[RE-wrenches] 2014 NEC 705.22 disconnect for inverter capable of being locked

[August Goers]

Hi Jesse,



A regular visible blade lockable AC disconnect will satisfy our plan
checker’s concern. However, the utility does not require an AC disconnect
in our area for most residential applications so oftentimes we just use the
beaker as our disconnect. If we just use a back-fed breaker, he wants us to
install a handle padlock attachment at time of inspection and keep it
there. I can see where he is coming from if you read the code sections I
listed below, I’m just trying to figure out if this is a valid
interpretation and if so how we’re going to comply.



Best,



August



*From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
Behalf Of *Solar
*Sent:* Thursday, April 28, 2016 7:59 PM
*To:* RE-wrenches
*Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] 2014 NEC 705.22 disconnect for inverter
capable of being locked



So an AC disconnect in the inverter output between the inverter and panel
or utility disconnect if required doesn't work for him or her? The locking
provision is always in place on a standard AC disconnect.

Jesse Dahl



NABCEP PV Installation Professional

IBEW Local 292 - Electrician

Electrical/Solar PV Instructor - HCC



Sent from my iPhone


On Apr 28, 2016, at 5:58 PM, jay <jay.peltz at gmail.com> wrote:

HI August,



I guess my question is.

Are they asking for a lockout AC disconnect on a AC circuit IE from the AC
panel?

or

are they asking for a lockout from the inverter AC at the inverter?



thanks

jay



peltz power





On Apr 28, 2016, at 3:11 PM, August Goers <august at luminalt.com> wrote:



Hi Wrenches,



We have a particular plan checker who wants us to provide a *lockable* AC
disconnect for our inverter output circuit. His particular issue is that he
wants the locking mechanism to be installed and on site. Here is a little
NEC background info:



2014 NEC 705.22 Disconnect Device

The disconnecting means for ungrounded conductors shall consist of a
manually or power operable switch(es) or circuit breaker(s) with the
following features:

(1)    Located where readily accessible

(2)    Externally operable without exposing the operator to contact with
live parts and, if power operable, of a type that could be opened by hand
in the event of a power-supply failure

(3)    Plainly indicating whether in the open (off) or closed (on) position

(4)    Having ratings not less than the load to be carried and the fault
current to be interrupted. For disconnect equipment energized from both
sides, a marking shall be provided to indicate that all contacts of the
disconnect equipment might be energized.

*Informational Note to (4): In parallel generation systems, some equipment,
including knife blade switches and fuses, is likely to be energized from
both directions. See 240.40.*

(5)    Simultaneous disconnect of all ungrounded conductors of the circuit

(6)    Capable of being locked in the open (off) position



NEC 110.25 Lockable Disconnecting Means:

Where a disconnecting means is required to be lockable open elsewhere in
this Code, it shall be capable of being locked in the open position. The
provisions for locking shall remain in place with or without the lock
installed.



Many times we are using a standard back-fed circuit breaker to comply with
705.22. Then we can supply a handle padlock attachment such as the one
shown for Square D:



http://static.schneider-electric.us/assets/pdf/retail/QO-and-Homeline-Accessories.pdf



Does anyone else have experience installing these breaker handle padlock
attachments? My concern is whether we can find them for all of the old
types of breakers that we have to deal with. Also, our plan checker is
requiring that this handle padlock attachment accessory is installed at the
time of our inspection. Is anyone else dealing with similar issues?



Best,



August

Luminalt











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