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 <b...@daystarsolar.ca
<mailto:b...@daystarsolar.ca>> 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.
b...@daystarsolar.ca <mailto:b...@daystarsolar.ca>
780-906-7807
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