Photovoltaic system contains many DC components

and there exist DC arc flash problem.Arc flash hazard is one of the most threatening and costly power injury events in power system

and the selection of prevention measures and personal protective equipment based on the results of arc flash calculation is the most scientific and effective method at present.The method of AC arc flash calculation is mainly based on standards IEEE 1584 and NFPA 70E

which has been described a lot.At present

there is no unified and accepted algorithm for DC arc flash calculation.Only the latest version of NFPA 70E—2024 currently provides the Maximum Power method in its Annex D.5 for DC arc flash calculations.In the provisions of IEEE 1584—2018 and NFPA 70E—2024

there are specific references that can be used for the calculation of DC arc flash.Five methods were collected in these literatures

i.e.Maximum Power method

Stokes & Oppenlander method

Paukert method

DGUV—I 203—077(Iterative) method and the DGUV—I 203—077(Worst-Case) method.This paper compared these five methods.Both Maximum Power method and DGUV—I 203—077(Worst-Case) method are used to calculate the DC arc flash of a certain photovoltaic system.The results may provide guidance for the engineers in this area.