for solar installations?

The main benefits include faster fault detection, reduced system downtime, enhanced safety features, complete workflow coverage for 1500V PV systems, and an intuitive interface for technicians of all experience levels.

Where can solar technicians see the Fluke GFL-1500 demonstration?

The Fluke GFL-1500 will be demonstrated at RE+ from September 8-11, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada at booth V2065.

What problem does the Fluke GFL-1500 solve in the solar industry?

The GFL-1500 solves the challenge of time-consuming and dangerous manual ground fault detection in solar systems, which has been a significant issue causing system downtime and reduced energy output in utility-scale solar installations.