Re: [RE-wrenches] Array Ground Wire Sizing
Most solar array string wiring is in the #10 range and NEC Table 250.122 allows a #10 to #12 bare copper ground wire connected to the back of each module grounding lug based on staying under 100 amps max. breaker rating in the combiner boxes. However, 250.120( C) states equipment grounding conductors smaller thatn #6 shall be protected from physical damage and run in raceway..except where protected from physical damage For modules mounted on ground mounted racking and racking located on roofs and structures where you can access the back of the modules we had to use #6 base copper. I just commissioned a large array on multiple raised racking, but installed on a raised steel structure allowing parking under the array. Although you would need a ladder to access, this ground wiring is exposed and visible from below. The inspector has not been involved YET , but I want to make sure I do not allow this and the inspector later flags it. Any of you run into this before? Thanks, Jeff Yago ___ 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] Overcurrent error SW4024
Hello wrenches, I have a customer that I have been working with over the phone. He has a SW 4024, with a T240 transformer feeding a 2 HP well pump on a timer. The system has worked well for years, but recently, he has been getting overcurrent errors when the well pump starts. It's not every time, but about every other time. He also did an experiment where he turned off the well pump, and gets the overcurrent error just energizing the transformer. Does this indicate the transformer is failing? What are other explanations for this behavior? Thanks for any advice -- Mac Lewis * Yo solo sé que no sé nada. -Sócrates * ___ 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] WOW Something Gone Very Wrong
* Rooftop solar installation sparks fires in Trenton, New Jersey* 28.03.2012: According to local news portal NJ.com, a rooftop solar system has triggered several small fires at a recycling center in Trenton, New Jersey. The article reports that a major malfunction in the rooftop solar panel...caused small fires and surges of electricity producing arcs of current to break out. According to Fire Battalion Chief Rich Seeds, There definitely was a problem with the installation, the equipment. Firefighters on the scene said that an inverter was sparking and unusable. The firefighters, with the help of electricians, had to manually disconnect the 100-panel system from the electrical grid before they could safely put out the fire. The fire started while electricians were hooking up junction boxes on the system. Earlier this month, a New Jersey General Assembly committee approved a bill (A266) that would require buildings to clearly label with an exterior emblem whether they have solar panels installed on the premises. The measure, recommended by the National Fire Protection Association, is aimed at protecting firefighters from dangers posed by solar panels. The greater Assembly has yet to discuss the bill, but the New Jersey Senate version of the bill (S507) was introduced in the Senate on Jan. 10, 2012 and is currently being reviewed by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. ... Source: NJ.com, New Jersey Assembly Republicans, eLobbyist; Summary: PHOTON *http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2012/03/trenton_firefighters_battle _ro.html* http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2012/03/trenton_firefighters_battle_ro.html *http://www.njassemblyrepublicans.com/?p=2862* ___ 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] Overcurrent error SW4024
Lightening? maybe a bad sensor on the SW. Mice? You might be able to Meg the Xformer. (Be careful). might be a bad contact. good luckDan BrownFoxfire Energy Corp.Renewable Energy Systems(802)-483-2564www.Foxfire-Energy.comNABCEP #092907-44 Original Message Subject: [RE-wrenches] Overcurrent error SW4024 From: mac Lewis maclew...@gmail.com Date: Thu, March 29, 2012 10:25 am To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Hello wrenches,I have a customer that I have been working with over the phone. He has a SW 4024, with a T240 transformer feeding a 2 HP well pump on a timer. The system has worked well for years, but recently, he has been getting overcurrent errors when the well pump starts. It's not every time, but about every other time. He also did an experiment where he turned off the well pump, and gets the overcurrent error just energizing the transformer. Does this indicate the transformer is failing? What are other explanations for this behavior? Thanks for any advice-- Mac Lewis "Yo solo sé que no sé nada."-Sócrates ___ 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] WOW Something Gone Very Wrong
Perfect example of why it¹s a good idea to start designing and deploying systems now that meet the fuse servicing requirements found in NEC 2011even if these are not required by your AHJ yet. People on this list are probably ahead of that curve. If not, you might want to check out these articles: http://solarprofessional.com/article/?file=SP4_3_pg14_QA_2search= (Bill Brooks article on Fuse Servicing disconnect requirements) http://solarprofessional.com/article/?file=SP4_3_pg64_Hrensearch= (Changes to Code in 2011; See content under ³690.6, Fuses² subheading) David Brearley, Senior Technical Editor SolarPro magazine NABCEP Certified PV Installer On 3/29/12 9:36 AM, Mark Frye ma...@berkeleysolar.com wrote: Rooftop solar installation sparks fires in Trenton, New Jersey 28.03.2012: According to local news portal NJ.com, a rooftop solar system has triggered several small fires at a recycling center in Trenton, New Jersey. The article reports that ³a major malfunction in the rooftop solar panelcaused small fires and surges of electricity producing arcs of current to break out.² According to Fire Battalion Chief Rich Seeds, ³There definitely was a problem with the installation, the equipment.² Firefighters on the scene said that an inverter was ³sparking and unusable.² The firefighters, with the help of electricians, had to manually disconnect the 100-panel system from the electrical grid before they could safely put out the fire. The fire started while electricians were hooking up junction boxes on the system. Earlier this month, a New Jersey General Assembly committee approved a bill (A266) that would require buildings to clearly label with an exterior emblem whether they have solar panels installed on the premises. The measure, recommended by the National Fire Protection Association, is aimed at protecting firefighters from dangers posed by solar panels. The greater Assembly has yet to discuss the bill, but the New Jersey Senate version of the bill (S507) was introduced in the Senate on Jan. 10, 2012 and is currently being reviewed by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. Source: NJ.com, New Jersey Assembly Republicans, eLobbyist; Summary: PHOTON http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2012/03/trenton_firefighters_battle _ro.html http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2012/03/trenton_firefighters_battle_ro.htm l http://www.njassemblyrepublicans.com/?p=2862 http://www.njassemblyrepublicans.com/?p=2862 ___ 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] Overcurrent error SW4024
Hi Mac; We are having a similar problem at our metal shop with two stacked SW4024s. They are stacked so that inverter #2 idles until something 240V is turned on -- well pump and welder are the only 240 VAC loads. We are getting an overcurrent error and shutdown by just turning the welder's power switch on -- NOT when starting to weld. Any help from the list appreciated! -- Dan Fink, Executive Director; Otherpower Buckville Energy Consulting Buckville Publications LLC NABCEP / IREC accredited Continuing Education Providers 970.672.4342 (voicemail) On Thu, Mar 29, 2012 at 8:25 AM, mac Lewis maclew...@gmail.com wrote: Hello wrenches, I have a customer that I have been working with over the phone. He has a SW 4024, with a T240 transformer feeding a 2 HP well pump on a timer. The system has worked well for years, but recently, he has been getting overcurrent errors when the well pump starts. It's not every time, but about every other time. He also did an experiment where he turned off the well pump, and gets the overcurrent error just energizing the transformer. Does this indicate the transformer is failing? What are other explanations for this behavior? Thanks for any advice -- Mac Lewis ___ 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] Overcurrent error SW4024
We've seen this type of problem twice with well pumps. Both times, the problem was with a short in the load side close to the pump. One was occasional, the other constant. Interestingly, running a large generator seemed to fix the situation to the customer. In both cases, we found the short, repaired it and both systems are still working well to this day. One used a transformer, the other was a single 4024SW. Daryl Hi Mac; We are having a similar problem at our metal shop with two stacked SW4024s. They are stacked so that inverter #2 idles until something 240V is turned on -- well pump and welder are the only 240 VAC loads. We are getting an overcurrent error and shutdown by just turning the welder's power switch on -- NOT when starting to weld. Any help from the list appreciated! -- Dan Fink, Executive Director; Otherpower Buckville Energy Consulting Buckville Publications LLC NABCEP / IREC accredited Continuing Education Providers 970.672.4342 (voicemail) On Thu, Mar 29, 2012 at 8:25 AM, mac Lewis maclew...@gmail.com wrote: Hello wrenches, I have a customer that I have been working with over the phone. He has a SW 4024, with a T240 transformer feeding a 2 HP well pump on a timer. The system has worked well for years, but recently, he has been getting overcurrent errors when the well pump starts. It's not every time, but about every other time. He also did an experiment where he turned off the well pump, and gets the overcurrent error just energizing the transformer. Does this indicate the transformer is failing? What are other explanations for this behavior? Thanks for any advice -- Mac Lewis ___ 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] WOW Something Gone Very Wrong
All, It is very likely that the something gone very wrong was a wiring mistake by the installing contractor. Many installers are clueless about the danger and consequences of getting the polarity wrong in strings or combiner box circuits. It is very likely that the contractor mixed up their combiner box circuits causing the combiner boxes and conductors to catch on fire as soon as the fuses were installed. Polarity should be checked and verified on all circuits a total of 2 or 3 times during the course of installation and commissioning. It is the single most important test from a safety point of view. Bill. From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of David Brearley Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2012 8:25 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] WOW Something Gone Very Wrong Perfect example of why it's a good idea to start designing and deploying systems now that meet the fuse servicing requirements found in NEC 2011-even if these are not required by your AHJ yet. People on this list are probably ahead of that curve. If not, you might want to check out these articles: http://solarprofessional.com/article/?file=SP4_3_pg14_QA_2 http://solarprofessional.com/article/?file=SP4_3_pg14_QA_2search= search= (Bill Brooks article on Fuse Servicing disconnect requirements) http://solarprofessional.com/article/?file=SP4_3_pg64_Hren http://solarprofessional.com/article/?file=SP4_3_pg64_Hrensearch= search= (Changes to Code in 2011; See content under 690.6, Fuses subheading) David Brearley, Senior Technical Editor SolarPro magazine NABCEP Certified PV Installer T On 3/29/12 9:36 AM, Mark Frye ma...@berkeleysolar.com wrote: Rooftop solar installation sparks fires in Trenton, New Jersey 28.03.2012: According to local news portal NJ.com, a rooftop solar system has triggered several small fires at a recycling center in Trenton, New Jersey. The article reports that a major malfunction in the rooftop solar panel.caused small fires and surges of electricity producing arcs of current to break out. According to Fire Battalion Chief Rich Seeds, There definitely was a problem with the installation, the equipment. Firefighters on the scene said that an inverter was sparking and unusable. The firefighters, with the help of electricians, had to manually disconnect the 100-panel system from the electrical grid before they could safely put out the fire. The fire started while electricians were hooking up junction boxes on the system. Earlier this month, a New Jersey General Assembly committee approved a bill (A266) that would require buildings to clearly label with an exterior emblem whether they have solar panels installed on the premises. The measure, recommended by the National Fire Protection Association, is aimed at protecting firefighters from dangers posed by solar panels. The greater Assembly has yet to discuss the bill, but the New Jersey Senate version of the bill (S507) was introduced in the Senate on Jan. 10, 2012 and is currently being reviewed by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. . Source: NJ.com, New Jersey Assembly Republicans, eLobbyist; Summary: PHOTON http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2012/03/trenton_firefighters_battle _ro.html http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2012/03/trenton_firefighters_battle_ro.h tml http://www.njassemblyrepublicans.com/?p=2862 http://www.njassemblyrepublicans.com/?p=2862 _ ___ 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] Overcurrent error SW4024
Turning on other loads around the shop seems to work here. But we need to have over 100 watts on (we are using lights) to prevent the problem. It's a PITA, as it crashes the satellite internet, which takes 20-60 minutes to boot back up. DAN FINK On Thu, Mar 29, 2012 at 12:12 PM, penobscotso...@midmaine.com wrote: We've seen this type of problem twice with well pumps. Both times, the problem was with a short in the load side close to the pump. One was occasional, the other constant. Interestingly, running a large generator seemed to fix the situation to the customer. In both cases, we found the short, repaired it and both systems are still working well to this day. One used a transformer, the other was a single 4024SW. Daryl Hi Mac; We are having a similar problem at our metal shop with two stacked SW4024s. They are stacked so that inverter #2 idles until something 240V is turned on -- well pump and welder are the only 240 VAC loads. We are getting an overcurrent error and shutdown by just turning the welder's power switch on -- NOT when starting to weld. Any help from the list appreciated! -- Dan Fink, Executive Director; Otherpower Buckville Energy Consulting Buckville Publications LLC NABCEP / IREC accredited Continuing Education Providers 970.672.4342 (voicemail) On Thu, Mar 29, 2012 at 8:25 AM, mac Lewis maclew...@gmail.com wrote: Hello wrenches, I have a customer that I have been working with over the phone. He has a SW 4024, with a T240 transformer feeding a 2 HP well pump on a timer. The system has worked well for years, but recently, he has been getting overcurrent errors when the well pump starts. It's not every time, but about every other time. He also did an experiment where he turned off the well pump, and gets the overcurrent error just energizing the transformer. Does this indicate the transformer is failing? What are other explanations for this behavior? Thanks for any advice ___ 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] Overcurrent error SW4024
Boy, I'm haunted with the notion that we've seen this before.. years ago. I want to say it was a simple fix. might have been something to do with NiCad batteries. Maybe low battery voltage and high start currents. I just don't remember.. maybe I wasn't here then.dbDan BrownFoxfire Energy Corp.Renewable Energy Systems(802)-483-2564www.Foxfire-Energy.comNABCEP #092907-44 Original Message Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Overcurrent error SW4024 From: Dan Fink danbo...@gmail.com Date: Thu, March 29, 2012 3:04 pm To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Turning on other loads around the shop seems to work here. But we need to have over 100 watts on (we are using lights) to prevent the problem. It's a PITA, as it crashes the satellite internet, which takes 20-60 minutes to boot back up. DAN FINK On Thu, Mar 29, 2012 at 12:12 PM, penobscotso...@midmaine.com wrote: We've seen this type of problem twice with well pumps. Both times, the problem was with a short in the load side close to the pump. One was occasional, the other constant. Interestingly, running a large generator seemed to "fix" the situation to the customer. In both cases, we found the short, repaired it and both systems are still working well to this day. One used a transformer, the other was a single 4024SW. Daryl Hi Mac; We are having a similar problem at our metal shop with two stacked SW4024s. They are stacked so that inverter #2 idles until something 240V is turned on -- well pump and welder are the only 240 VAC loads. We are getting an overcurrent error and shutdown by just turning the welder's power switch on -- NOT when starting to weld. Any help from the list appreciated! -- Dan Fink, Executive Director; Otherpower Buckville Energy Consulting Buckville Publications LLC NABCEP / IREC accredited Continuing Education Providers 970.672.4342 (voicemail) On Thu, Mar 29, 2012 at 8:25 AM, mac Lewis maclew...@gmail.com wrote: Hello wrenches, I have a customer that I have been working with over the phone. He has a SW 4024, with a T240 transformer feeding a 2 HP well pump on a timer. The system has worked well for years, but recently, he has been getting overcurrent errors when the well pump starts. It's not every time, but about every other time. He also did an experiment where he turned off the well pump, and gets the overcurrent error just energizing the transformer. Does this indicate the transformer is failing? What are other explanations for this behavior? Thanks for any advice ___ 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] WOW Something Gone Very Wrong
That was my suspicion as well. Simple wiring mistake. Inadequate commissioning protocol. On 3/29/12 2:02 PM, Bill Brooks billbroo...@yahoo.com wrote: All, It is very likely that the something gone very wrong was a wiring mistake by the installing contractor. Many installers are clueless about the danger and consequences of getting the polarity wrong in strings or combiner box circuits. It is very likely that the contractor mixed up their combiner box circuits causing the combiner boxes and conductors to catch on fire as soon as the fuses were installed. Polarity should be checked and verified on all circuits a total of 2 or 3 times during the course of installation and commissioning. It is the single most important test from a safety point of view. Bill. From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of David Brearley Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2012 8:25 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] WOW Something Gone Very Wrong Perfect example of why it¹s a good idea to start designing and deploying systems now that meet the fuse servicing requirements found in NEC 2011even if these are not required by your AHJ yet. People on this list are probably ahead of that curve. If not, you might want to check out these articles: http://solarprofessional.com/article/?file=SP4_3_pg14_QA_2search= (Bill Brooks article on Fuse Servicing disconnect requirements) http://solarprofessional.com/article/?file=SP4_3_pg64_Hrensearch= (Changes to Code in 2011; See content under ³690.6, Fuses² subheading) David Brearley, Senior Technical Editor SolarPro magazine NABCEP Certified PV Installer On 3/29/12 9:36 AM, Mark Frye ma...@berkeleysolar.com wrote: Rooftop solar installation sparks fires in Trenton, New Jersey 28.03.2012: According to local news portal NJ.com, a rooftop solar system has triggered several small fires at a recycling center in Trenton, New Jersey. The article reports that ³a major malfunction in the rooftop solar panelcaused small fires and surges of electricity producing arcs of current to break out.² According to Fire Battalion Chief Rich Seeds, ³There definitely was a problem with the installation, the equipment.² Firefighters on the scene said that an inverter was ³sparking and unusable.² The firefighters, with the help of electricians, had to manually disconnect the 100-panel system from the electrical grid before they could safely put out the fire. The fire started while electricians were hooking up junction boxes on the system. Earlier this month, a New Jersey General Assembly committee approved a bill (A266) that would require buildings to clearly label with an exterior emblem whether they have solar panels installed on the premises. The measure, recommended by the National Fire Protection Association, is aimed at protecting firefighters from dangers posed by solar panels. The greater Assembly has yet to discuss the bill, but the New Jersey Senate version of the bill (S507) was introduced in the Senate on Jan. 10, 2012 and is currently being reviewed by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. Source: NJ.com, New Jersey Assembly Republicans, eLobbyist; Summary: PHOTON http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2012/03/trenton_firefighters_battle _ro.html http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2012/03/trenton_firefighters_battle_ro.htm l http://www.njassemblyrepublicans.com/?p=2862 http://www.njassemblyrepublicans.com/?p=2862 ___ 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 David Brearley, Senior Technical Editor SolarPro magazine NABCEP Certified PV Installer david.brear...@solarprofessional.com Direct: 541.261.6545 Fax: 541.512.0343 Visit our Web site at solarprofessional.com (Sample copy available for download at: solarprofessional.com/sample) ___ 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] WOW Something Gone Very Wrong
Hmm...no voltage...must've left the fuse out of this holder...lemme just open it up a take a quick looksie On Thu, Mar 29, 2012 at 3:41 PM, David Brearley david.brear...@solarprofessional.com wrote: That was my suspicion as well. Simple wiring mistake. Inadequate commissioning protocol. On 3/29/12 2:02 PM, Bill Brooks billbroo...@yahoo.com wrote: All, It is very likely that the something gone very wrong was a wiring mistake by the installing contractor. Many installers are clueless about the danger and consequences of getting the polarity wrong in strings or combiner box circuits. It is very likely that the contractor mixed up their combiner box circuits causing the combiner boxes and conductors to catch on fire as soon as the fuses were installed. Polarity should be checked and verified on all circuits a total of 2 or 3 times during the course of installation and commissioning. It is the single most important test from a safety point of view. Bill. *From:* re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [ mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.orgre-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *David Brearley *Sent:* Thursday, March 29, 2012 8:25 AM *To:* RE-wrenches *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] WOW Something Gone Very Wrong Perfect example of why it’s a good idea to start designing and deploying systems now that meet the fuse servicing requirements found in NEC 2011—even if these are not required by your AHJ yet. People on this list are probably ahead of that curve. If not, you might want to check out these articles: http://solarprofessional.com/article/?file=SP4_3_pg14_QA_2search= (Bill Brooks article on Fuse Servicing disconnect requirements) http://solarprofessional.com/article/?file=SP4_3_pg64_Hrensearch= (Changes to Code in 2011; See content under “690.6, Fuses” subheading) David Brearley, Senior Technical Editor *SolarPro* magazine NABCEP Certified PV Installer ™ On 3/29/12 9:36 AM, Mark Frye ma...@berkeleysolar.com wrote: * Rooftop solar installation sparks fires in Trenton, New Jersey* 28.03.2012: According to local news portal NJ.com, a rooftop solar system has triggered several small fires at a recycling center in Trenton, New Jersey. The article reports that “a major malfunction in the rooftop solar panel…caused small fires and surges of electricity producing arcs of current to break out.” According to Fire Battalion Chief Rich Seeds, “There definitely was a problem with the installation, the equipment.” Firefighters on the scene said that an inverter was “sparking and unusable.” The firefighters, with the help of electricians, had to manually disconnect the 100-panel system from the electrical grid before they could safely put out the fire. The fire started while electricians were hooking up junction boxes on the system. Earlier this month, a New Jersey General Assembly committee approved a bill (A266) that would require buildings to clearly label with an exterior emblem whether they have solar panels installed on the premises. The measure, recommended by the National Fire Protection Association, is aimed at protecting firefighters from dangers posed by solar panels. The greater Assembly has yet to discuss the bill, but the New Jersey Senate version of the bill (S507) was introduced in the Senate on Jan. 10, 2012 and is currently being reviewed by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. … Source: NJ.com, New Jersey Assembly Republicans, eLobbyist; Summary: PHOTON *http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2012/03/trenton_firefighters_battle _ro.html* http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2012/03/trenton_firefighters_battle_ro.html *http://www.njassemblyrepublicans.com/?p=2862* http://www.njassemblyrepublicans.com/?p=2862 -- -- ___ 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 David Brearley, Senior Technical Editor *SolarPro* magazine NABCEP Certified PV Installer ™ david.brear...@solarprofessional.com Direct: 541.261.6545 Fax: 541.512.0343 * *Visit our Web site at solarprofessional.com (Sample copy available for download at: solarprofessional.com/sample) ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] Service call in Mexico
Is anyone able to run a service call in Puerto Penasco, Mexico on an Outback Power system? Please contact me off list. la...@starlightsolar.com Larry Crutcher Starlight Solar Power Systems (928) 342-9103 ___ 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
