[RE-wrenches] Rapid shutdown for pole mounts

Dave Click daveclick at fsec.ucf.edu
Thu Jun 26 07:20:30 PDT 2014


NEC says 10' from the array, defined as "A mechanically integrated 
assembly of modules or panels with a support structure and foundation, 
tracker, and other components, as required, to form a direct-current 
power-producing unit. 70HB14_CH00_FM_pi_xii.pdf " I take this to mean 
that the "array" definition includes support structure, so you could go 
10' from the bottom of the pole?

But that doesn't matter, as rapid shutdown requirements only apply to PV 
systems "on or in" buildings; it only applies to a ground-mounted system 
if you bring the dc all the way into a building (for at least a 5' run 
within the structure). So, Rapid Shutdown doesn't apply at all to your 
scenario where only the ac wiring from a pole mount enters the building.

DKC


On 2014/6/25, 12:00, Jesse Dahl wrote:
> Re-reading this rapid shutdown convo.
>
>  Does 10' from the array mean from the modules or the "mount"? What if 
> the array is on a pole, the pole is 15' tall and the inverter is 
> mounted at the base of the pole?  Since the array (modules) is 15' 
> from the inverter is rapid shutdown required?
>
> Again, since the title of 690.12 is "On Buildings" is it required for 
> pole mounts where only AC enters the building?  Thoughts?
>
> Thanks!
>
>
> Jesse
>
>
> On Sat, Apr 19, 2014 at 12:22 PM, Dan Fink <danbob88 at gmail.com 
> <mailto:danbob88 at gmail.com>> wrote:
>
>     Hi Aaron, boB, Wrenches;
>
>     I think Aaron brings up a good point, and it's certainly confusing
>     to me.
>
>     The boldface type heading of 690.12 is "Rapid Shutdown of PV
>     Systems on Buildings"
>
>     The body of the 690.12 text begins with "PV system *circuits*
>     installed on or in buildings shall....."
>
>     690.2 defines "Photovoltaic source circuit" as "Circuits between
>     modules and from modules to the common connection point(s) of the
>     DC system"
>
>     and "Photovoltaic output circuit" as "Circuit conductors between
>     the PV source circuit(s) and the inverter or DC utilization
>     equipment."
>
>     "PV system" from the heading of 690.12 is not defined in 690.2,
>     other than that the definition of "Photovoltaic system voltage"
>      specifically includes both PV output and source circuits.
>
>     To me the confusing part of 690.12 is "PV Systems on Buildings" is
>     that "system" is not defined, and tends to imply rooftop arrays.
>     But "PV system circuits installed on or in buildings shall....."
>     is pretty clear. I interpret it to mean anything DC and PV stuck
>     to the side of building like conduit, etc, or running
>     inside....which means it applies to ground-mount arrays too if
>     they terminate outside or inside the building.
>
>     What I'm seeing as the easy work-around for us off-grid folk is
>     the old "power shed" idea containing battery bank, balance of
>     system, inverter etc....just build it within 10 feet of the PV
>     array and you're fine.
>
>     Any thoughts?
>
>
>     Dan Fink,
>     Executive Director;
>     Otherpower
>     Buckville Energy Consulting
>     Buckville Publications LLC
>     NABCEP / IREC accredited Continuing Education Providers
>     970.672.4342 <tel:970.672.4342>
>
>
>
>     On Fri, Apr 18, 2014 at 3:30 PM, boB at midnitesolar.com
>     <mailto:boB at midnitesolar.com> <boB at midnitesolar.com
>     <mailto:boB at midnitesolar.com>> wrote:
>
>
>         Bill Brooks should probably respond to this also, but reading
>         the NEC, it looks like if the wires
>         do not go inside the building to run more than 5 feet (as the
>         crow flies), the the rapid disconnect
>         does not apply.    OR, less than 10 feet from the array IF the
>         PV is mounted on that building.
>
>         boB
>
>
>
>
>         On 4/18/2014 1:34 PM, Aaron Mandelkorn wrote:
>
>             The rapid shutdown language is so confusing. When looking
>             at the rapid shutdown language, does PV systems "on" a
>             building refer to only situations where the array is on a
>             building; or does it include DC conductors as well. For
>             example, if the DC conductors from a pole mounted array
>             run up the side of a building before punching in to the
>             inverter, does this require rapid shutdown?  Is this PV
>             system considered "on" a building?
>
>             Aaron
>
>             Aaron Mandelkorn
>             Owner/Solar Specialist
>             Renewable Energy Outfitters
>             719-221-5249 <tel:719-221-5249>
>             970-596-3744 <tel:970-596-3744>
>             www.reosolar.com <http://www.reosolar.com>
>             reosolar at gmail.com <mailto:reosolar at gmail.com>
>
>
>
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