Tigo EI inverter error 200 AFCI fault: what it means and what to do
Tigo EI inverter error code 200 "AFCI Fault" means the inverter has detected an arc fault in the solar (PV) wiring. Tigo says the inverter shows a continuous red fault light with a loud buzzer, and it will not reconnect to the grid until it is reset. The electrical code requires that reset to be done manually on site, so book a technician to find the cause before anyone resets it.
Safety: act now
Common causes
- Connections in junction boxes that have degraded over time.
- Screw terminals that have loosened with temperature changes, or poorly crimped or stripped DC wiring.
- DC connectors that are not fully mated.
- Wires chewed by animals or rubbing against the racking.
- Cracked or damaged solar panels.
- Out-of-date inverter firmware, AFCI settings that need adjustment, a damaged AFCI board, or nuisance tripping.
Safe steps to try
- Leave the system as it is Do not press the inverter's reset button. Tigo explains that the electrical code requires a manual reset after an arc fault so that someone is on site to deal with it. Do not open the inverter, a disconnect, a junction box or any conduit, and do not touch the panels, racking or wiring.
- Note what you see and hear Write down error code 200, check the Tigo EI app for when it was logged, and note whether there was a storm or roof work recently.
- Book a technician Tigo's procedure starts with firmware and AFCI settings checks with Tigo Support, then a shutdown and inspection of the panels, wiring, terminals and connectors, and if needed insulation and string-by-string tests.
When to call a professional
Call as soon as you see error 200. An arc fault is a fire risk, and the inverter will not produce power until it is reset after the cause is found.
Frequently asked questions
- Will replacing the inverter fix error 200?
- Usually not. Tigo notes that inverters do not cause arc, ground or isolation resistance faults; they detect and report them. Tigo treats swapping in a known good inverter as a last-resort test.
- Can I reset it myself?
- Tigo explains that the electrical code requires a manual reset after an arc fault to make sure someone intervenes on site. The point of that rule is an inspection first, so let a technician find the cause and then reset the inverter.