Here's a page I put in my plan sets to make its clear for the AHJ. I
have not had this challenged, and we have never implemented Rapid
Shutdown on a ground mounted array.
Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760
On 2/13/20 2:57 PM, Christopher Warfel wrote:
This points out the problem of inconsistent interpretation due in part
to conflicting or unclear language. I always like to ask how many
basements have protection around the NM conductors running through and
along the rafters. I know several people on CMPs are on this
listserv. I am hoping that they can add some clear language, and not
leave it to a footnote for implementing this aspect of the NEC.
On 2/13/2020 4:42 PM, Ray wrote:
It all comes down to where you install the PV disconnect. We put it
on the wall before the conductors enter the building or at the array,
therefore 690 doesn't apply. Proper signage is required indicating
multiple power sources and listing the locations of their disconnects.
Also, this isn't just my opinion, many others on the list have said
this, including folks involved in the code writing process, and the
code says this. The fact that your inspector didn't catch the note
on the figure is to be expected, as it is not out in flashing neon
lights. It is however a clear statement of where 690 stops: at the
PV disconnect.
Unfortunately, this is not further clarified in 2020 from what I can
tell, so we will all continue to suffer inspectors incorrectly
expecting 690.12 on ground mounted systems. I would politely ask
your inspector to review that ruling with his higher ups. We can't
start setting precedents that are unreasonable and incorrect. The
array wiring is already required to be protected by either height,
protective panels or fencing.
Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760
On 2/13/20 1:56 PM, Christopher Warfel wrote:
Ray, I spent a bit of time today with a person who inspects for
several state renewable energy programs and to summarize, this
person said the opposite of what you said, and finish saying "seems
pretty clear cut". We did review three sections of 690, and one
from 705. I pointed out that these are not controlled conductors as
I interpret them but they should have been defined. I did not see
any earlier posts regarding this, so I apologize for the redundancy.
On 2/13/2020 3:16 PM, Ray wrote:
This has been discussed to death in previous Wrench strings. Just
to cut to the chase:
please review NEC 2017, Figure 690.1(b) Note:(2). /The PV system
disconnect in these diagrams separates the PV system from all other
systems.//
/
The inverter, charge controller, batteries etc are no longer part
of article 690, and are not subject to its requirements. Look at
articles 705, 706, and 480 for guidance for those _/other systems/_.
/Ray Walters/
Remote Solar
303 505-8760
On 2/13/20 12:55 PM, Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar wrote:
Hi Chris,
A few times and my back-up with a schneider system is their rapid
shutdown. In the end the inspector comes around and realizes there is
little gain for an offgrid ground mounted array for fireman. You do have to
educate them and if they are insistent on being a bonehead, install the RS
for the inspection and then use the box for the next one or sell it.
After almost 30 years offgrid the last thing I want is something that can
fault out the solar or worse when I am away. Networks can be the enemy at
times. Less is more offgrid in my opinion.
Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
"we go where powerlines don't"
http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
[email protected]
text 209 813 0060
On Thu, 13 Feb 2020 13:07:53 -0500, Christopher Warfel
<[email protected]> wrote:
I got involved in a long discussion on Rapid Shutdown compliance for
battery multimode, grid interconnect inverters that have a ground
mounted array. At one point, ground mounted array was not supposed to
be subject to Rapid Shutdown unless there were dc conductors on the
building. NEC 2017 seems to say it is if conductors are 3' in or on
buildings. The intent of Rapid Shutdown was supposed to protect fire
fighters from exposure to high dc voltage when the array was on a roof.
Every code cycle it morphs into something a little different. Has
anyone had to confront this situation, and was this type of project
subject to Rapid Shutdown? Thanks in advance for any clarity on this.
Chris
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