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

Wed May 11 11:37:08 PDT 2016

I don’t know about other parts of the country.

If we have a self contained revenue meter – ie the type that cuts off power
to the building when it is pulled, then we just pull it for any type of
supply side connection or service upgrade. Sometimes we have to cut the
utility locking mechanism (we have meter locking rings in our territory) in
order to pull the meter. We don’t get the utility involved.

If the project has a CT style meter where pulling the meter doesn’t cut off
power, then we have to setup a disconnect reconnect with the utility for
supply side connections. Screwing around in a live panel even with
insulation piercing conductors is a risk that is not worth taking. The
utility can supply *a lot* of current on the supply side of a service!

-August

*From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
Behalf Of *Jason Szumlanski
*Sent:* Wednesday, May 11, 2016 9:11 AM
*To:* RE-wrenches
*Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] supply side connection - Tap connector
recommendations

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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