Which devices can be classified as OCPDs?

Overcurrent Protection Devices (OCPDs) are essential components in electrical systems designed to protect circuits from excessive current that can cause damage or create safety hazards. Fuses and circuit breakers fall under this category as they both serve the primary purpose of interrupting the flow of current when it exceeds a certain level, thereby preventing overheating and potential fire hazards.

Fuses work by melting a conductive strip when the current surpasses specified limits, effectively interrupting the circuit. Circuit breakers, on the other hand, can be reset after tripping, allowing for repeated use without replacement. Both devices are crucial for enhancing safety in electrical installations, specifically in photovoltaic systems where overcurrent situations are anticipated due to faults or surges.

Other devices, such as switches, relays, transformers, capacitors, inverters, and converters, serve different functions in electrical and PV systems. While they are essential for various operations—like controlling current flow or transforming voltage—they do not provide the specific function of limiting or interrupting excessive current flow as OCPDs do. Thus, only fuses and circuit breakers can be accurately classified as OCPDs within this context.