my idea for using a 3 phase panel [RE-wrenches]

[Jerry Caldwell]

Todd,

It seems you would need to label this panel very
precisely, so that any electricians that came after
you would know what they were looking at.

You wouldn't want anyone to try to put a two pole
breaker across the bus powered by your invterter and
one of the busses powered by the utility.

I would check NEC 705 and all other articles that
might apply.

Jerry Caldwell
Light Energy Systems

--- "Todd Cory, Bald Mtn. Solar" <toddcory at jps.net>
wrote:
> Wrenches,
> 
> I have had an idea for years and recently during a
> conversation with
> another wrench this surfaced again so I thought I
> would throw it out
> there for the "critics" to evaluate.   :)
> 
> Whenever I do a grid tied system with battery backup
> (SW4024 etc.) I add
> a second breaker panel next to the original one and
> shift desired back
> up load circuits over to the new panel which is fed
> from the inverter.
> Since these panels are usually for 120/240 split
> phase use, the busses
> get jumpered together for 120 volt only use... which
> really wastes the
> second isolated pole since it is not needed.
> 
> SO... when using a 120 volt only inverter with new
> construction, I have
> pondered the use of a 3 phase panel. Two of the
> poles could be for the
> usual split phase 120/240 grid feed. The third pole
> could be used for
> the 120 volt inverter feed. Neutrals and grounds all
> bonded in the same
> place, and it has 2 major advantages. One is that it
> simply looks neater
> having only one panel. The other nice thing is only
> ONE service
> disconnect for the building. California requires
> external disconnects
> for power, so this usually means labeling both
> building panels as
> service disconnects "1 of 2" and "2 of 2"
> respectively.
> 
> The only downside I can think of in using a 3 phase
> panel is the cost.
> They are way more than 2 split phase panels.
> 
> Other than being an unusual application, can anyone
> think of why this
> idea would not work or be code legal?
> 
> Todd
> 
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