Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP Stamp
Back in '06 I got a nifty roll of stickers that I think were meant to be put inverters. But we put so much (doubtless important) signage on our systems, I stopped using them. Maybe they might be used on plans. - Peter Peter T. Parrish, Ph.D., President California Solar Engineering, Inc. 820 Cynthia Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90065 CA Lic. 854779, NABCEP Cert. 031806-26 peter.parr...@calsolareng.com Ph 323-258-8883, Mobile 323-839-6108, Fax 323-258-8885 -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Troy Harvey Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 10:05 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP Stamp I am wondering if anyone has had a NABCEP stamp made to stamp plans. I have a city agency who is comfortable with the NABCEP certification as a qualification, but would like to see a stamp. Has anyone out there done this? Troy ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] Forward re: NABCEP Stamp
Hi everyone, I think that Bill has summed it up very well. Stamps on plans generally imply the review of a duly recognized engineer. NABCEP Certification is not an equivalency to being a PE. I must say that I am pleased to hear the jurisdiction recognizes the professional accomplishment that comes with attaining NABCEP PV Installer Certification. In the type of situation described I would recommend attaching a business card that includes the NABCEP Certified Installer logo, the installers name and certification number. Best wishes for a safe workplace. Ezra Ezra Auerbach Executive Director NABCEP Original Message Andrew and Troy, While I can’t speak for NABCEP, I would expect that NABCEP should be very opposed to this type of use of their logo. NABCEP does not certify the work that a NABCEP certificant does. They only certify that the installer has met the obligations for certification. There is a HUGE difference between the two. NABCEP cannot, and should not, be held accountable for work that someone does in the field. A contactor’s work is covered by the state laws and the licenses required to perform that work in that state. Just because a local jurisdictions thinks that getting a certification from NABCEP means something to the installation, does not mean that the information should be on the plan set. Information about the certification of the installer should be provided separately. Don’t make a stamp, whatever you do. Bill. ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] NABCEP Stamp
I cannot speak for NABCEP either, but if I understand the intent of the building official, he or she is seeking a level of assurance of the design submittal. I think that would be a misapplication of the concept of NABCEP. NABCEP allows those who have passed the exams to use the NABCEP logo in various ways. But it is not used to certify anything other than that the holder has passed an exam that tests core competencies necessary to correctly install the technology. It is not a substitute for a PE stamp, and obviously even a PE stamp is no guarantee of a flawless design. ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Expansion joints
Are there any usage charts to tell you when or how to use expansion joints in EMT? The NEC has one for PVC, but what do you refer to for EMT? Best regards, Mark Dickson, NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer T Oasis Montana Inc. _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Hans Frederickson Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2011 9:15 AM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Expansion joints We used an OZ-Gedney expansion coupling for 1-1/4 EMT on a recent job. The part # is TX-125 for 1-1/4, and it would be TX-150 for 1-1/2. It is the same as the OZ-Gedney AX expansion coupling for rigid conduit, but uses a rigid nipple and EMT connectors to adapt to EMT. The assembly is UL listed. -Hans _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Erika Weliczko Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 5:54 PM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Expansion joints I recently used a Hubbell Killark product for rigid/IMC and was not happy with how the threads of the coupling engaged in factory conduit threads. Crousehinds XJG-EMT series is intended for EMT. And is described as being used indoors or outdoors. The EMT couplings mostly seem to be compression. REpower SOLUTIONS www.repowersolutions.com P: 216.268.2275 C: 216.402.4458 From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jamie Johnson Sent: Tuesday, March 29, 2011 2:33 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [SPAM] Re: [RE-wrenches] Expansion joints Peter, Cooper makes one for 1.5 emt, not sure if it is rated for wet locations or not. part #XJG54 EMT, it allows for up to 4 max of conduit movement. Jamie Johnson NABCEP Certified PV Technical Sales Professional NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer General Manager SOLAR POWER ELECTRIC Original Message Subject: [RE-wrenches] Expansion joints From: Peter Parrish peter.parr...@calsolareng.com http://peter.parr...@calsolareng.com%3e ; Date: Tue, March 29, 2011 1:04 pm To: 'RE-wrenches' re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Does anyone have information (manu and part number) for expansion joints for 1-1/2 EMT? I have also heard that many EJs are designed for rigid conduit (RMC) and may not be directly applicable to EMT. - Peter Peter T. Parrish, Ph.D., President California Solar Engineering, Inc. 820 Cynthia Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90065 CA Lic. 854779, NABCEP Cert. 031806-26 peter.parr...@calsolareng.com Ph 323-258-8883, Mobile 323-839-6108, Fax 323-258-8885 ___ 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 image001.jpg___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP Test
Hi wrenches: I sat for the NABCEP exam last weekend, and was surprised yesterday to hear that we will not receive the exam results for another month! I had heard that it only took a week. What was your experience. Also, the e-mail yesterday said that the Board has to decide what grade will be a passing grade? Can that be true? Does the grade get set to control the number who pass or fail? That doesn't seem right. Nick Soleil Project Manager Advanced Alternative Energy Solutions, LLC PO Box 657 Petaluma, CA 94953 Cell: 707-321-2937 Office: 707-789-9537 Fax:707-769-9037 From: Hans Frederickson h...@fredelectric.com To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Sent: Thu, March 31, 2011 8:15:19 AM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Expansion joints We used an OZ-Gedney expansion coupling for 1-1/4 EMT on a recent job. The part # is TX-125 for 1-1/4, and it would be TX-150 for 1-1/2. It is the same as the OZ-Gedney AX expansion coupling for rigid conduit, but uses a rigid nipple and EMT connectors to adapt to EMT. The assembly is UL listed. -Hans From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Erika Weliczko Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 5:54 PM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Expansion joints I recently used a Hubbell Killark product for rigid/IMC and was not happy with how the threads of the coupling engaged in factory conduit threads. Crousehinds XJG-EMT series is intended for EMT. And is described as being used indoors or outdoors. The EMT couplings mostly seem to be compression. REpower SOLUTIONS www.repowersolutions.com P: 216.268.2275 C: 216.402.4458 From:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jamie Johnson Sent: Tuesday, March 29, 2011 2:33 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [SPAM] Re: [RE-wrenches] Expansion joints Peter, Cooper makes one for 1.5 emt, not sure if it is rated for wet locations or not. part #XJG54 EMT, it allows for up to 4 max of conduit movement. Jamie Johnson NABCEP Certified PV Technical Sales Professional NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer General Manager SOLAR POWER ELECTRIC Original Message Subject: [RE-wrenches] Expansion joints From:Peter Parrish peter.parr...@calsolareng.com; Date:Tue, March 29, 2011 1:04 pm To: 'RE-wrenches' re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Doesanyone have information (manu and part number) for expansion joints for 1-1/2 EMT? I have also heard that many EJs are designed for rigidconduit (RMC) and may not be directly applicable to EMT. -Peter Peter T. Parrish, Ph.D., President California SolarEngineering, Inc. 820 Cynthia Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90065 CA Lic.854779, NABCEP Cert. 031806-26 peter.parr...@calsolareng.com Ph 323-258-8883, Mobile 323-839-6108, Fax323-258-8885 ___ Listsponsored 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 Listrules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Checkout 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Forward re: NABCEP Stamp
I think that Bill has summed it up very well. Stamps on plans generally imply the review of a duly recognized engineer. NABCEP Certification is not an equivalency to being a PE. Confusion with an engineer is my main concern (although I'm a EE, like most not a PE). However there are a lot of certified groups that carry a stamp. Engineers, architects, surveyers, energy inspectors, etc. If the stamp is clear (NABCEP), then it should be of similar utility just to specify the designer/reviewer is certified in some way. Understand also that in my state that NAPCEP has state recognition. I cannot speak for NABCEP either, but if I understand the intent of the building official, he or she is seeking a level of assurance of the design submittal. I think that would be a misapplication of the concept of NABCEP. NABCEP allows those who have passed the exams to use the NABCEP logo in various ways. But it is not used to certify anything other than that the holder has passed an exam that tests core competencies necessary to I don't think the F.E./P.E. exams do anything more for you. Just says you passed a test, just like NABCEP. It still up to the engineer to be right and carry professional liability insurance - which we do. Troy ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] Nabcep Stamp
Bill Peter, Okay, if I have a PE Stamp that means I went to school and worked under a mentor for an amount of time to qualify for the PE exam. Passed the exam and I got my stamp. If I have NABCEP certification that means I worked installing solar electric systems (in my case) for an amount of time and /or went to school to qualify for the NABCEP exam and passed the test. I'm having a hard time seeing the difference here. If NABCEP provided a stamp to it's members that they could use to stamp drawings all it would show is that someone who passed the NABCEP exam reviewed the design and hung his or her name on the job. I don't see where NABCEP would be responsible for the design anymore than the PE board or whoever is in charge of giving out PE stamps would be culpable in a case of a bad design by a PE. I think NABCEP should provide a stamp with the certificated member's # on it. All it would do is identify them as a NABCEP member. My understanding is that NABCEP was formed to help the general public distinguish between fly by nights and real RE professionals. A stamp would help do that. If the city of xyz decides that they've seen a lot of good work from NABCEP members and that NABCEP certification is good enough for them, what's wrong with that? Greg Egan Remote Power Inc. NABCEP PV Installer ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP Test
Nick, The passing grade is 70, they don't change that. I think they just wan't to see if any one question was consistently answered wrong and so maybe there was a problem with the question and they may decide that everyone gets that question right. I would guess that rarely happens. As far as the six weeks to wait for pass/fail notification, they keep you hangin! They notify you by snail mail, not email. Hint: if the plain brown envelope says do not bend on it, pop the champagne, you passed. Larry Liesner Wirewiz Westport, CT Phone: 203-644-2404 Fax: 203-557-0556 wire...@gmail.com www.wire-wiz.com On Mar 31, 2011, at 12:37 PM, Jamie Johnson wrote: That sounds about right, a NABCEP board member told me they meet and vote on the difficulty of each question. So 5-7 weeks of wondering if you have what it takes to pass. When you get the email notification it will say congratulations or something to that effect in the subject line when you pass, not sure what it says if you don't. Jamie Johnson NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer NABCEP Certified PV Technical Sales Professional General Manager SOLAR POWER ELECTRIC (941) 380 - 0098 EC13001765 www.SPEFL.com Sent from my iPhone On Mar 31, 2011, at 11:42 AM, Nick Soleil nicksoleilso...@yahoo.com wrote: Hi wrenches: I sat for the NABCEP exam last weekend, and was surprised yesterday to hear that we will not receive the exam results for another month! I had heard that it only took a week. What was your experience. Also, the e-mail yesterday said that the Board has to decide what grade will be a passing grade? Can that be true? Does the grade get set to control the number who pass or fail? That doesn't seem right. Nick Soleil Project Manager Advanced Alternative Energy Solutions, LLC PO Box 657 Petaluma, CA 94953 Cell: 707-321-2937 Office: 707-789-9537 Fax: 707-769-9037 From: Hans Frederickson h...@fredelectric.com To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Sent: Thu, March 31, 2011 8:15:19 AM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Expansion joints We used an OZ-Gedney expansion coupling for 1-1/4 EMT on a recent job. The part # is TX-125 for 1-1/4, and it would be TX-150 for 1-1/2. It is the same as the OZ-Gedney AX expansion coupling for rigid conduit, but uses a rigid nipple and EMT connectors to adapt to EMT. The assembly is UL listed. -Hans From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Erika Weliczko Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 5:54 PM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Expansion joints I recently used a Hubbell Killark product for rigid/IMC and was not happy with how the threads of the coupling engaged in factory conduit threads. Crousehinds XJG-EMT series is intended for EMT. And is described as being used indoors or outdoors. The EMT couplings mostly seem to be compression. REpower SOLUTIONS www.repowersolutions.com P: 216.268.2275 C: 216.402.4458 From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jamie Johnson Sent: Tuesday, March 29, 2011 2:33 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [SPAM] Re: [RE-wrenches] Expansion joints Peter, Cooper makes one for 1.5 emt, not sure if it is rated for wet locations or not. part #XJG54 EMT, it allows for up to 4 max of conduit movement. Jamie Johnson NABCEP Certified PV Technical Sales Professional NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer General Manager SOLAR POWER ELECTRIC Original Message Subject: [RE-wrenches] Expansion joints From: Peter Parrish peter.parr...@calsolareng.com; Date: Tue, March 29, 2011 1:04 pm To: 'RE-wrenches' re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Does anyone have information (manu and part number) for expansion joints for 1-1/2 EMT? I have also heard that many EJs are designed for rigid conduit (RMC) and may not be directly applicable to EMT. - Peter Peter T. Parrish, Ph.D., President California Solar Engineering, Inc. 820 Cynthia Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90065 CA Lic. 854779, NABCEP Cert. 031806-26 peter.parr...@calsolareng.com Ph 323-258-8883, Mobile 323-839-6108, Fax 323-258-8885 ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Nabcep Stamp
The difference is that comparing the PE exam to the NABCEP exam is like comparing brain surgeon board certification for a doctor to a first aid course exam. PE is not only a professional exam, it also holds legal status in all 50 states, whereas the NABCEP exam does not. From: Greg Egan Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2011 9:36 AM To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: [RE-wrenches] Nabcep Stamp Bill Peter, Okay, if I have a PE Stamp that means I went to school and worked under a mentor for an amount of time to qualify for the PE exam. Passed the exam and I got my stamp. If I have NABCEP certification that means I worked installing solar electric systems (in my case) for an amount of time and /or went to school to qualify for the NABCEP exam and passed the test. I'm having a hard time seeing the difference here. If NABCEP provided a stamp to it's members that they could use to stamp drawings all it would show is that someone who passed the NABCEP exam reviewed the design and hung his or her name on the job. I don't see where NABCEP would be responsible for the design anymore than the PE board or whoever is in charge of giving out PE stamps would be culpable in a case of a bad design by a PE. I think NABCEP should provide a stamp with the certificated member's # on it. All it would do is identify them as a NABCEP member. My understanding is that NABCEP was formed to help the general public distinguish between fly by nights and real RE professionals. A stamp would help do that. If the city of xyz decides that they've seen a lot of good work from NABCEP members and that NABCEP certification is good enough for them, what's wrong with that? Greg Egan Remote Power Inc. NABCEP PV Installer ___ 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 Northern Arizona Wind Sun - Electricity from the sun since 1979 Online Solar Store Free Solar Discussion Forum ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] Battery watering equipment
I am currently looking for recommendations on battery watering equipment. We have a regular route of clients that want us to perform regular battery checks for SG and VPC and water afterwards, generator oil check and operation, control settings [older Trace and Xantrex equip. w/o non-volatile memories] etc. What has worked for you, who supplies it, would you buy it again? What would you do differently? Dana Orzel Great Solar Works, Inc E - d...@solarwork.com V - 970.626.5253 F - 970.626.4140 C - 970.209.4076 web - www.solarwork.com Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988 Do not ever believe anything, but seriously trust through action. ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Nabcep Stamp
Greg, I think some states require designers to have a professional engineering license. I know some clients require a licensed engineer with professional liability insurance. You can be rightly proud of your NABCEP certification. It is good that NABCEP supports the practitioner concept and encourages life-long learning, but Bill Brooks is right. What out for slippery slopes. Joel Davidson - Original Message - From: Greg Egan To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2011 9:36 AM Subject: [RE-wrenches] Nabcep Stamp Bill Peter, Okay, if I have a PE Stamp that means I went to school and worked under a mentor for an amount of time to qualify for the PE exam. Passed the exam and I got my stamp. If I have NABCEP certification that means I worked installing solar electric systems (in my case) for an amount of time and /or went to school to qualify for the NABCEP exam and passed the test. I'm having a hard time seeing the difference here. If NABCEP provided a stamp to it's members that they could use to stamp drawings all it would show is that someone who passed the NABCEP exam reviewed the design and hung his or her name on the job. I don't see where NABCEP would be responsible for the design anymore than the PE board or whoever is in charge of giving out PE stamps would be culpable in a case of a bad design by a PE. I think NABCEP should provide a stamp with the certificated member's # on it. All it would do is identify them as a NABCEP member. My understanding is that NABCEP was formed to help the general public distinguish between fly by nights and real RE professionals. A stamp would help do that. If the city of xyz decides that they've seen a lot of good work from NABCEP members and that NABCEP certification is good enough for them, what's wrong with that? Greg Egan Remote Power Inc. NABCEP PV Installer -- ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Nabcep Stamp
Sorry If I'm off base a bit here. I'm hoping it's sorta related. I was recently asked to meet with a "Staff Architect", to field questions about installing a PV array on a public building. Yes, in all fairness I was deliberately vague about some design specifics (I've lost too many designs to the "Bidding Process"). He did ask about my Credentials and nodded in approval (Or so I thought) when I mentioned NABCEP certification. (I didn't feel I needed to mention any other Degrees or Certifications)..The following is just one of the "Issues" in his 5 page report: B. Electrical Design 1. In concept, the idea of plugging the PV array into the building's electrical system and watching the electric meter run backwards is accurate. However, this needs to be designed carefully by someone who knows what the electrical characteristics of the PV system will be and who can insure that the connections are made properly, that the power coming from existing building the panels is in sync with the 3 phase power in the building, who can select the appropriate circuit breaker for the circuit being used for the connection and who can think through the rest of the system to make sure that we don't damage some other aspect of the existing electrical system. 2. When I asked if there were any possibility that the power coming from the PV array might damage other electrical devices in the building the answer was "no". I'd get that in writing. 3. Again, one option would be to return to the original electrical engineer that designed the building and have them engineer the connections of new to old.I guess it's fair to say I'm new to the political end of running a business.. but more and more I see this kind of posturing from the Vultures circling the Renewable Energy Industry. It's even more hurtful when you see this crap from "Professional" Firms.Rant Off.. dbDan BrownFoxfire Energy Corp.Renewable Energy Systems(802)-483-2564www.Foxfire-Energy.comNABCEP #092907-44 Original Message Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Nabcep Stamp From: "Warren Lauzon" war...@wind-sun.com Date: Thu, March 31, 2011 2:27 pm To: "RE-wrenches" re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org The difference is that comparing the PE exam to the NABCEP exam is like comparing brain surgeon board certification for a doctor to a first aid course exam. PE is not only a professional exam, it also holds legal status in all 50 states, whereas the NABCEP exam does not. From: Greg Egan Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2011 9:36 AM To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: [RE-wrenches] Nabcep Stamp Bill Peter,Okay, if I have a PE Stamp that means I went to school and worked under a mentor for an amount of time to qualify for the PE exam. Passed the exam and I got my stamp. If I have NABCEP certification that means I worked installing solar electric systems (in my case) for an amount of time and /or went to school to qualify for the NABCEP exam and passed the test. I'm having a hard time seeing the difference here. If NABCEP provided a stamp to it's members that they could use to stamp drawings all it would show is that someone who passed the NABCEP exam reviewed the design and hung his or her name on the job. I don't see where NABCEP would be responsible for the design anymore than the PE board or whoever is in charge of giving out PE stamps would be culpable in a case of a bad design by a PE.I think NABCEP should provide a stamp with the certificated member's # on it. All it would do is identify them as a NABCEP member. My understanding is that NABCEP was formed to help the general public distinguish between fly by nights and real RE professionals. A stamp would help do that. If the city of xyz decides that they've seen a lot of good work from NABCEP members and that NABCEP certification is good enough for them, what's wrong with that?Greg EganRemote Power Inc.NABCEP PV Installer ___ ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] Battery watering equipment
Manual. None of my clients want to spring for auto water systems. I have not been able to convince them it is less expensive in the long run. Dana Orzel Great Solar Works, Inc E - d...@solarwork.com V - 970.626.5253 F - 970.626.4140 C - 970.209.4076 web - www.solarwork.com Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988 Do not ever believe anything, but seriously trust through action. From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of jay peltz Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2011 5:15 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery watering equipment Are you talking semi-automatic or manual? jay peltz power On Mar 31, 2011, at 6:01 AM, Dana wrote: I am currently looking for recommendations on battery watering equipment. We have a regular route of clients that want us to perform regular battery checks for SG and VPC and water afterwards, generator oil check and operation, control settings [older Trace and Xantrex equip. w/o non-volatile memories] etc. What has worked for you, who supplies it, would you buy it again? What would you do differently? Dana Orzel Great Solar Works, Inc E - d...@solarwork.com V - 970.626.5253 F - 970.626.4140 C - 970.209.4076 web - www.solarwork.com ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Expansion joints
http://www.steelconduit.org/pdf/ConGuide.pdf page 16 The NEC does not directly dictate when expansion coupling are required for EMT. 300.7 merely says to accommodate for expansion. If PVC requires it for ¼ in of movement and you extrapolate, then 100ft of steel conduit exposed to a 35 degree temperature difference would require an expansion coupling. Im counting on about 100-120 degrees of temperature difference for steel conduit on a rooftop. Thats 32 or 26.6 ft of pipe, respectively. regards, Erika REpower SOLUTIONS www.repowersolutions.com P: 216.268.2275 C: 216.402.4458 From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Hans Frederickson Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2011 12:02 PM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: [SPAM] Re: [RE-wrenches] Expansion joints See the FPN for NEC 300.7(B). You take the values in Table 352.44 and multiply by 0.2 for steel conduit. -Hans _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Mark Dickson Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2011 8:27 AM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Expansion joints Are there any usage charts to tell you when or how to use expansion joints in EMT? The NEC has one for PVC, but what do you refer to for EMT? Best regards, Mark Dickson, NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer Oasis Montana Inc. _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Hans Frederickson Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2011 9:15 AM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Expansion joints We used an OZ-Gedney expansion coupling for 1-1/4 EMT on a recent job. The part # is TX-125 for 1-1/4, and it would be TX-150 for 1-1/2. It is the same as the OZ-Gedney AX expansion coupling for rigid conduit, but uses a rigid nipple and EMT connectors to adapt to EMT. The assembly is UL listed. -Hans _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Erika Weliczko Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 5:54 PM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Expansion joints I recently used a Hubbell Killark product for rigid/IMC and was not happy with how the threads of the coupling engaged in factory conduit threads. Crousehinds XJG-EMT series is intended for EMT. And is described as being used indoors or outdoors. The EMT couplings mostly seem to be compression. REpower SOLUTIONS www.repowersolutions.com P: 216.268.2275 C: 216.402.4458 From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jamie Johnson Sent: Tuesday, March 29, 2011 2:33 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [SPAM] Re: [RE-wrenches] Expansion joints Peter, Cooper makes one for 1.5 emt, not sure if it is rated for wet locations or not. part #XJG54 EMT, it allows for up to 4 max of conduit movement. Jamie Johnson NABCEP Certified PV Technical Sales Professional NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer General Manager SOLAR POWER ELECTRIC Original Message Subject: [RE-wrenches] Expansion joints From: Peter Parrish peter.parr...@calsolareng.com http://peter.parr...@calsolareng.com%3e ; Date: Tue, March 29, 2011 1:04 pm To: 'RE-wrenches' re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Does anyone have information (manu and part number) for expansion joints for 1-1/2 EMT? I have also heard that many EJs are designed for rigid conduit (RMC) and may not be directly applicable to EMT. - Peter Peter T. Parrish, Ph.D., President California Solar Engineering, Inc. 820 Cynthia Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90065 CA Lic. 854779, NABCEP Cert. 031806-26 peter.parr...@calsolareng.com Ph 323-258-8883, Mobile 323-839-6108, Fax 323-258-8885 ___ 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 image001.jpg___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Nabcep Stamp
Either way both are just tests, and both are just there solely for the formality of AHJ. I've done enough hiring of engineers to be thoroughly unconvinced any testing, certification, GPA, degree level makes any indication of level of ability. I remember a time a few years back when i hired a 2nd year sophomore over a phD candidate - because he was better in every way. I don't know exactly what the P.E. rate amongst E.E.s is, but is way less than 1% - and there is a reason. The E.E. field has largely driven by innovation, not putting in you dues. Compounding that problem, since there are so few EE PEs, there is a very small chance to get a PE, even if you took your FE exam - because there so few to work under. So I don't see anything about a PE that is so meaningful, just means you happened on a 1-in-100 boss out of college that had a PE, and worked for him/her for 3 years. Meaningless. Only the AHJ cares. Troy Warren Lauzon wrote: The difference is that comparing the PE exam to the NABCEP exam is like comparing brain surgeon board certification for a doctor to a first aid course exam. PE is not only a professional exam, it also holds legal status in all 50 states, whereas the NABCEP exam does not. ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery watering equipment
I like using a plant sprayer (a new one), with the end of the wand removed, and a piece of tape for a depth gauge.. and a good head light.. dbDan BrownFoxfire Energy Corp.Renewable Energy Systems(802)-483-2564www.Foxfire-Energy.comNABCEP #092907-44 Original Message Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery watering equipment From: jay peltz j...@asis.com Date: Thu, March 31, 2011 7:14 pm To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Are you talking semi-automatic or manual?jaypeltz powerOn Mar 31, 2011, at 6:01 AM, Dana wrote:I am currently looking for recommendations on battery watering equipment. We have a regular route of clients that want us to perform regular battery checks for SG and VPC and water afterwards, generator oil check and operation, control settings [older Trace and Xantrex equip. w/o non-volatile memories] etc.What has worked for you, who supplies it, would you buy it again?What would you do differently?Dana OrzelGreat Solar Works, IncE -d...@solarwork.comV - 970.626.5253F - 970.626.4140C - 970.209.4076web -www.solarwork.com___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery watering equipment
Yep, But to clarify, the all plastic type. The other way is to install a platform on the wall, mount the water storage device there ( 5 gallon) and then run the flexible water hose with valve in it. Either way works well. jay peltz power On Mar 31, 2011, at 6:22 PM, d...@foxfire-energy.com wrote: I like using a plant sprayer (a new one), with the end of the wand removed, and a piece of tape for a depth gauge.. and a good head light.. db Dan Brown Foxfire Energy Corp. Renewable Energy Systems (802)-483-2564 www.Foxfire-Energy.com NABCEP #092907-44 ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Generator and Enphase
Sigh... After talking with Generac today I went ahead and ordered the ~$1,200 worth of 400A fused disconnect to put upstream of their 400A ATS to protect it from the 480A of combined main breaker/PV back feed breaker that I want to install. Of course their literature says that with a 600A circuit breaker installed on the line side, the switch will withstand a hard short on the load side just fine. But let us not even think about letting 480A run through it for a few hours ever other blue moon. (Well that's what I get for saying we should look more at overload than short circuit conditions in these PV systems.) Still it's not like the my customer has been plagued for the last 13 years with nuisance tripping of the existing 400A main breaker because they tend to plug in one too many hair dryersbut...future load expansion and uncontrolled recpticals loads...they can be a problem, so better safe than sorry. So now I see, I have to do what I have to do if I want to be even half as good an electrican as my NABCEP certification says I am. Mark Frye Berkeley Solar Electric Systems 303 Redbud Way Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 401-8024 http://www.berkeleysolar.com/ www.berkeleysolar.com _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Mark Frye Sent: Sunday, March 27, 2011 8:38 AM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Generator and Enphase Larry, There are alot of ways to skin that cat. Here is what I am doing on my job. I have a 400A main disconnect with a feeder running directly to a 400 ATS then to a 400A main lug dedicated load center under the switch. All conductors are double - 250 mcm. I am going to tap the feeder on the line side, inside the ATS cabinet, using a ten foot feeder tap of #3 running to a new 100A breaker enclosure with an 80A breaker. From there I will go to a new 150A main lug load center with 95A worth of PV backfeed breakers. I really am enjoying this one because it brings up so many interesting Code quandaries. In my mind I am extending the premise wiring and interconnecting at the new load center which is on the line side of the ATS. Some folks might take issue with this, arguing that the PV circuit begins at the tap in the ATS and as such is not at a dedicated OCPD. Some folks have argued that feeder tap rules themselve do not apply to PV circuits. In any case, the new 150A load center is not dedicated solely to backfeeding the PV, there are other loads connected there. This is why I see it as an extension of the premise wiring and as the point of interconnect of the PV circuit. Interestingly enough, in order to follow NEC 2008, I will have to place the PV backfeed breakers at the bottom of the new 150A load center. But here is where it gets interesting. Taking the ATS out of the picture for a moment, the existing 400A main lug load center is now feed with through the main lug with a total of 480A of supply breakers. This complies with NEC 2008 vis-a-vis the 120% allowance for conductors and busbars. In this case it does sort of make it seem silly to go through the trouble of putting the backfeed breakers on the bottom of the 150A load center. Especially when thinking back, the whole idea of putting the breaker at the bottom of the load center was that you could then have PV backfeed equal to the full rating of load center busbar. Funny how things work out. Anyway, the real question comes up when we bring the ATS back into the picture. The 400A ATS will see the same 480A of supply breakers as the conductors and busbar of the 400A load center. Here is where I am taking leap of faith that the AHJ will agree with me that the same 120% allowance given to the conductors and load center will be given to ATS itself. Mark Frye Berkeley Solar Electric Systems 303 Redbud Way Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 401-8024 http://www.berkeleysolar.com/ www.berkeleysolar.com ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] Sanyo problems
In the March issue of Photon magazine it's being reported that Sanyo's HiT modules may be suffering from MWs worth of failures. If you're unable to track down the article on-line, let me know and I can send you a PDF version. marco ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Sanyo problems
Marco: i would really appreciate it - my photon subscription has rsopped even tho I am paid up. Patrick A. Redgate Ameco Solar, Inc. 7623 Somerset Blvd Paramount, CA 90723 888-595-9570 _www.solarexpert.com_ (http://www.solarexpert.com) _www.amecosolar.com_ (http://www.amecosolar.com) In a message dated 3/31/2011 7:31:35 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, ma...@pvthawaii.com writes: In the March issue of Photon magazine it’s being reported that Sanyo’s HiT modules may be suffering from MWs worth of failures. If you’re unable to track down the article on-line, let me know and I can send you a PDF version. marco ___ 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
