becoming an inter-tie system [RE-wrenches]

[jay peltz]

Hi Drake,

Thanks for the update.  I bet though that we will see more HI voltage systems
200v+ and what do you say to the GFI then?  Also with the GFI's built into most of
the batteryless inverters its not too much of a problem.

But for battery based, yep its a problem.    How about " if wiring is in metal
conduit from roof to controls then no GFI is needed?  sounds good to me?

later,

jay
peltz power

Drake Chamberlin - Electrical Energy wrote:

> Hi Jay,
>
> I don't know of any proposed changes to the code with respect to the array
> ground fault protection.  If the RE Lab can get funding, this is one of the
> areas that we would like to do independent research on.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Drake
>
> At 07:17 PM 02/20/2001 -0800, you wrote:
> >Hi Drake,
> >
> >I agree with you and so have most of the electricans that I have talked
> >to.  Just
> >doesn't seem to make electrical sense.  If it opened the circuit at the array
> >then sure, but like you said, now you have people on the roof to check
> >equipment-- not good.  No the exsisting equipment doesn't work, its
> >expensive and
> >a pain.  I might point out that Both Trace and AEI have the GFI built into
> >their
> >batterless inverters, it makes it pretty easy.
> >
> >Any chance of getting it removed from the next code?  IS there any
> >thinking along
> >those lines.??
> >
> >later,
> >
> >jay
> >
> >Peltz Power
> >
> >Drake Chamberlin - Electrical Energy wrote:
> >
> > > Hi Wrenches,
> > >
> > > The new DC ground fault technology is certainly much better than the old
> > > Pulse systems.  But I still have a major problem with it.
> > >
> > > If the device is to protect the wood framing between the solar modules and
> > > the charge control, it needs to be mounted on the roof.  If the wire were
> > > to become shorted (for example with a nail through a cable) the current
> > > would continue to circulate between the nail and the array.  Heating could
> > > result, especially with a large array.
> > >
> > > A roof mounted ground fault device would likely pose more danger to home
> > > owners who might climb on the roof to correct nuisance tripping than it
> > > would eliminate danger from fire.  I suppose a device could be developed
> > > that would have a reset in the power room and ground fault protection by
> > > the array.
> > >
> > > I believe that better protection could be afforded by using armored cable
> > > or conduit to protect the circuit.
> > >
> > > Have there been any recorded fires from roof mounted arrays?  If there
> > > really are fire hazards from roof mounted arrays, they should be addressed
> > > effectively.  I am skeptical about the effectiveness of the current
> > > technology.
> > >
> > > I also doubt that a roof mounted array is as dangerous as a 240 volt
> > > service drop coming from a pole, capable of delivering 10,000 amps.  There
> > > seems to be a tendency to require RE installations to be 10 times safer
> > > than grid connected systems.  Why is that?
> > >
> > > Drake
> > >
>
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 michael.welch at homepower.com

____________________________________________________________
T O P I C A  -- Learn More. Surf Less. 
Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Topics You Choose.
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