[RE-wrenches] Retaining Clips

Glenn Burt glenn.burt at glbcc.com
Wed Nov 30 10:25:56 PST 2016


Also be aware that you must meet or exceed the AIR/AIC of the existing service, which may be tough to do with a simple branch breaker used as an new PV service equipment.
Refer to NEC 110.9 and 110.10.

Glenn

-----Original Message-----
From: "AE Solar" <autonomousenergies at gmail.com>
Sent: ‎11/‎30/‎2016 11:12
To: "RE-wrenches" <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Retaining Clips

Sorry I should have elaborated more from the beginning.



I am using the panel as a service disconnect for a lineside connection
(can’t use a fused/bladed disco because of space constraints). Originally I
bought a QO 70A panel, but soon realized that the Square D retention clip
(PK2MB) is only compatible with their larger panels. So I bought a larger
panel (100A 8 Circuit) and then received some feedback that having the open
spaces (even if labeled that “Do Not Add Loads”) could raise a flag with an
inspector. So then I was back on the hunt for a dedicated 2 Pole 60A or 70A
panel with a compatible retention clip for a 30A breaker. Eaton’s retention
options only start in the 60A range (the smaller breakers don’t have the
hole in them to put the bolt through). Square D said they don’t have an
option for their 70A panel. There aren’t any good Siemans distributors near
me but I wasn’t finding an option via google for them either.



I talked with another Wrencher on the phone and received this feedback
which I’m just going to cut and paste to include it in this thread:


“The NEC doesn’t require a hold down clamp for the circuit breaker unless
it can be backfed from a multi-mode or stand-alone inverter (690.10(E)).

The language implies that a hold-down is therefore not required elsewhere.
Most modern breakers (def. QO’s) are not marked “line” and “load” so no
problem there (also in same code section).



Even when it was a requirement for all PV outputs, John Wiles had argued
that taking off the panel cover, which required a tool, served as the
hold-down, and this was generally accepted.”



So taken that advice I’m back to using the QO 70A panel but without a
retention clip (or calling the lid the "retention clip").



For what its worth I have passed inspections prior using the retaining clip
from a generator interlock kit (QOCGK2C) on a QO 100A panel, but felt like
there must be a better option out there....

Adam Katzman
Autonomous Energies
PO Box 1245
Kingston, NY 12402
www.autonomousenergies.com
(518) 567-1468


On Wed, Nov 30, 2016 at 10:45 AM, Drake <
drake.chamberlin at redwoodalliance.org> wrote:

> Siemens has main breaker retainers. The retainers for QO seem work on some
> boxes and not others. It doesn't work on 6 space boxes I've purchased, but
> does work on the 8.
>
> At 10:14 PM 11/29/2016, you wrote:
>
> Wrenchers,
>
> I’m trying to find a 60A 2 Pole Breaker Box that has a compatible
> retaining clip. The QO retaining clip (PK2MBCP) seems to only be compatible
> with their 4-8 circuit load centers. What are my options? Thanks!
>
> Thanks
>
> Adam
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