Hi Jesse,
A regular visible blade lockable AC disconnect will satisfy our plan checker’s concern. However, the utility does not require an AC disconnect in our area for most residential applications so oftentimes we just use the beaker as our disconnect. If we just use a back-fed breaker, he wants us to install a handle padlock attachment at time of inspection and keep it there. I can see where he is coming from if you read the code sections I listed below, I’m just trying to figure out if this is a valid interpretation and if so how we’re going to comply. Best, August *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:[email protected]] *On Behalf Of *Solar *Sent:* Thursday, April 28, 2016 7:59 PM *To:* RE-wrenches *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] 2014 NEC 705.22 disconnect for inverter capable of being locked So an AC disconnect in the inverter output between the inverter and panel or utility disconnect if required doesn't work for him or her? The locking provision is always in place on a standard AC disconnect. Jesse Dahl NABCEP PV Installation Professional IBEW Local 292 - Electrician Electrical/Solar PV Instructor - HCC Sent from my iPhone On Apr 28, 2016, at 5:58 PM, jay <[email protected]> wrote: HI August, I guess my question is. Are they asking for a lockout AC disconnect on a AC circuit IE from the AC panel? or are they asking for a lockout from the inverter AC at the inverter? thanks jay peltz power On Apr 28, 2016, at 3:11 PM, August Goers <[email protected]> wrote: Hi Wrenches, We have a particular plan checker who wants us to provide a *lockable* AC disconnect for our inverter output circuit. His particular issue is that he wants the locking mechanism to be installed and on site. Here is a little NEC background info: 2014 NEC 705.22 Disconnect Device The disconnecting means for ungrounded conductors shall consist of a manually or power operable switch(es) or circuit breaker(s) with the following features: (1) Located where readily accessible (2) Externally operable without exposing the operator to contact with live parts and, if power operable, of a type that could be opened by hand in the event of a power-supply failure (3) Plainly indicating whether in the open (off) or closed (on) position (4) Having ratings not less than the load to be carried and the fault current to be interrupted. For disconnect equipment energized from both sides, a marking shall be provided to indicate that all contacts of the disconnect equipment might be energized. *Informational Note to (4): In parallel generation systems, some equipment, including knife blade switches and fuses, is likely to be energized from both directions. See 240.40.* (5) Simultaneous disconnect of all ungrounded conductors of the circuit (6) Capable of being locked in the open (off) position NEC 110.25 Lockable Disconnecting Means: Where a disconnecting means is required to be lockable open elsewhere in this Code, it shall be capable of being locked in the open position. The provisions for locking shall remain in place with or without the lock installed. Many times we are using a standard back-fed circuit breaker to comply with 705.22. Then we can supply a handle padlock attachment such as the one shown for Square D: http://static.schneider-electric.us/assets/pdf/retail/QO-and-Homeline-Accessories.pdf Does anyone else have experience installing these breaker handle padlock attachments? My concern is whether we can find them for all of the old types of breakers that we have to deal with. Also, our plan checker is requiring that this handle padlock attachment accessory is installed at the time of our inspection. Is anyone else dealing with similar issues? Best, August Luminalt _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: [email protected] Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: [email protected] Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
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