[RE-wrenches] Backfeeding GFP devices

[Glenn Burt]

We have had success in many cases, contacting the manufacturer of the
installed breaker and asking if the device was suitable for backfeeding (ala
solar). Some will certify that it is OK, some do not.

Glenn Burt

-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Hans
Frederickson
Sent: Friday, March 25, 2011 1:16 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Backfeeding GFP devices

Wrenches,
I'm looking at a fair number of school projects these days. So far, every
school service I've looked at has a ground fault protection device at the
main service disconnect. I just completed a 75kW school project where we did
a line side tap. The panel gear was old, maybe 1960s Federal Pacific.
Lately, I've been looking at schools with newer gear.

In SolarPro 2.4, the "Can We Land?" article mentions the possibility of
getting a GFP device that is capable of being backfed. Has anyone seen or
used such a device in conjunction with a big service? Are there any known
manufacturers of GFP devices that are listed for backfeeding? For a current
project, I would like to backfeed a GFP device that is controlling a 3000A
switch on a 480V service.

Also, because I'm a curious person, I'm wondering if anyone has ever backfed
a GFP device not listed for that use, perhaps without realizing it, and what
the result was? 

Thanks,
-Hans

Hans Frederickson
Estimator / Project Manager
Frederickson Electric, Inc.
(360) 385-1395


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