Back-fed Circuit Breakers [RE-wrenches]

[EH Roy]

Wrenches,

I want to thank everyone who provided input and assistance to me on this
problem and also to share the outcome. The NFPA sided with the utility,
agreeing that based on current code language, the AHJ (in this case the
utility) can require a retainer kit on a service panel breaker fed by a PV
system.

Because retainer kits are not available for some older service panels, the
plan is to install a small service rated box (with retainer kits) to accept
the PV output. This service rated box will be split-bolt connected to the
service entrance conductors just inside the customer's service panel. In
order to satisfy appropriate tap rules, the service rated box will be
mounted very close to the customer's service panel to minimize wire length
and the largest wire size possible will be used.

At the risk of incurring the wrath and distrust of some members of the
wrench list, I want to extend special thanks to John Wiles for his help on
this problem. Though the outcome is not what we had hoped for, John really
went to bat for me. He first called me with advice on how I might argue the
case with the utility. When that didn't work he called the utility
representative on my behalf. When he wasn't able to convince the utility
representative that the retainer kits were not required, he brought the
issue to the NFPA. Though the NFPA supported the utility position based on
current code language, John feels that there is a good chance of getting the
appropriate language changed in the next round of code revisions and he will
be working toward that. Sincere thanks, John.

E. H. Roy
Solar Works, Inc.
64 Main Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
1-800-339-7804 ext. 306
ehroy at solar-works.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Brooks [mailto:billbrooks7 at earthlink.net]
Sent: Friday, February 08, 2002 6:17 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: RE: Back-fed Circuit Breakers [RE-wrenches]

E.H.,

If this is a stand-alone system and the subpanel is on the output of the
inverter, it is absolutely necessary since the breaker could come loose and
arc against the busbar. If it is in a utility-interconnected situation and
we are talking about the interconnection breaker in the utility main service
panel, it is absolutely unnecessary since the inverter deenergizes if the
breaker were to come loose.

Bill.


-----Original Message-----
From: EH Roy [mailto:ehroy at solar-works.com]
Sent: Friday, February 08, 2002 1:39 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: Back-fed Circuit Breakers [RE-wrenches]


On grid-interactive residential PV systems, I am finding that utility
inspectors are starting to insist on retainer kits for back-fed breakers in
the home load centers - as required by NEC Article 384-16 Section (g).

Does anyone have a good solution for older load centers and breakers (such
as Challenger and Wadsworth) that are not manufactured anymore? I have not
been able to find retainer kits for them and sure hope that the load center
and breakers don't have to be replaced.

Thanks for any help or ideas.

E. H. Roy
Solar Works, Inc.
64 Main Street
Montpelier, VT 05663
1-800-339-7804 ext. 306
ehroy at solar-works.com


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