[RE-wrenches] Enphase inverters

[Bill Brooks]

Allan,

You are leaving out the most important update in the code relative to the Enphase inverter. The issue is covered in 690.14(D), Utility-Interactive Inverters Mounted in Not-Readily Accessible Locations. 

•          Utility-interactive inverters shall be permitted to be mounted on roofs or other exterior areas that are not readily accessible. These installations shall comply with (1) through (4):

−      (1) A direct-current photovoltaic disconnecting means shall be mounted within sight of or in the inverter.

−      (2) An alternating-current disconnecting means shall be mounted within sight of or in the inverter.

−      (3) The alternating-current output conductors from the inverter and an additional alternating-current disconnecting means for the inverter shall comply with 690.14(C)(1).

−      (4) A plaque shall be installed in accordance with 705.10.

 

The connectors can be used as the required disconnects based on 690.33(E)

(E) Interruption of Circuit. Connectors shall be either (1) or (2):

•          (1) Be rated for interrupting current without hazard to the operator. 

•          (2) Be a type that requires the use of a tool to open and marked “Do Not Disconnect Under Load” or “Not for Current Interrupting.”

Item 2 is the only way to comply since no connectors at the moment have been evaluated for interrupting current.

 

Bill.

 

 

 

From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Allan Sindelar
Sent: Thursday, August 14, 2008 8:41 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Enphase inverters

 

Wrenches, here's a followup question and answer about the new Enphase inverters: 

----- Original Message -----
From: "Allan Sindelar" <allan at positiveenergysolar.com>
To: "Scott King" <sking at enphaseenergy.com>
Subject: RE: Enphase Energy - Further Info 
Scott, 
Thank you for your clear answers, which I today forwarded to the Wrenches list. 
One additional area of concern I have, please: Is the Enphase listed as an AC module inverter, or is it listed as just a grid-tie inverter? My understanding of the UL standard is that an AC module inverter must be integrated with the PV array as an assembly – i.e. sold pre-mounted to the PV module – and that this is why no DC disconnect is required for it since there is no field wiring of the DC circuits. 

>From what I have seen on the Enphase datasheets and manuals, the type of listing it has is not discussed. Since you are selling it as a separate unit from the PV array it would seem that it is just listed as a grid-tie inverter and therefore would require an accessibly DC disconnect for each inverter (ugh). This seems like a major issue if they are actually only listed as a grid-tie inverter. Can you clarify? 

Thanks, Allan 

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