[RE-wrenches] Rapid Shutdown

[Ray Walters]

Greetings Esteemed Wrenches:

I've just heard back from our inspector here in Colorado, and we are 
still being required to disconnect the batteries under 690.12.  No where 
in 690.12 are batteries mentioned, nor in the appropriate 690.71 section 
that deals with batteries.  The entire reasoning behind this is based on 
a single article written by a single person: Bill Brooks.  I have 
contacted both Outback and Magnum on this issue, and their engineers are 
unaware that rapid shutdown applies.
My interpretation is that I could install an inverter and battery system 
that was charged from a generator, and we would not need any rapid 
shutdown at all.  But according to Bill, as soon as I put a single solar 
module into the system, suddenly the entire system becomes PV? The 
problem lies with the term 'PV System circuit'  used in 690.12.  690.2 
Defines 'PV Output circuit', and 'PV source circuit', but there is no 
'PV system circuit' defined.  690.12 therefore uses an undefined term.
Our design uses 2 inverters, so if we used Midnite's E panel with their 
remote trip breakers, the 2nd inverter would be more than 5 ft from the 
batteries.  If we used Magnum or Outback DC disconnects (that would 
comply with the 5 ft rule specified in 690.71) they don't offer remote trip.
We have a Midnite Rapid disconnect Combiner on the roof with the 
Birdhouse, so we are complying with 690.12, it should not be applied to 
batteries though.

Thanks,

-- 
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760