[RE-wrenches] Code reviewer issue with array disconnect location

[James Rudolph]

Jeff,
We have had some issues with this also
.....maybe try this ref from the 2011 code 690.16 (b)  where the disconnect
is located more than 1.8 m (6ft) from the overcurrent device, a directory
showing the location of each disconnect shall be installed at the
overcurrent device location

On Thu, Nov 17, 2011 at 3:40 PM, Ryan Mayfield <ryan at renewableassociates.com
> wrote:

> Jeff,
>
> Try pointing them to 690.14(B). This allows for PV source circuit isolating
> switches on the PV side of the disconnecting means. As you describe it, the
> dc disconnect at the inverter is the required PV disconnecting means and
> you
> can describe the combiner disconnects as source circuit isolating switches.
> This paragraph doesn't make mention of accessibility.
>
> Good luck,
>
> Ryan
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
> [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jeff Yago
> Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2011 11:57 AM
> To: 'RE-wrenches'
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Code reviewer issue with array disconenct
> location
>
> Here's another one of those reviewers that do not know what they are
> reviewing and just cause added hours of lost time.  Large 112 kW array
> mounted on top of structural steel beams above multi-story parking deck.
> Beams straddle center up and down ramps so no parking spaces are lost.
> Multiple rows of modules and require ladders to access.  Budget reviewer
> deleted my design of grated walkways behind each row, so you must use tie
> offs to work on any part of system.
>
> Each row includes a fused combiner box at center line, with individual
> conduit from each grouped down centerline on high mounting then down to
> inverter located outside on top deck.  Inverter includes both AC and DC
> disconnects which are readable accessible. Other AC disconnects included in
> electric room and outside at meter.
>
> Due to long runs from each array row back down to inverter, I specified the
> fused combiner boxes to include a DC disconnect option located in the cover
> (memory of Target Store conduit fire!) which not only allows disconnecting
> any single row without shutting down entire system, but also useful for
> testing and service.
>
> Reviewer demands this "disconnect" meet code requirement that a
> "disconnect"
> must be readable accessible.  I have told them we cannot separate this
> disconnect from the combiner box and will not relocate these high voltage
> combiner boxes down at eye level on a raised parking deck where any student
> could gain access, so if they make an issue of this we will use a different
> combiner box that does not have this option (and also loose added
> protection
> of conduit runs between combiners and inverter).  However, I would like to
> refer to code and I see no mention of a combiner box as required by code so
> there is no reference to it having a disconnect.
>
> Suggestions?
>
> Jeff Yago
> DTI Solar Inc.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> List sponsored by Home Power magazine
>
> List Address: RE-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
>
> Options & settings:
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>
> List-Archive:
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>
> List rules & etiquette:
> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
>
> Check out participant bios:
> www.members.re-wrenches.org
>
> _______________________________________________
> List sponsored by Home Power magazine
>
> List Address: RE-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
>
> Options & settings:
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>
> List-Archive:
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>
> List rules & etiquette:
> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
>
> Check out participant bios:
> www.members.re-wrenches.org
>
>


-- 
*James B Rudolph
NABCEP Certified PV Installer

*
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org/attachments/20111118/599dd007/attachment-0004.html>