becoming an inter-tie system [RE-wrenches]

[jay peltz]

Hi Bill,

I respect your postion.  I think that in the HI voltage systems ( the 200v+)
then it makes more sense.  I suppose that mostly the problems have come from the
lack of good integrated equipment.  The AEI and new Trace have them built in so
its not a big deal.  I will never understand how Trace could get a product UL
listed that had no way to enclose it, and for them to not offer a box, amazing,
just amazing.

So mostly we have our positions but its moot now with the equipment that we are
all using.

You've really seen that many "fires".  Let me know what the cause of the
problems were, I can only presume nails through the wire?

thanks,

jay
Peltz Power

Bill Brooks wrote:

> Jay, Drake, and any other Wrenches who roof mount,
>
> I agree that there are situations that a GFP does not solve. A line-to-line
> fault is a major problem in a PV system, and quite hazardous. Why don't we
> broadcast that problem to the inspection community--just kidding. There are
> a variety of other fault conditions that are not line-to-line, that this
> device does solve.
>
> The nicked wire fault is much more common and is solved with this device. I
> agree that putting any device like this on the roof is a huge mistake. I
> don't like to see fusing on roofs either. As far as whether they work or
> not--these things work great. Costwise--the equipment is not free on many
> systems, but it is practically free on some batteryless systems.
>
> I share the concern that it is not perfect, but I would rather not show off
> too much on that issue. It could raise a level of scrutiny that could be a
> real problem.
>
> Since very few wrenches have much experience with high voltage systems, they
> do not appreciate how hazardous these things can be. We don't see as many
> problems with 48-volt systems because there is less push behind the fault.
> 600-Volt faults, on the other hand, can be spectacular and will instill a
> healthy fear in anyone who has seen them.
>
> With the SMA inverter and other high voltage inverters coming into the
> market, this is not the time to relax requirements. I have no doubt that SMA
> and others are handling these issues, but I don't want to open the door for
> a company who want to cuts corners and, in turn, creates hazardous
> situations.
>
> There was a question about roof fires in one of the replies. The fact is I
> know of several fires on roofs causes by PV systems. I can think of five in
> my own experience. We often don't officially document these fires because it
> is often sensitive information. I know of many more ground faulted systems.
> We need all the protection we can get to keep or industry from
> self-destructing. This does not mean we should heep on unnecessary safety
> requirements, nor does it mean we should give up on improving our existing
> GFP devices. All electrical power systems have hazards, and DC power systems
> have bigger hazards than AC power systems from a fire safety point of view
> (not electrocution--AC wins on that one).
>
> Jay, you'll probably hate me for this, but I was the one who talked John
> Wiles out of removing the GFP requirement from the 2002 code. Now I've
> really done it--all the folks that like to give my buddy John a hard time
> are going to be after me now. I still think it should be kept in the code
> until something better is developed.
>
> Bill.

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