[RE-wrenches] signage for remote External Disconnect Switches

[Allan Sindelar]

Peter,
I'd like to take issue with one point you make. The EDS is a utility
requirement only, and is not required by Code. The breaker (or if it's a
line tap, the adjacent fused disconnect) serves the full function of the
Code-required disconnect and overcurrent protection. So keep the AHJ out of
this issue, as that only gives the utility a greater illusion of legitimacy,
and makes your own job harder. It seems to me that this is a utility issue
only, and should be treated as such.
 
Andrew,
PNM in New Mexico has required EDS's (here they're called Customer
Generation Disconnects, or CGDs), but they're optionally exempt under 10kW
per new state regs. They allow it to be located elsewhere if a plaque and
map are at the meter. Their website has changed re PV, and I can't find a
link to send you. Frank at PNM may be able to help, although he's very busy
these days: 505 362-7736.
 
Your better approach is to defend the lack of need for the EDS. The utility
won't budge, but if they see it's unnecessary, the location might then be
flexible. See http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy08osti/42675.pdf for an NREL report
you can use.
 
Allan at Positive Energy
 
 -----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of ASAP POWER!
2
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 1:34 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] signage for remote External Disconnect Switches


Andrew, 
Agree with purposes 1), 2).   You'll have to continue patiently educating
both AHJ's and utilities meanwhile.  Most likely you would have to show the
AHJ documentation of the utility's allowed variance.   Request a variance
with a formal letter and fax it to them.   Show a complete site diagram
showing a line of sight from subpanel'd EDS location to the meter location
if you can.  If you cannot, show on diagram distance and location of point
to where you can show a line of sight not through a structure.  Let them
know the diagram will be an engraved or raised letter placard at proper
letter size to be placed at the EDS location.
 
Peter D.

  _____  

From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Andrew
Truitt
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 11:12 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] signage for remote External Disconnect Switches






I have come to a conclusion:  Utility companies serve two (2) purposes: 1)
To safely and profitably distribute electrical power and 2) To drive PV
integrators insane.  

The particular utility of which I speak, Allegheny Power, was responsible
for convincing the Maryland PUC for requiring External Disconnect Switches
on PV installs if they are to be eligible for REC generation.  Now they have
finally gotten around to inspecting a system we installed a year ago where
the EDS was located on the opposite side of the house from the meter (we
made our interconnection at a sub-panel) and they are requiring us to move
it back to the meter location (or install a 200A external service
disconnect).

Does anyone know of any documentation from a utility or AHJ that accepts a
weatherproof label (or plack) on the meter indicating the location of the
EDS when it is not convienient for the meter and EDS to be co-located?


Andrew Truitt
Standard Solar Inc.



-- 
"Don't get me wrong: I love nuclear energy! It's just that I prefer fusion
to fission. And it just so happens that there's an enormous fusion reactor
safely banked a few million miles from us. It delivers more than we could
ever use in just about 8 minutes. And it's wireless!"

~William McDonough







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