[RE-wrenches] Grouping of Service Disconnects

[Jason Szumlanski]

I know this has been discussed ad nauseum, but...

 

I have a supply side tap with a fusible disconnect located next to the
meter outside. The tap is in the main distribution panel which is back
to back with the meter inside a finished garage. There is a 200A main
breaker in the MDP. The inspector is insisting that the solar AC
disconnect (fusible disconnect) be located inside the garage next to the
MDP. He is saying that service disconnecting means must be grouped. The
inspector acknowledges that the PV system is considered a separate
source, not necessarily a separate service, but also insists that
Section 230 applies.

 

I pointed out that section 230.72(A) and 230.71(A) apply to grouping of
service disconnects for the SAME service, not grouping of all
disconnects for multiple services. I noted that the location required in
230.70(A)(1) allows for the disconnect to be outside the building. There
is no explicit requirement for disconnects of separate services to be
co-located (grouped). I also pointed out 690.56(B) which implies that
the PV system disconnect can be located elsewhere if a plaque or
directory is supplied. I thought this was case closed, but he is still
not seeing it my way.

 

I realize that the AHJ could theoretically make the determination that
the disconnect be located inside, but that is not the case he is making.
He is stuck on the grouping aspect. I have provided Enphase's white
paper on disconnecting means and the excellent IAEI articles on the
subject. I think they are interpreting the word "each" in 230.71(A) to
mean "all." I'm not sure...

 

 

There is no way that the homeowner will allow a surface mounted fusible
disconnect next to his flush mounted MDP in the garage. The next best
alternative to comply with the inspector is expensive and time
consuming, and a load side connection is out of the question. Not happy
right now...

 

Jason Szumlanski

Fafco Solar

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