Code issues [RE-wrenches]

[Bill Brooks]

Carl,

It would have been really difficult to choose four more contentious issues
than the ones you have chosen in your examples.

1. Lockable disconnects are a utility union lineman requirement and is not
necessary unless the union says it is.

2. Battery cables should be rated for whatever their use is (wet, acid,
conduit, etc...)

3. You've probably read all the stuff on grounding. System grounding does
not make a system  safer--but neither does ungrounding. The key is design. A
well-designed ungrounded system is probably better than a well-designed
grounded system.

4. This relates to #3. Every ungrounded system must have a means of
detecting ground faults (fairly easy to do). Every grounded system operating
above 50 volts should have ground fault protection (in my humble opinion).
So leave out 12 and 24-volt grounded systems--everything else needs it.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to retreat to my bunker to get out of the
way of all the flying tomatoes.

My collegue Chuck Whitaker and I have worked on codes and standards more
than most here in the states, and I'll warn you, it is a thankless but
necessary job. Try to think down the road a bit and make judgements on the
good of the industry as a whole. You'll do just fine.

-----Original Message-----
From: Carl Emerson [mailto:freepower at freepower.co.nz]
Sent: Monday, January 28, 2002 6:01 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: Re: Code issues [RE-wrenches]


Dear Wrenches,

In NZ we are travelling on the road to regulation. I am well aware that many
of
the code compliance requirements in the US are considered by many to be
draconian.

Can you assist with the issues to avoid.

What aspects of the code impede the industry, yet are not really addressing
safety issues ?

Is a lockable disconnect really needed?
Should we be able to choose cables with a lower spec.?
Do the earthing requirements make sense?
Is GFI really needed?

I realise that there may be diverse opinions about some of these issues but
I
think there will be wide spread agreement on some ?

John V and I are on the board of the NZPVA and have an opportunity to steer
code
and regulation issues in a sensible direction.

Many Thanks,

Carl Emerson
Manager
FREEPOWER LTD.  "Harnessing Natural Energy"
P.O. Box 10-1207 N.S.M.C. Auckland, NEW ZEALAND.
Ph. 09 4275206 fax 09 4275208  cell 021-633999  web www.freepower.co.nz

- - - -
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

- - - -
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
==^================================================================