[RE-wrenches] Enphase and Romex

[Jason Szumlanski]

Benn,

Wet location is defined, but there are also specific elaborations
throughout the code. As an example, for an enclosure mounted below grade,
the interior of the enclosure is also considered to be wet. There is
nothing specific in the code that defines the interior of a junction box
mounted in a wet location as a wet location also. However, that is up the
the interpretation (dare I say whim) of the AHJ. We have been required to
use wet location rated splices and connections inside roof mounted junction
boxes by some inspectors. Using the same logic, NM cable would not be
acceptable.

Nonetheless, I think you are correct and on the right track, and I'm going
to give it a whirl.

*Jason Szumlanski** *

*Fafco Solar*

On Fri, Oct 26, 2012 at 2:02 PM, benn kilburn <benn at daystarsolar.ca> wrote:

> Glenn/Jason,
> So you wouldn't use romex to feed an exterior outlet on an outside wall,
> or to any outside lights???
>
> Canadian Electrical Code's (CE Code) definitions…
> *wet location* -a location in which liquids may drip, splash, or flow on
> or against electrical equipment.
> *Damp location* –an exterior or interior location that is normally or
> periodically subject to condensation of moisture in, on, or, adjacent to
> electrical equipment an includes partially protected locations under
> canopies, parquees, roofed open porches, and similar locations.
> *Dry location *–a location not normally subject to dampness, but that may
> include a location subject to temporary dampness as in the case of a
> building under construction, provided that ventilation is adequate to
> prevent an accumulation of moisture.
>
> If inside your attic is considered a "wet location", then you have other
> issues.  Are you sure the NEC's definition of 'wet location' is relating to
> the location of the romex?
> I just spoke to one of my inspectors and he sees no issue with entering
> the bottom of a soladeck with romex.
>
> On the grounding/bonding, I have been using the bare wire in the romex for
> the enphase system ground (within the enphase cable) and running a #6 from
> the mod frames and rails into the soladeck and along side the romex back to
> the panelboard.
>
> I need to get myself a copy of your NEC so I can be on the same page as
> you guys.  I hear it is written in a way that is much easier to interpret
> than the CE Code, which is written in a very legal jargon.
>
> Cheers,
> benn
> DayStar Renewable Energy Inc.
> www.daystarsolar.ca  *  Ph: 780-906-7807
> Construction Electrician Solar Photovoltaic Systems Certified
> Certificate # 0007S
> HAVE A SUNNY DAY
>
> On 25/10/12 9:37 AM, "Glenn Burt" <glenn.burt at glbcc.com> wrote:
>
> Soladeck on the rooftop places it in an environment that is considered
> ‘wet’.****
>
> I don’t think Romex is listed for use in a wet environment.****
>
> ** **
>
> This would force you to use the proposed jbox in the attic for the
> transition location.****
>
> I also understood that you could combine the EGC and GEC into a single
> conductor as long as it is continuous or irreversibly spliced, as part of
> the ’08 code.****
>
> ** **
>
> -Glenn Burt****
>
> ** **
>
> *From:* re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [
> mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org<re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org>]
> *On Behalf Of *Jason Szumlanski
> *Sent:* Thursday, October 25, 2012 9:13 AM
> *To:* RE-wrenches
> *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] Enphase and Romex****
>
> ** **
>
> I'm sure this has been covered, but I could not find it in the archives.**
> **
>
> ** **
>
> We are considering using Romex in the attic for the first time. My plan
> was to use the new Enphase coupler to connect the trunk cable to Type
> TC-ER, enter a Soladeck passthrough box on the roof into a junction box in
> the attic where I would make the transition to 10/3 Romex. I'm hung up on
> the GEC going back to the service panel. Any suggestions?****
>
> ** **
>
> By the way, we are on NEC 2008, and in most cases there is also a
> requirement for an additional grounding electrode per NEC 690.47(D) (that
> shouldn't really relate to my issue).****
>
> *Jason Szumlanski** *****
>
> *Fafco Solar*****
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