Accessibility was probably not on the minds of members of the code panel, but I can see where it might be an issue. Many homes have locks on the bathroom doors. From personal experience, I can tell you that there are times when that door will be locked and the person in the bathroom is either unable or unwilling to respond. Under such circumstances, a disconnect in the bathroom would not be readily accessible.
Ted Eckert American Power Conversion/MGE http://www.apc-mge.com/ The items contained in this e-mail reflect the personal opinions of the writer and are only provided for the assistance of the reader. The writer is not speaking in an official capacity for APC, MGE or Schneider Electric. The speaker does not represent APC's, MGE's or Schneider Electric's official position on any matter. Robert Johnson <johnson@ITEsafet y.com> To Sent by: "Powell, Doug" [email protected] <[email protected]> cc [email protected] 02/27/2007 11:39 Subject PM Re: Disconnecting means in the bathroom This is where it originated, the NFPA 70, 2001 Report on Proposals. The panel came up with this substantial change to the section in response to the submitted proposal (recommendation). No indication about why the bathroom issue came up during the panel meeting, probably a desire to keep circuits which cannot be turned off by any means (except covering the panels) away from moist environments. Bob Johnson ITE Safety 3- 182 - (690-14(c) (New) ): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: John C. Wiles, Jr., Southwest Tech. Development Inst./Rep. Photovoltaic Power Industry Forum RECOMMENDATION: Add new text to read: βThe photovoltaic disconnecting means shall be grouped with other disconnecting means for the system. A photovoltaic disconnecting means shall not be required at the photovoltaic module or array location.β SUBSTANTIATION: To comply with the code requirements for grouping all disconnects of a power system in a single location, it is necessary to have the photovoltaic disconnecting means grouped with the other disconnecting means. Although photovoltaic modules and arrays may be located some distance away or on the roof, there is no requirement for a disconnect at the source because the source is energized in daylight whether or not the disconnect is opened. PANEL ACTION: Accept in Principle. Add the following new text to the proposed text: β(c) Requirements for Disconnecting Means. Means shall be provided to disconnect all conductors in a building or other structure from the photovoltaic system conductors. (1) Location. The photovoltaic disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either outside of a building or structure or inside nearest the point of entrance of the system conductors. The photovoltaic system disconnecting means shall not be installed in bathrooms. (2) Marking. Each photovoltaic system disconnecting means shall be permanently marked to identify it as a photovoltaic system disconnect. (3)Suitable for Use. Each photovoltaic system disconnecting means shall be suitable for the prevailing conditions. Equipment installed in hazardous (classified) locations shall comply with the requirements of Articles 500 through 517. (4)Maximum Number of Disconnects. The photovoltaic system disconnecting means shall consist of not more than six switches or six circuit breakers mounted in a single enclosure, in a group of separate enclosures, or in or on a switchboard. (5)Grouping. The photovoltaic system disconnecting means shall be grouped with other disconnecting means for the system to comply with (4). A photovoltaic disconnecting means shall not be required at the photovoltaic module or array location.β PANEL STATEMENT: The added text was modified from Part F of Article 230 to ensure that a means for disconnecting the photovoltaic system will exist at the proper location, with the proper marking and suitability of use, and with the proper maximum number of disconnecting means. NUMBER OF PANEL MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 12 VOTE ON PANEL ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 12 Powell, Doug wrote: Hello all, I sometimes see or hear about provisions in safety standards that must have very interesting backgrounds. Here is one example that seems so obvious I have to wonder if it is really needed. --------------------------- NFPA 70-2005 Edition Section 690.14 Additional Provisions. Photovoltaic disconnecting (C) Requirements for Disconnecting Means (1) Location - The photovoltaic system disconnecting means shall not be installed in bathrooms. --------------------------- Actually, there are several places in the standard where similar language exists. Outside of speculation, does anyone actually know the historical background for this requirement? Regards, -doug Douglas E. Powell Senior Compliance Engineer Corporate Compliance Department Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. Fort Collins, Colorado USA 80525 This message, including any attachments, may contain information that is confidential and proprietary information of Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. 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