[RE-wrenches] Accessibility of Equipment on Roof was Are PV Systems Mechanical Equipment?

[Jason Szumlanski]

Oh, yes - that is a great application for the MNPV-AC. I didn't mean to
imply there isn't a good use for them. In this particular instance the
three MVPV-AC's are really subcombiners that get all get tied together in
another subpanel at ground level. They really were not necessary, but made
it more convenient and cost effective.

It's just interesting how Midnite advertises that they can be mounted as
flat as a 3:12 pitch. What application would allow this mounting angle
where it is still readily accessible? The spec/advertising seems to imply
that these can be roof mounted in an AC string combining application.

The Soladeck combiner with fuses would appear to be non-code compliant in
any situation. I would love for someone to refute that in a convincing way
given the access requirements in 240.24(A).

*Jason Szumlanski*
*Fafco Solar*


On Thu, Feb 7, 2013 at 7:31 PM, jay peltz <jay at asis.com> wrote:

> Hi Jason,
>
> Is it possible to install them on the side of a building?
> And Dan's suggestion for the remote midnite might be perfect.
>
> jay
>
>
> On Feb 7, 2013, at 3:55 PM, Jason Szumlanski wrote:
>
> Jay,
>
> I assume you mean pitched roofs, or not readily accessible flat roofs.
> This particular project happens to be a flat commercial roof, but with no
> permanent ladder or hatch. I really didn't have to use the MNPV6-AC's, but
> it made sense in this case (excluding the access issue).
>
> Looks like my options are to remove the combiners or install a permanent
> access. Neither are fun options. Live and learn...
>
> *Jason Szumlanski** *
> *Fafco Solar*
>
>
>
> On Thu, Feb 7, 2013 at 6:27 PM, jay peltz <jay at asis.com> wrote:
>
>> I'm with your inspector on this.
>>
>> I don't install fuses or breakers on roofs
>>
>> jay
>>
>> peltz power
>>
>>
>> On Feb 7, 2013, at 12:02 PM, Jason Szumlanski wrote:
>>
>> While I haven't completely convinced the latest inspector about PV not
>> being mechanical equipment, I'm running into another issue.
>>
>> I decided to try out the new Midnite MNPV6-AC combiner for Enphase
>> circuits. Because there are overcurrent devices inside, the inspector now
>> insists that NEC 240.24(A) applies and that the enclosure must be readily
>> accessible, meaning you have to reach it without a ladder. That would seem
>> to make the MNPV6-AC as a roof mounted solution, or Soladeck combiner
>> boxes, or any other combiner box incorporating overcurrent protection,
>> pretty much useless on a pitched roof or flat roof without a permanent
>> access ladder or hatch.
>>
>> I'm debating whether to go to battle on this one or just capitulate.
>>
>> *Jason Szumlanski** *
>> *Fafco Solar*
>> *
>> *
>> P.S. To answer benn's question, there is no definition of 'mechanical,'
>> but it does define 'equipment,' and it's clear to me that PV does not fit
>> the description.
>> mbers.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
>>
>>
>>
> _______________________________________________
> 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
>
>
>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org/attachments/20130208/e6c6e4d7/attachment-0003.html>