[RE-wrenches] Source Circuit Disconnect - 690.14 (C)(1)

Mon Jan 4 12:46:15 PST 2016

Our inspectors are OK with building entrance (before disconnect) as long as it is metal conduit before it enters the building envelope and is metal conduit all the way to the disconnect on the exterior.

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Dana Orzel 

Great Solar Works, Inc -  NABCEP # 051112-136

E - dana at solarwork.com  - Web - solarwork.com 

O - 970.626.5253  C - 208.721.7003

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

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From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Daniel Young
Sent: Monday, January 04, 2016 12:05 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Source Circuit Disconnect - 690.14 (C)(1)

You could show them the 2011 or 2014 NEC, both of which clarify this (rather than making a new rule), so the inspector might accept this rational. The numbers are a bit different now in the 2014 code (and there is an error in the referencing, the exception in 690.13 (A) points to 690.31 (F), where it’s actually in 690.31 (G)). But both 2011 and 2014 solve the circular reference issue with the 2008 code.

In 2008, the code says (690.14 C 1) a disconnect needs to be at the point of penetration, unless it follows the rule (690.31 E) where DC is installed in metallic conduit, and complies with the first rule (690.14) that requires the disconnect be at the point of penetration, unless it follows the rule (690.31 E)…… round and round we go. 

Common sense would seem to acknowledge that the exception allows you to locate the disconnect elsewhere, but we have dealt with a few inspectors in the area that feel like they want a disconnect anyway. I think it was a simple fix in those cases, we submitted an objection (with code references) in writing, and just put a disconnect in to close the permit.

With Regards,

Daniel Young, 

NABCEP Certified PV Installation ProfessionalTM: Cert #031508-90

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Carl Adams
Sent: Monday, January 04, 2016 10:59 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Source Circuit Disconnect - 690.14 (C)(1)

Fellow Wrenches,

We recently failed an inspection on a new PV installation

We are operating under the 2008 code

I have attached a small sketch of our conduit routing to clarify things.

Inspectors note post inspection ...provide a photovoltaic disconnecting means per 690.14 (C)(1) 

During his inspection the inspector was unhappy that we had entered the attic space with the DC source circuits, saying we should have run the conduit across the roof and kept it outside.  Since we entered the building we would need to add a DC disconnect in the attic to meet code.  My thought is that we fall under the exception listed (690.31(E)) since all source circuit internal to the dwelling are in metallic raceways.  I'd like to hear other wrenches chime in on this.

Our reason for routing things as we did was to keep the installation aesthetics first class and minimize unsightly conduit runs.

Code section follows

690.14 Additional Provisions. Photovoltaic disconnecting

means shall comply with 690.14(A) through (D).690.14 

(C) Requirements for Disconnecting Means. Means

shall be provided to disconnect all conductors in a building

or other structure from the photovoltaic system conductors.

(1) Location. The photovoltaic disconnecting means shall

be installed at a readily accessible location either on the

outside of a building or structure or inside nearest the point

of entrance of the system conductors.

Exception: Installations that comply with 690.31(E) shall

be permitted to have the disconnecting means located remote

from the point of entry of the system conductors.

The photovoltaic system disconnecting means shall not

be installed in bathrooms.

 690.31 (E) reads as follows

(E) Direct-Current Photovoltaic Source and Output

Circuits Inside a Building. Where direct-current photovoltaic

source or output circuits of a utility-interactive inverter

from a building-integrated or other photovoltaic system are

run inside a building or structure, they shall be contained in

metal raceways, or metal enclosures, from the point of penetration

of the surface of the building or structure to the

first readily accessible disconnecting means. The disconnecting

means shall comply with 690.14(A) through (D).

With Regards

Carl Adams, President

SunRock Solar, LLC

513.290.9072 (cell)

513.766.6025 (office)

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