[RE-wrenches] supply side connection - Tap connector recommendations

Wed May 11 09:02:06 PDT 2016

Hi Matt,

It is a utility requirement not an AHJ requirement, but you might be right
that they are just prohibited in the meter can.  I can't find the specific
wording in the metering standard at the moment.

On Wed, May 11, 2016 at 9:47 AM, Matt Partymiller <
matt at solar-energy-solutions.com> wrote:

> Mac,
>
> Is this a utility or AHJ prohibition?  In most jurisdictions we work in
> (not CO) the utilities prohibit taps in the meter base but take no
> responsibility for conductors once they leave the meter base.
>
> Matt
>
>
> On Wed, May 11, 2016 11:44 am, Mac Lewis wrote:
> > Hi Kirpal,
> >
> >
> > Sounds like you are well informed but I thought I'd throw this in just in
> >  case.  In Xcel Energy territory in Colorado they specifically prohibit
> > piercing taps for solar installations.  I'm not sure why, but you may
> > want to run it by the utility in case there happens to be some solar
> > specific regulation.
> >
> > Good Luck
> >
> >
> > On Wed, May 11, 2016 at 9:36 AM, Kirpal Khalsa <solarworks at gmail.com>
> > wrote:
> >
> >
> >> Hi Shasta....Thank you for the reminder.  Safety first as they say!!
> >> Jason
> >> hit the nail on the head....Coordinating with the local utility and
> >> inspector is what caused us to go the route of the insulation piercing
> >> taps in the first place....We also considered the ConnectDer meter
> >> collar.....I am sure we will use it in the future....The local utility
> >> has not already approved their use and in the middle of a project we
> >> didn't want to break new ground. Luckily for us our experienced
> >> electrician will be making the hot taps, I will use the opportunity to
> >> remind them about safety.... Cheers!
> >>
> >>
> >> Sunny Regards,
> >> Kirpal Khalsa
> >> Oregon LRT#25
> >> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
> >> Oregon Solarworks LLC
> >> www.oregonsolarworks.com 541-299-0402
> >>
> >>
> >> On Wed, May 11, 2016 at 7:12 AM, Shasta Daiku <mjmorningstar at gmail.com>
> >>  wrote:
> >>
> >>
> >>> Yes, “I get” that there is inconvenience in coordinating  with the
> >>> utility and inspectors, permitting, and power disruption. In my world
> >>> that’s just a given part of the process. Of course there are
> >>> circumstances where disconnecting a utility supply is nearly
> >>> unavoidable, for instance, certain industrial processes that run 24/7.
> >>> I am aware that the practice of
> >>> installing line side taps on energized unfused conductors is common in
> >>> the solar industry and always thought it pretty cavalier. I have to
> >>> wonder just how many “installers” have had real training for live work
> >>> and utilize proper personnel safety protection. Part of the classwork
> >>> for this type of training is watching/viewing the results of things
> >>> gone wrong, even when the best practices are applied. An indelible
> >>> impression will certainly be imprinted, and an attitude of "avoiding
> >>> the avoidable” second nature.
> >>>
> >>> Michael
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> On May 11, 2016, at 5:24 AM, Jason Szumlanski <
> >>> jason at floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> In some jurisdictions and for some utilities, pulling the meter is a
> >>> MAJOR ordeal. Some jurisdictions require a "service change" permit on
> >>> top of the solar permit just to have the meter pulled. It also
> >>> requires getting an inspector out there at the perfect time to have it
> >>> inspected so the the utility will re-install the meter. The homeowner
> >>> is often without power for several hours, which is usually somewhere
> >>> between inconvenient and unacceptable. Insulation piercing taps are
> >>> extremely common around here for these reasons. With proper safety
> >>> precautions and experience, I don't see any issue specifying and using
> >>> them.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Jason Szumlanski
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> On Wed, May 11, 2016 at 12:26 AM, Shasta Daiku
> >>> <mjmorningstar at gmail.com>
> >>> wrote:
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>> Kirpal, I’m curious what the reason is for making the tap on an
> >>>> energized line. Why not have the meter pulled? While insulation
> >>>> piercing taps are designed for “hot work”, there use for that should
> >>>> be limited to tapping conductors that have OCP, and aren’t under
> >>>> load, with generous working space, like in a piece of switch gear.
> >>>> Even in that situation,
> >>>> making taps on energized conductors should only be done when it’s an
> >>>>  absolute necessity. I’ve got a large body of “hot work” under my
> >>>> belt, both line and load side and will say that face shields and hot
> >>>> gloves saved my butt on several occasions and I’ve got a nice scar
> >>>> on my neck from a molten piece of lug from a main breaker that broke
> >>>> apart while I was tightening up it’s mounting screw. Stuff happens.
> >>>> It’s always best to play it safe.
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> Michael Morningstar
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> On May 10, 2016, at 11:04 AM, Chris Mason
> >>>> <cometenergysystems at gmail.com>
> >>>> wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> This is what we use - we keep a selection in the van for difficult
> >>>> jobs.
> >>>>
> >>>> Insulation Piercing Connector 2/0-10 AWG
> >>>> Part #IPCS2001
> >>>> Insulation Piercing Connector 2/0-10 AWG 2/0-4 Main, 10-14 AWG Tap,
> >>>> Dual
> >>>> Rated AL9CU, Torque Limiting Nut
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> On Tue, May 10, 2016 at 1:27 PM, Kirpal Khalsa
> >>>> <solarworks at gmail.com>
> >>>> wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>> Hi Folks,
> >>>>> We have a job requiring a supply side connection.  Wondering if
> >>>>> anyone could share some makes and models for connectors connecting
> >>>>> to the wires between a main meter and the main breakers in the
> >>>>> electrical panel. Ideally it would be able to be done hot.
> >>>>> I am also looking into the ConnectDer meter collar but will have
> >>>>> to coordinate with the utility for that and am looking to keep
> >>>>> things simple. Thank you!!!!
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Sunny Regards,
> >>>>> Kirpal Khalsa
> >>>>> Oregon LRT#25
> >>>>> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
> >>>>> Oregon Solarworks LLC
> >>>>> www.oregonsolarworks.com 541-299-0402
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> --
> >>>> Chris Mason
> >>>> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™
> >>>> Solar Design Engineer
> >>>> Generac Generators Industrial technician
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> www.cometsolar.com <http://www.cometenergysystems.com/> 264.235.5670
> >>>>  869.662.5670
> >>>> Skype: netconcepts
> >>>>
> >>>>
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> >
> > --
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Mac Lewis
> >
> >
> > *"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates*
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>
> Matthew Partymiller
> Solar Energy Solutions LLC
> (877) 312-7456
> matt at solar-energy-solutions.com
>
>
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-- 

Mac Lewis

*"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates*
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