Hello Bill,
Thanks for the feedback. I need to learn more about this issue. I plan to
attend the October 15th SolarABC meeting after the LA conference. Is 2012
IBC draft available?
How can PV systems be classified, let alone fire-rated, when there is a
seemingly infinite combination of module, mount, wiring, inverter, and
safety devices possible?
Will system classification require system certification like Florida?
Is the air gap considered a problem only for tilted PV arrays? The reasons I
ask are (1) because stand-off arrays parallel to low-pitched roof are
mounted like HVAC equipment and (2) HVAC and other roof-mounted equipment do
not change the building's occupancy group, construction type and minimum
roof class.
Best regards,
Joel Davidson
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Brooks" <billbroo...@yahoo.com>
To: "'RE-wrenches'" <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
Sent: Thursday, September 23, 2010 8:29 AM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] PV and Roof Flammability
Joel,
The problem is not with the rating of the modules. It is with the way we
install them. The air gap is a problem. If HVAC systems were installed
like
PV modules, they would have the same problem. There will be changes of
some
sort coming in the next year or so. The IBC in 2012 will require "PV
systems" to have a fire rating. Module fire rating may become irrelevant.
Time will tell. This is in a very preliminary stage. All we know is that
changes are likely with this new IBC language.
There is a group working on this issue that includes several
representatives
from the PV manufacturing and PV installing industries. If this is
something
you want to put a lot of personal effort into, there are ways to
accommodate
good input. The SolarABCs will be helping coordinate ongoing efforts.
Bill.
-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Joel
Davidson
Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 2010 7:12 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] PV and Roof Flammability
Wrenches,
See http://www.solarabcs.org/flammability/ and the report at
http://www.solarabcs.org/flammability/Flammability_Interimreport.pdf
Is there any flammability difference between PV equipment on a roof and
HVAC
or air handling equipment on a roof? My concern is whether PV is being
singled out as a flammability concern while other more established
industries with more powerful lobbyists are not.
Joel Davidson
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Options & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Options & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Options & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org
