six motions of the hand [RE-wrenches]

[Christopher Freitas --- OutBack Power]

Matt made many good points on handling the inspector - I agree and have 
used many of them myself... 

The term "six motions of the hand" is used more with 
commercial/industrial applications - but most inspectors understand the 
idea.  The code also has some flexibility on how it is to be applied.  

My understanding of the NEC code is that the DC and AC systems are 
considered as seperate sources of power.  Therefore - you get 6 "motions 
of the hand" for each of the systems.  This is in addition to the 
disconnect for the utility service to any non-backed up loads.  

Multiple breakers which are "handle tied" together are considered to be 
one switch - even when they are not paralleled together as a single 
device. This can reduce the number of "motions" involved.  I even have 
had inspectors allow one hand motion to turn off several breakers 
located all together which were not handle tied together.  Its their 
call after all.  

The requirement for shutting down the system in six motions is not to 
operate every disconnect or breaker involved - but it is to stop the 
flow of power quickly and easily.  So the PV array can be disabled by 
throwing the PV array side breaker or the battery side breaker for the 
controller - both are not required to be operated.  

Similarly - the AC output breakers on the inverter should not be 
required to be turned off if the AC input breakers and DC battery 
breakers are operated - along with the PV array.  

I've also been involved with jobs where providing an emergency OFF 
switch was viewed as being more important - mostly due to the access 
issues for the disconnects.  Many newer inverters (like the OutBack FX 
series) has terminals to allow connection of just this type of switch 
remotely located.   

Obviously - this all can get messy - but I have found that providing the 
inspector with a logical, well documented presentation ahead of time is 
very useful in getting him to be more comfortable - it also gives him 
something to put in his file to later reference if he gets called on it. 
 I usually do not put these types of documents on letterhead - leaving 
it up to the reviewer to decide who actually did the work creating it.  
This can be helpful to the inspector back at his office when he needs to 
document the job and the work he has completed...  

Christopher Freitas
OutBack Power Systems, Inc.
cfreitas @ outbackpower.com  
www.outbackpower.com
Arlington WA USA
Tel 360 435 6030  

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