[RE-wrenches] Accessable?

[benn kilburn]

Hey thanks for the feedback.   Looks like the definition of accessible is pretty much the same for the CEC and NEC, and NEC's 690.34 gives this method the go-ahead.

DayStar Renewable Energy Inc. benn at daystarsolar.ca780-906-7807 HAVE A SUNNY DAY



> Date: Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:28:49 -0400
> From: daveclick at fsec.ucf.edu
> To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Accessable?
> 
> And more specifically:
> 690.34 Access to Boxes.
> Junction, pull, and outlet boxes located behind modules or panels shall 
> be so installed that the wiring contained in them can be rendered 
> accessible directly or by displacement of a module(s) or panel(s) 
> secured by removable fasteners and connected by a flexible wiring system.
> 
> Andrew Truitt wrote:
> >
> >
> > Benn - I like installing j-boxes under the array as a general rule both
> > for aesthetics and to keep them somewhat sheltered from the elements.  I
> > do not see any code issues with the location because, as you mention,
> > they are still accessible.
> >
> >
> >  From NEC2008 Article 100:
> >
> > *Accessible (as applied to equipment)*. Admitting close
> > approach; not guarded by locked doors, elevation, or other
> > effective means.
> >
> > *Accessible (as applied to wiring methods)*. Capable of
> > being removed or exposed without damaging the building
> > structure or finish or not permanently closed in by the structure
> > or finish of the building.
> >
> >
> >
> > - Andrew
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > On Wed, Sep 15, 2010 at 3:15 AM, benn kilburn <benn at daystarsolar.ca
> > <mailto:benn at daystarsolar.ca>> wrote:
> >
> >     Wrenches,
> >     There has been some mention on this list lately of locating Soladeck
> >     and/or other combiner boxes under arrays.  This has me wondering if
> >     folks are doing this only for a cleaner looking roof array or if
> >     there are other reasonable intentions (lack of available roof space).
> >
> >     Other than a cleaner look, i see no benefit to doing this. (don't
> >     get me wrong, a cleanly installed array is something to be proud of)
> >       However if the box ever needs to be accessed, you have to remove
> >     at least one module to get to it, dealing with the whole 'breaking
> >     the bond' issue; having to remove the module, replacing the WEEB
> >     clip or undoing and then re-torquing the lug set screw,
> >     re-installing module, etc.  If you just wanted to quickly check
> >     something in the box (voltage, torque, whatever) it is no longer a
> >     quick and easy task.
> >
> >     So the Canadian Electrical Code says in Section 0.....Definitions
> >
> >     _Accessible_ (as applied to equipment) - admitting close approach
> >     because the equipment is not guarded by locked doors, elevation, or
> >     other effective means.
> >
> >     _Accessible_ (as applied to wiring methods) -
> >     (a) not permanently closed in by the structure or finish of the
> >     building; and
> >              (b) capable of being removed without disturbing the
> >     building structure or finish.
> >
> >     My interpretation here is that;
> >     (a) the box is not 'permanently closed in', just inconveniently
> >     closed in. and,
> >     (b) you are not disturbing the structure or finish, as you will be
> >     replacing the module as soon as you are finished in the box.
> >
> >     Many pieces of equipment and/or panels require that you remove a
> >     single piece or a multi-piece cover to access the wiring.  The pv
> >     module is like a large 'cover' in this case. So i do not see this as
> >     a code violation.  Do you?
> >
> >     I'm not familiar with the NEC, is it's definition of 'accessible'
> >     similar to the CEC's?
> >
> >     Is this combiner mounting location under the array common practice
> >     for some of you, or only done when roof space for a combiner box is
> >     limited?
> >
> >     I am going to run this scenario by one of our inspectors, i just
> >     thought i'd get some feedback from other Wrenches first.
> >
> >     cheers,
> >     benn
> >     DayStar Renewable Energy Inc.
> >     benn at daystarsolar.ca <mailto:benn at daystarsolar.ca>
> >     780-906-7807
> >     HAVE A SUNNY DAY
 		 	   		  
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