There are good reasons to want to put AC
combiners under modules, but some reasons not to
want to. An AC breaker is far more likely to trip
than a DC string fuse, due to the surge
availability. As a PV system is designed to last
a minimum of 25 years, the installer might not be
the one to sort out problems decades down the line.
A strategy I prefer would be to use a SolaDeck as
a junction box. Run small wires to a convenient AC combiner location.
At 12:43 PM 4/29/2014, you wrote:
Dave
I agree, in the case of microinverters, you
already have a main PV System disconnect at the
Load Panel to shut down the system that is
readily accesible. I would consider the
disconnect on the roof as a supplemental
disconnect for the purposes of maintenance by
authorized personal that only needs to be accessible.
Bill
On Tue, Apr 29, 2014 at 8:44 AM, Dave Click
<<mailto:davecl...@fsec.ucf.edu>davecl...@fsec.ucf.edu> wrote:
I think 240.24(A)(4) allows the installation of
the inverter OCPDs in the SolaDeck hidden under a module.
240.24 Location in or on Premises.
(A) Accessibility. Overcurrent devices shall be
readily accessible and shall be installed so
that the center of the grip of the operating
handle of the switch or circuit breaker, when in
its highest position, is not more than 2.0 m (6
ft 7 in.) above the floor or working platform,
unless one of the following applies:
...
(4) For overcurrent devices adjacent to
utilization equipment that they supply, access
shall be permitted to be by portable means.
And if panelboards / fused safety switches are
allowed to have screwed-down covers over the
OCPDs, I'd think that installing a removable
module over these OCPDs would meet NEC. I guess
an AHJ could argue that this requires TWO covers
be removed, unlike a panelboard or a switch.
DKC
On 2014/4/29, 11:15, Jason Szumlanski wrote:
690.9(D) is not applicable to the original
discussion because we were talking about an
Inverter output circuit, not a PV Source or Output circuit.
690.34 may apply if you call a SolaDeck with
breakers a junction box, but I can see that
being a stretch in the mind of many.
My and Ray's question about the screws on the
SolaDeck cover itself requiring a tool to
render it accessible is still an issue if the
breakers themselves need to be "readily
accessible," but that would also apply to a
Midnite MNPV, which also has a cover with a screw.
Jason Szumlanski
On 4/28/2014 5:57 PM, Bill Brooks wrote:
Read 690.9(D) and 690.34. Not sure where this
hysteriarun for the border sentiment is coming from.
690.9(D) Photovoltaic Source and Output Circuits. Listed PV
overcurrent devices shall be required to provide overcurrent
protection in PV source and output circuits. The overcurrent
devices shall be accessible but shall not be required to
be readily accessible.
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.
This is not a change. Please help me understand the concern.
Bill Brooks.
From:
<mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org>re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Ray Walters
Sent: Monday, April 28, 2014 2:23 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)
Interesting so does "require a tool" include
taking a screw off the cover plate of the combiner box, too?
What a game changer. I'm going to Mexico for
my next project; I'll actually enjoy even more
being the sole AHJ on the project.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
<tel:303%20505-8760>303 505-8760
On 4/28/2014 2:52 PM, Michael Morningstar wrote:
Readily accessible is now defined in the 2014
NEC. Installing OCPDs underneath a module is
a major faux paux, and I cant imagine any AHJ
thinking otherwise. Having to remove a module
in order to reset a breaker, what a drag.
"Capable of being reached quickly for
operation, renewal or inspection without
requiring those concerned to use a tool, to
climb over, remove obstacle or other.
Michael
On Apr 28, 2014, at 10:29 AM, William Miller
<<mailto:will...@millersolar.com>will...@millersolar.com> wrote:
You call it a solar panel, I call it a glass j-box cover plate.
William
Miller Solar
On Apr 28, 2014, at 9:21 AM, Jason Szumlanski
<<mailto:ja...@fafcosolar.com>ja...@fafcosolar.com> wrote:
If that is the interpretation,
I don't see how the breakers are "readily accessible" in a SolaDeck
mounted anywhere, regardless of whether it is under a module. It
requires removal of four screws (using a tool) to access the breakers
inside the enclosure. It's all up to the AHJ. It has not been an issue
locally here. I can see how other jurisdictions may not
concur.
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