[RE-wrenches] Supply side tap not allowed

[Bob-O Schultze]

I'm in agreement with Brian on this one. Of course, the realities are that it's another big expense associated with putting in a system and doing a service change may exceed your license classification. That said, in this case the inspector is doing you a favor if he wants you to stay the hell out of that Zinsco can. They are bad news.
Good Luck, bob-O

On Jun 17, 2010, at 10:37 AM, Brian Teitelbaum wrote:

Jeff,
 
This is any easy one.
 
REPLACE THAT ZINSCO SERVICE PANEL!!!
 
That is just a fire waiting to happen. I wouldn’t touch it with a 10’pole.
 
There are all kinds of horror stories all over the internet about Zinsco panels causing fires. There is a reason why they are no longer in business.
 
Brian Teitelbaum
ASE Solar
 
 
 
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jeff Oldham
Sent: Thursday, June 17, 2010 9:14 AM
To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Supply side tap not allowed
 
I just had my proposal for a supply side tap (between meter and main) of on a residential system rejected by the inspector (CA) because he wants a letter from the service panel manu detailing the proper method of making this tap and that I must strictly follow it. This is a 1st for me, I've done lot's of commercial supply side taps as well as residential in numerous jurisdictions and this has never been requested. To make matters worse, the manu of this service is Zinsco, no letters are coming from this long ago defunct company. IF you could even get any manu to do this how many months do you think it would take to get and after how many prods? 

The inspector acknowledges that the NEC allows for supply side taps w/PV systems as well as noting that nowhere in the NEC does it require this permission letter. He says he found discussion about it on the 'net and that some feel the taps violate the U.L. on the panel. I can see this take, but feel a simple tap is not a significant "modification" to a listed panel and the impacts on our installs is significant as those letters will not come easy.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

-jeff o
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