PV Grounding [RE-wrenches]

[Mark Frye]

Ray, other than your reference to 110.2 do know of any other articles that
would support your assertion that it the thhn outside is not nec?

250.64B refers specifically to ground elctrode conductors not equipment
grounding conductors. 
 
Mark Frye
Berkeley Solar Electric Systems
271 Vistamont Dr
Grass Valley CA 95945
(530) 401-8024
www.berkeleysolar.com 

-----Original Message-----
From: Ray Walters [mailto:walters at taosnet.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, April 15, 2008 8:32 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: Re: PV Grounding [RE-wrenches]



WE use a braided, plated copper ground strap (Anixter) that is about
8 ga equivalent. It is what I saw being used on a commercial tracking system
over 20 years ago, and its all we use for exposed module grounding.
IMHO, using THHN outside is not only not NEC, but is just bad practice. I
know its not a current carrying conductor, and doesn't need the insulation,
but I've seen plenty of it cracking and peeling.  
Looks like crap.
There's that little thing in the code (110.12) "Electrical equipment shall
be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner"
Without the insulation, stranded 10 ga isn't allowed for exposed locations.
see 250.64 B THe real solution is allowing products like the WEEB grounding
system and use the mounting frame itself as the grounding conductor.  
Commercial buildings allow the steel structure to be the grounding
conductor, on arrays its just a matter of dealing with the aluminum to steel
galvanic reaction issues, and then getting the inspector  to sign off on it.

Ray Walters


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