Benn - I like installing j-boxes under the array as a general rule both for aesthetics and to keep them somewhat sheltered from the elements. I do not see any code issues with the location because, as you mention, they are still accessible.
>From NEC2008 Article 100: *Accessible (as applied to equipment)*. Admitting close approach; not guarded by locked doors, elevation, or other effective means. *Accessible (as applied to wiring methods)*. Capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish or not permanently closed in by the structure or finish of the building. - Andrew On Wed, Sep 15, 2010 at 3:15 AM, benn kilburn <[email protected]> wrote: > Wrenches, > There has been some mention on this list lately of locating Soladeck and/or > other combiner boxes under arrays. This has me wondering if folks are doing > this only for a cleaner looking roof array or if there are other > reasonable intentions (lack of available roof space). > > Other than a cleaner look, i see no benefit to doing this. (don't get me > wrong, a cleanly installed array is something to be proud of) However if > the box ever needs to be accessed, you have to remove at least one module to > get to it, dealing with the whole 'breaking the bond' issue; having to > remove the module, replacing the WEEB clip or undoing and then re-torquing > the lug set screw, re-installing module, etc. If you just wanted to quickly > check something in the box (voltage, torque, whatever) it is no longer a > quick and easy task. > > So the Canadian Electrical Code says in Section 0.....Definitions > > *Accessible* (as applied to equipment) - admitting close approach because > the equipment is not guarded by locked doors, elevation, or other effective > means. > > *Accessible* (as applied to wiring methods) - > (a) not permanently closed in by the structure or finish of the building; > and > (b) capable of being removed without disturbing the building > structure or finish. > > My interpretation here is that; > (a) the box is not 'permanently closed in', just inconveniently closed in. > and, > (b) you are not disturbing the structure or finish, as you will be > replacing the module as soon as you are finished in the box. > > Many pieces of equipment and/or panels require that you remove a single > piece or a multi-piece cover to access the wiring. The pv module is like a > large 'cover' in this case. So i do not see this as a code violation. Do > you? > > I'm not familiar with the NEC, is it's definition of 'accessible' similar > to the CEC's? > > Is this combiner mounting location under the array common practice for some > of you, or only done when roof space for a combiner box is limited? > > I am going to run this scenario by one of our inspectors, i just thought > i'd get some feedback from other Wrenches first. > > cheers, > benn > DayStar Renewable Energy Inc. > [email protected] > 780-906-7807 > HAVE A SUNNY DAY > > > > _______________________________________________ > List sponsored by Home Power magazine > > List Address: [email protected] > > Options & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > > -- "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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