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

[Jason Szumlanski]

Don't kill the messenger. I just answered your "why" question.

In Florida the "installer" (a licensed solar contractor) must subcontract
the AC interconnection to a licensed Electrical Contractor if the company
is not directly qualified by one. The "installer" would be wise to
subcontract that work to a well-qualified EC and make sure the work is done
by trained competent staff.

We do all kinds of dangerous and risky things in this industry. Installing
a UL listed tap intended for use under these conditions can be extremely
dangerous, but can also be done safely if conducted with the right safety
precautions by qualified personnel in my opinion. If a subcontracted EC or
any staff member deems the procedure unsafe, we would always err on the
side of caution and require a meter pull.

Jason


On Wed, May 11, 2016 at 10:12 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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