Where is Ground Clamps [RE-wrenches]

Bill Brooks billb at endecon.com
Wed Apr 23 12:41:58 PDT 2003


Dean,

The code is primarily concerned with electrical and fire safety. Grounding
of modules is primarily for protecting personnel from coming in contact with
energized metal surfaces. Lightning protection is a ancillary benefit.

Bill.


-----Original Message-----
From: Dean T. Newberry [mailto:deant at dcn.org]
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2003 9:55 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: Re: Where is Ground Clamps [RE-wrenches]


Hi Jay,
I don't know about the code requirement for grounding all the panels.
I assume that grounding the module frames is a lightning arrestor
configuration.
I use a self tapping stainless screw to attach the ground lug to the
panel frame. This guarantees a cut through the anodizing, and I can put
the lugs wherever is most convenient for me. I haven't done an impedance
check, but if you insist I will.
 I daisy chain all the panels on a #6 bare solid wire, and run it to a
ground rod through a ground block with a tee off to the wimpy ground
stab on the sunnyboy. I then use the PE connection to run ground to the
AC main ground buss.
I have an installation on top of a big steel barn on a hill out in a
wheat field, about half a mile from anything higher than your knees, you
can see it from the entrance to DQU on Road 31.  I know it's going to
get hit by lightning. I ran the DC service entrance from a weatherhead
24" above the ridge, and that rigid runs to a Tee to let the power leads
out to the DcDisconnect, and continues straight down to the ground rod
where it is connected with a ground bushing. The solid #6 runs down the
pipe to the ground bus in the disconnect then back through the tee to a
ground clamp on the ground rod. It is not nearly as difficult to pull
the #10 as I thought it would be.
I gave the farmer instructions to pee on the ground rod from time to
time to assure a good path to the dirt. My electrician says we need to
use 2 ground rods more than 8' apart.
This is roughly the grounding scheme I learned for antenna masts on
Mobile Comm Boxes in the Army.

My opinion is that the NEC and UL etc, are the minimum standards which
must be met for safety.
Performance may require a higher standard.

I have installed a dozen or so Sunnyboys, and have no failures.

Does that answer your question Jay??

cul  deant

Jay Peltz, Peltz Power wrote:

>Hi Dean,
>
>Can you give me the code # that states all panels must be grounded in
>addition to the metal frame they are on?
>
>One installer I know puts in the permit all grounding to be done in
>accordance with 250.136(a).  This allows for only a single ground wire from
>each seperate array.  Makes it much easier.
>
>thanks,
>
>jay
>
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*Dean T. Newberry*
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Tel: (530) 867-2392
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Email: deant at dcn.org
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