[RE-wrenches] 2014 NEC

Tue May 27 12:17:53 PDT 2014

Nick and Jay,

There is a basic problem that products are not currently available to specifically address this application. I know Enphase has done a lot of research lately about this issue, so they may have uncovered problems that were previously not known. My information is that the products are actually bi-directional devices. GFCIs are not bi-direction and can fail with voltage on the load side of the device. It is possible that some AFCIs have the same problem.

This AFCI provision is a requirement that was sold to UL and the Code Making Panel with the assurance from a very large breaker manufacturer that developing products for this application was simple and straightforward. 

That manufacturer has not stepped forward with a product and so we find ourselves in 90.4 land (use the previous version of the code). Some AHJs have chosen not to read it that way and have been requiring micro-inverter systems to be installed raceways (even though not compatible with raceways). NFPA likely have to issue an official interpretation on this since it is unclear whether a product will be developed in the reasonable future.

Bill.

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jay Peltz
Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2014 11:32 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] 2014 NEC

Hi nick

Good to know, I was told this by bill brooks at a training a few months ago. 

Jay

Sent from my iPhone

On May 27, 2014, at 9:00 AM, Nick Soleil <nsoleil at enphaseenergy.com <mailto:nsoleil at enphaseenergy.com> > wrote:

Hi Jay,

It is not acceptable to wire the AFCI breaker with the utility power on the output of the AFCI breaker.  That does not meet the specifications for the AFCI breakers.  These breakers are sensitive to having voltage on their output when the breaker is opened, which can damage the AFCI breakers.

Currently, there are no AFCI circuit breakers that are listed for back-feed.

On Tue, May 20, 2014 at 8:10 AM, jay peltz <jay at asis.com <mailto:jay at asis.com> > wrote:

HI Will,

You can do this.

Take a standard breaker panel, install a Arc fault and run the wiring from the enphase like it is the grid: ie into the main lugs.

Then this will go out through the breaker in the correct fashion, and onto the main panel.

jay

peltz power

PS as to the code, they want it this way

On May 20, 2014, at 7:59 AM, Will White wrote:

Wrenches,

Is anyone else having problems with inspectors and the 2014 NEC?  In Mass we’re having all kinds of issues with inspectors requiring/allowing an array of different things for 690.12 rapid shut down ranging from roof top disconnects, disconnects on the side of a house 20’ up, disconnects in attics, or only disconnects that can be activated on the ground.  It varies between inspectors.

We’re also having problems with one inspector requiring arc fault breakers on Enphase even though there are no UL listed arc fault breakers that can be back fed or he wants us to run the trunk cable in a raceway. 

It’s getting very difficult to install in Mass.

Thanks,

Will

Will White
Operations Manager - New England

RGS Energy

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