grounding array/sunny boy [RE-wrenches]

[Phil Undercuffler]

RE: grounding array/sunny boy [RE-wrenches]Kent, a word choice in your
response appears to indeed cause more confusion.  My understanding of the
use of the terms "grounding" is different that what you appear to be saying.
Am I misunderstanding?

<snip>when I refer to 'grounding the array' I am referring to PV electrical
grounding. This is the grounding of the + or - PV conductor. In most (99.9%)
US installations the negative conductor this is grounded at/within the
inverter. This electrical ground may be made at only one location. <unsnip>

To me this is Bonding; specifically the "unspliced main bonding jumper used
to connect the equipment grounding conductor(s) and the service-disconnect
enclosure to the grounded conductor of the system" (250-28)  One place, and
one place only, with that place in DC systems being the place of greatest
potential fault current.  Grid electricians get it easy--bond immediately
after the meter.  We solar guys have to think a little more.  Grounding
within the inverter would only be appropriate for a batteryless system (the
Sunnyboy in your example) but certainly not in a system with batteries!

Of course, to further the confusion the code additionally uses bonding as a
term for tying all the electrically conductive materials like water and gas
pipe, structual steel, etc. to the grounded system, much as in your second
paragraph.  Perhaps like the Eskimos and snow, we electricians need more
words for grounding.


Enjoy the Sun!

Phil Undercuffler
Positive Energy

"The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious....
the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art
and true science"  --Albert Einstein

- - - -
To send a message: RE-wrenches at topica.com

Archive of previous messages: http://www.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/

List rules & etiquette: http://www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/etiquete.htm

Check out participant bios: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/index.html

Hosted by Home Power magazine

Moderator: michael.welch at homepower.com

==^================================================================
This email was sent to: michael.welch at homepower.com

EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?bz8Qcs.bz9JC9
Or send an email to: RE-wrenches-unsubscribe at topica.com

T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail!
http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register
==^================================================================