AC Connection at Fused Disconnect [RE-wrenches]

[Mark Frye]

An idealist in an unfair world...man am I in the wrong business?

I do have an alternative in the wing, but no help if the AHJ doesn't go for
the tap.

Here is the language that John used:

"Even when it appears that the requirement is met with an external breaker
or fused
disconnect, the question remains, how far can the disconnect be located from
the point of
connection? Sections 690.64(B) and (B)(1) have been interpreted by some
inspectors as
indicating that the breaker/fused disconnect must, as the point of
connection, be
collocated with the equipment being tapped. This interpretation would not
allow an
externally mounted disconnect.
Since some panel boards/load centers have no spare spaces for a PV backfed
breaker,
some inspectors have accepted a compromise that does not require replacing
existing
panel boards.
First, the load circuit tap rules in article 240 are superceded by 690.64
requirements and
do not apply to these connections. Running extended conductors from a point
of
connection to a remotely located disconnect/overcurrent device would pose
the
possibility at some future date that that circuit could be tapped for loads
thereby violating
both the dedicated connection requirement and possibly posing safety issues
associated
with the inverter and the anti-islanding circuits."

I personally do not agree with the reasoning behind this but as long as
someone like John maintains this level of doubt about the applicability of
the method, then a guy like me doesn't have much of a chance.

MPF

-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Brooks [mailto:bill at brooksolar.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 06, 2007 12:15 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: RE: AC Connection at Fused Disconnect [RE-wrenches]



Okay Mark--I'm confused.

I understand that 690.64(B) takes supersedes 240, but what about 690.64
prevents a tap of the feeder if it complies with 1-5?

You are suggesting a connection on the load side of a subpanel breaker. As
long as the conductor does not have greater than 120% of overcurrent
protection ratings connected to it, there is not a problem.

I think the issue of using the panelboard as a junction box is a far more
likely reason for failing this type of connection--but even that is a tough
interpretation if the box volume is greatly oversized for this specific
application as it sounds like it is.

Finally, we discussed alternatives, and regardless of how good you think
your ideal idea is, you should have 2 or 3 other options waiting in the
wings if you get stonewalled on an issue. Being proven right (dead right)
after wasting 3 days of labor seems like a hollow victory unless you are
going to do this 300 times for the same jurisdiction (which I highly doubt).

Your mamma must have lied to you and told you that the world was fair ;-).

Bill.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mark Frye [mailto:markf at berkeleysolar.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, February 06, 2007 9:52 AM
> To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
> Subject: RE: AC Connection at Fused Disconnect [RE-wrenches]
>
>
> I have finished my communication with John Wiles on this subject.
>
> It appears that the basis of allowing the AHJ to dis-allow the load side
> tap
> to a fused disconnect is the argument that Article 240 feeder taps rules
> are
> superceded by the requirements of 690.64 so the basis for the feeder tap
> to
> the disconnect is undermined.
>
> So no help there, I continue to struggle along with no ability to rely on
> a
> reasonable interpretation of the intent of the Code.  There is no clear
> definition of "point of connection" or "distribution equipment" in the
> Code.
> Without this, the AHJ retains the ability to exercise their responsibility
> to interpret the Code in any manner that serves their own personal
> interests.
>
> Good Luck Solar America.


- - - -
To send a message: RE-wrenches at topica.com

Archive of previous messages: http://lists.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/read

List rules & how to change your email address: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/et
iquette.php

Check out participant bios: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/

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://lists.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/read

List rules & how to change your email address: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/etiquette.php

Check out participant bios: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/

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.bWljaGFl
Or send an email to: RE-wrenches-unsubscribe at topica.com

For Topica's complete suite of email marketing solutions visit:
http://www.topica.com/?p=TEXFOOTER
--^----------------------------------------------------------------