Hey thanks for the feedback. Looks like the definition of accessible is pretty much the same for the CEC and NEC, and NEC's 690.34 gives this method the go-ahead.
DayStar Renewable Energy Inc. [email protected] HAVE A SUNNY DAY > Date: Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:28:49 -0400 > From: [email protected] > To: [email protected] > Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Accessable? > > And more specifically: > 690.34 Access to Boxes. > Junction, pull, and outlet boxes located behind modules or panels shall > be so installed that the wiring contained in them can be rendered > accessible directly or by displacement of a module(s) or panel(s) > secured by removable fasteners and connected by a flexible wiring system. > > Andrew Truitt wrote: > > > > > > 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] > > <mailto:[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] <mailto:[email protected]> > > 780-906-7807 > > HAVE A SUNNY DAY
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