[RE-wrenches] 690.31(B) "within the photovoltaic array"

[Mark Frye]

The idea of "within the array" goes to the idea that the conductors will be
located on the underside of an array of traditional framed moduled and will
be afforded a modicum of protection from physical damage by the module
itself.
 
So the issue is one of physical protection of the conductors. That is what
tha AJH should be looking to. If he has cold feet about approving a
non-standard method using un-listed componets based on local conditions,
then he is understandably going to ask for a solution utilizing listed
materials and standard methods.
 
What kind of support are you getting from Lumeta around this?

Mark Frye 
Berkeley Solar Electric Systems 
303 Redbud Way 
Nevada City,  CA 95959 
(530) 401-8024 
 <http://www.berkeleysolar.com/> www.berkeleysolar.com  
 

  _____  

From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of
wirewiz at gmail.com
Sent: Tuesday, September 06, 2011 12:44 PM
To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] 690.31(B) "within the photovoltaic array"


Wrenches,

I am installing Lumeta peel and stick modules (similar to laminates) on a
flat EPDM roof. No racking. NEC2008 690.31(B) says single conductor cable
listed and labeled as PV wire shall be permitted in exposed outdoor
locations..."within the array". 690.2 defines array as a mechanically
integrated assembly of modules or panels within a support structure...to
form a direct-current power producing unit. With the Lumeta's there is no
support structure. If you look at the diagram in the NEC 2008 (page 70-576)
it shows a box around the modules or panels and labels that box as the
"Array or photovoltaic power source". 

My AHJ was at first not sure but then told me I had to install all the PV
wire in a listed raceway because the interconnects between the Lumeta's were
not within the array. But if you draw a box around all the Lumeta's it would
look like the array diagram that I referred to above.

Because of my roof layout, it would be much easier to install an unlisted
wire management system within the array rather than conduit which I will do
but in reading the NEC it just wasn't clear to me what "within the array"
means.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Larry Liesner
Design and Installations
Elektron Solar, LLC
16 Ketchum St.
Westport, CT 06880
203-557-3127 (office)
203-644-2404 (cell)
203-549-0977 (fax)
wirewiz at gmail.com
NABCEP Certified PV Installer (# 032611-184)


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