Code issues [RE-wrenches]

[john at gosolar.co.nz]

Hi Joel,

Aren't you missing the point here a bit - Carl had requested some valued feedback
from respected professionals on 4 basic questions - not to get engaged in a battle
of words as to "ours is second to none" type of mentality.  There is nothing to be
defensive about. Carl and/or I are actually trying to avoid some pitfalls in what
we see as potential problems that might be avoided before they become too embedded
in the infrastructure.

At this point in time Bill gave some very good feedback and thanks for that.
Would you care to have a cup of coffee and maybe give some of the valued advice
and help that you are usually noted for.  You don't have to defend the NEC,
motherhood, or any other precious values that Clark Kent would also defend.

        thanks in advance,                            John V

-------------------------------------------------------------------------



Joel Davidson wrote:

> What's there to throw tomatoes at? Does NZ have a better set of rules?
> Does any nation have a better set of rules than the National Electrical
> Code?
>
> Bill Brooks wrote:
> >
> > 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
> >
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