[RE-wrenches] Article 690, or The Haves Vs. Have Nots

Tue Apr 29 09:43:55 PDT 2014

Dave

I agree, in the case of microinverters, you already have a main PV System
disconnect at the Load Panel to shut down the system that is readily
accesible.  I would consider the disconnect on the roof as a supplemental
disconnect for the purposes of maintenance by authorized personal that only
needs to be accessible.

Bill

On Tue, Apr 29, 2014 at 8:44 AM, Dave Click <daveclick at fsec.ucf.edu> wrote:

>  I think 240.24(A)(4) allows the installation of the inverter OCPDs in the
> SolaDeck hidden under a module.
>
>  *240.24 Location in or on Premises.*
>  *(A) Accessibility.* Overcurrent devices shall be readily accessible and
> shall be installed so that the center of the grip of the operating handle
> of the switch or circuit breaker, when in its highest position, is not more
> than 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in.) above the floor or working platform, unless one of
> the following applies:
> ...
> (4) For overcurrent devices adjacent to utilization equipment that they
> supply, access shall be permitted to be by portable means.
>
>
> And if panelboards / fused safety switches are allowed to have
> screwed-down covers over the OCPDs, I'd think that installing a removable
> module over these OCPDs would meet NEC. I guess an AHJ could argue that
> this requires TWO covers be removed, unlike a panelboard or a switch.
>
> DKC
>
>
> On 2014/4/29, 11:15, Jason Szumlanski wrote:
>
>  690.9(D) is not applicable to the original discussion because we were
> talking about an Inverter output circuit, not a PV Source or Output circuit.
>
>  690.34 may apply if you call a SolaDeck with breakers a junction box,
> but I can see that being a stretch in the mind of many.
>
>  My and Ray's question about the screws on the SolaDeck cover itself
> requiring a tool to render it accessible is still an issue if the breakers
> themselves need to be "readily accessible," but that would also apply to a
> Midnite MNPV, which also has a cover with a screw.
>
>
>   Jason Szumlanski
>
>>
>> On 4/28/2014 5:57 PM, Bill Brooks wrote:
>>
>>  Read 690.9(D) and 690.34. Not sure where this "hysteria--run for the
>> border" sentiment is coming from.
>>
>>
>>
>> *690.9(D) Photovoltaic Source and Output Circuits. *Listed PV
>>
>> overcurrent devices shall be required to provide overcurrent
>>
>> protection in PV source and output circuits. The overcurrent
>>
>> devices shall be accessible but shall not be required to
>>
>> be readily accessible.
>>
>>
>>
>> *690.34 Access to Boxes. *Junction, pull, and outlet boxes
>>
>> located behind modules or panels shall be so installed that
>>
>> the wiring contained in them can be rendered accessible
>>
>> directly or by displacement of a module(s) or panel(s) secured
>>
>> by removable fasteners and connected by a flexible
>>
>> wiring system.
>>
>>
>>
>> This is not a change. Please help me understand the concern.
>>
>>
>>
>> Bill Brooks.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> *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 *Ray Walters
>> *Sent:* Monday, April 28, 2014 2:23 PM
>> *To:* RE-wrenches
>> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)
>>
>>
>>
>> Interesting so does "require a tool" include taking a screw off the cover
>> plate of the combiner box, too?
>> What a game changer.  I'm going to Mexico for my next project; I'll
>> actually enjoy even more being the sole AHJ on the project.
>>
>>  R.Ray Walters
>>
>> CTO, Solarray, Inc
>>
>> Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
>>
>> Licensed Master Electrician
>>
>> Solar Design Engineer
>>
>> 303 505-8760
>>
>> On 4/28/2014 2:52 PM, Michael Morningstar wrote:
>>
>> Readily accessible is now defined in the 2014 NEC. Installing OCPD's
>> underneath a module is a major faux paux, and I can't imagine any AHJ
>> thinking otherwise. Having to remove a module in order to reset a breaker,
>> what a drag.
>>
>>
>>
>> "Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or inspection
>> without requiring those concerned to use a tool, to climb over, remove
>> obstacle or other."
>>
>>
>>
>> Michael
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>   On Apr 28, 2014, at 10:29 AM, William Miller <william at millersolar.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>  You call it a solar panel, I call it a glass j-box cover plate.
>>
>> William
>>
>> Miller Solar
>>
>>
>>  On Apr 28, 2014, at 9:21 AM, Jason Szumlanski <jason at fafcosolar.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> If that is the interpretation,
>> I don't see how the breakers are "readily accessible" in a SolaDeck
>> mounted anywhere, regardless of whether it is under a module. It
>> requires removal of four screws (using a tool) to access the breakers
>> inside the enclosure. It's all up to the AHJ. It has not been an issue
>> locally here. I can see how other jurisdictions may not
>> concur.
>>
>>
>>
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>
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-- 
William Hoffer
161 SE Fourth Ave
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