Questions for Enphase Reps [RE-wrenches]

[Bill Brooks]

Mark,

I'll try to answer a few of the questions--but I'm not a rep. It is
currently a grounded unit, but they are working on an ungrounded version.
Depending on the version of the NEC your are using, it is possible to have a
combined dc GEC and ac EGC that is as small as 14 AWG, so it is not
necessarily misleading (albeit the 2008 NEC is totally screwed up on the
issue in 690.47(C)).

DC and ac disconnects are handled through 690.33 requirements for connectors
as disconnects. It is an interesting new product. Let's hope they can
provide comparable reliability to other reliable inverter products. It
certainly can solve a lot of issues with the bonehead system design I see
far too often in the field.

Bill.

-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Frye [mailto:markf at berkeleysolar.com] 
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 8:18 AM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: Questions for Enphase Reps [RE-wrenches]



Are there any representatives from Enphase on the list that can answer
questions about the new product?

I have so many questions about the product in general and how if conforms to
Code in specific:

Is the DC system grounded?

Clearly there are DC source circuits, the Code requires disconnects on
these. It makes some sense based on the architecture that they can do with
out them, but what about the Code which requires a disconnect on the DC
circuit?

The manual says:

"System Grounding
 Each Enphase Micro-Inverter has been provided with a ground clip that
can accommodate a 6-10 AWG conductor.
 Route a continuous Grounding Electrode Conductor through each of
the Micro-Inverters and AC branch circuit junction box to the NEC
approved AC grounding electrode."

This is somewhat misleading since the "DC system ground" must be a minimum
#8 per Article 250.

Could be the best thing since sliced bread...
 
Mark Frye
Berkeley Solar Electric Systems
271 Vistamont Dr
Grass Valley CA 95945
(530) 401-8024
www.berkeleysolar.com 


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