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

[Dan Fink]

Might be a good application for the Midnite Disconnecting Combiners, with
the control unit on the ground.

-- 
Dan Fink,
Executive Director;
Otherpower
Buckville Energy Consulting
Buckville Publications LLC
NABCEP / IREC accredited Continuing Education Providers
970.672.4342 (voicemail)

On Thu, Feb 7, 2013 at 4:55 PM, Jason Szumlanski <jason at fafcosolar.com>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
>>
>>
>>
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