Peter, I'd like to take issue with one point you make. The EDS is a utility requirement only, and is not required by Code. The breaker (or if it's a line tap, the adjacent fused disconnect) serves the full function of the Code-required disconnect and overcurrent protection. So keep the AHJ out of this issue, as that only gives the utility a greater illusion of legitimacy, and makes your own job harder. It seems to me that this is a utility issue only, and should be treated as such. Andrew, PNM in New Mexico has required EDS's (here they're called Customer Generation Disconnects, or CGDs), but they're optionally exempt under 10kW per new state regs. They allow it to be located elsewhere if a plaque and map are at the meter. Their website has changed re PV, and I can't find a link to send you. Frank at PNM may be able to help, although he's very busy these days: 505 362-7736. Your better approach is to defend the lack of need for the EDS. The utility won't budge, but if they see it's unnecessary, the location might then be flexible. See http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy08osti/42675.pdf for an NREL report you can use. Allan at Positive Energy -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of ASAP POWER! 2 Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 1:34 PM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] signage for remote External Disconnect Switches
Andrew, Agree with purposes 1), 2). You'll have to continue patiently educating both AHJ's and utilities meanwhile. Most likely you would have to show the AHJ documentation of the utility's allowed variance. Request a variance with a formal letter and fax it to them. Show a complete site diagram showing a line of sight from subpanel'd EDS location to the meter location if you can. If you cannot, show on diagram distance and location of point to where you can show a line of sight not through a structure. Let them know the diagram will be an engraved or raised letter placard at proper letter size to be placed at the EDS location. Peter D. _____ From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Andrew Truitt Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 11:12 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] signage for remote External Disconnect Switches I have come to a conclusion: Utility companies serve two (2) purposes: 1) To safely and profitably distribute electrical power and 2) To drive PV integrators insane. The particular utility of which I speak, Allegheny Power, was responsible for convincing the Maryland PUC for requiring External Disconnect Switches on PV installs if they are to be eligible for REC generation. Now they have finally gotten around to inspecting a system we installed a year ago where the EDS was located on the opposite side of the house from the meter (we made our interconnection at a sub-panel) and they are requiring us to move it back to the meter location (or install a 200A external service disconnect). Does anyone know of any documentation from a utility or AHJ that accepts a weatherproof label (or plack) on the meter indicating the location of the EDS when it is not convienient for the meter and EDS to be co-located? Andrew Truitt Standard Solar Inc. -- "Don't get me wrong: I love nuclear energy! It's just that I prefer fusion to fission. And it just so happens that there's an enormous fusion reactor safely banked a few million miles from us. It delivers more than we could ever use in just about 8 minutes. And it's wireless!" ~William McDonough
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