8204 on a SMA Solar Technology AG Sunny Boy: An error occurred during the self-test of SMA ArcFix. It is not guaranteed that SMA ArcFix will function correctly. The device does not feed in
Short answer
On a SMA Solar Technology AG inverter, 8204 means: An error occurred during the self-test of SMA ArcFix. It is not guaranteed that SMA ArcFix will function correctly. The device does not feed in. The inverter stops until the fault clears or is reset. An engineer is needed to fix the cause.
Reviewed 24 September 2026 · 1 source
What it means
The manual says: An error occurred during the self-test of SMA ArcFix. It is not guaranteed that SMA ArcFix will function correctly. The device does not feed in.
Part involved: AFCI (SMA ArcFix) self-test.
When it shows: An error occurred during the self-test of SMA ArcFix. It is not guaranteed that SMA ArcFix will function correctly. The device does not feed in.
Likely causes:
- SMA corrective measures: Contact Service.
Is it safe?
| Does the inverter stop? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Engineer needed? | Yes |
The inverter stops until the fault clears or is reset.
Resetting itself: no.
Manual reset: See engineer checks.
What you can check
- Read the event number and message in the SMA Energy app / Sunny Portal (ennexOS) or the inverter's web interface and note the date/time for your installer. A red LED on the inverter means an event has occurred.
- Contact your installer / SMA Service.
What the engineer will check
- AFCI self-test failed; device does not feed in - contact SMA Service.
Who to ask for: PV installer / SMA Service.
Certification: Qualified electrician (BS 7671; MCS-certified PV installer for work on the PV array/DC side).
What you might notice
Sources
- Operating manual SUNNY BOY 3.0/3.6/4.0/5.0/6.0 ↗ · SBxx-1AV-41-BE-en-21 Version 2.1 · page 102 · Reviewed 24 September 2026
A code explains what the controller detected, not a confirmed root cause.
Reviewed: 24 September 2026