I am interested in the SolarBridge , it has no chasis lug so it must not
require a GEC, right?
So why does it not require a GEC? Is it because it is not an isolated
inverter? Because it is an isolated inverter that does not have a
grounded current carrying conductor on the DC side? Because it is listed
as an AC module so who cares what is happening on the DC side?
On 1/14/2013 6:52 PM, John Berdner wrote:
Mark:
The GEC is required if the inverter bonds one of the PV conductors to ground
(as Enphase does).
Enphase support may not have a problem with it but not using a GEC (with all
the GEC requirements) on any system with a grounded array is definitely a Code
violation in NEC 2008 and 2011.
I don't recall it being eliminated in the 2014 Code either but could be wrong.
If the inverter does not bond the array positive or array negative to ground
then the array is ungrounded so no GEC is required.
Non-isolated inverters (also referred to as transformerless inverters) do not
bond the array negative or array positive to ground and so no GEC is required
(EGC is still required).
If you have a Listed AC module then none of the DC side requirements apply so
no GEC would be required unless required by the manufacturer's instructions.
Unfortunately, adding a micro-inverter to a module in the field does not make
it a Listed ac module.
Best Regards,
John Berdner
General Manager, North America
SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.
3347 Gateway Boulevard, Fremont CA 94538 USA (*Please note of our new address.)
T: 510.498.3201 ext 747
M: 530.277.4894
-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Mark Frye
Sent: Monday, January 14, 2013 3:31 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] GEC for Micro-Inverters and ACPV Modules
Does anyone have the latest on the GEC for micro-inverters/ACPV issue?
I know it is still in NEC 2008 and I believe 2011 with plans to address it in
2014.
I am specifically interested in the issue of GEC means continues (irreversible
splices) and the whole business of the DC side of these devices constituting a
separately derived system.
Enphase technical support is fine if the micro inverter chasis is bonded to a
EGC only, but they leave the lug on the chasis if you want/need to build a GEC.
SolarBridge (pre-assembled micro-inverter) seems to be devoid of a chasis lug
and therefore by extension does not/can not had a GEC in the system.
Exeltech (integrated micro-inverter aka. ACPV) does not seem to have a lug on
its chasis.
Has the industry pretty much moved to not requiring a GEC for these devices and
if so, how are the AHJ taking it?
Thanks,
Mark Frye
Berkeley Solar Electric Systems
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