[RE-wrenches] Utility disconnect

[Mark Richardson]

Jesse, 
It is my understanding that the "utility disconnect" is exactly what it sounds like...a disconnect required by the utility, not a code requirement.
Here in New York the Public Service Commission has ruled that system size is the determining factor for whether or not an exterior AC disco is required. 
On systems of 25 kW and larger, an exterior "utility" AC disco is required. On inverter based systems less than 25 kW no exterior disconnect is required.

>From New York PSC No: 119, Section II, Subpart D, p.18:
"Generating equipment with system size larger than 25 kW and non-inverter based systems of 25 
kW or less shall be capable of being isolated from the utility system by means of an external, 
manual, visible, gang-operated, load break disconnecting switch."

Here is the Link to this document:
(http://www3.dps.ny.gov/W/PSCWeb.nsf/96f0fec0b45a3c6485257688006a701a/dcf68efca391ad6085257687006f396b/$FILE/Modified%20SIR%20-%20April%202012%20-%20Draft%20CL.pdf)

Unfortunately, this only applies to New York State. Each state and possibly each utility may have its own requirements.
Good Luck...

Mark Richardson
mrichardson at newyorklightenergy.com


-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jesse Dahl
Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2012 10:21 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Utility disconnect

> I think all will be fine, I spent 15 min or so explaining it to him and brought out my NEC to show him all the required disconnect provisions. He just kept saying "I can't get my head around it, I've never seen a system without one".   

Sorry for the blue text. 

Jesse 
_______________________________________________
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