[RE-wrenches] Retaining Clips

[AE Solar]

I'm also just now realizing that if I were to rate my wire from the
tap/main panel to my 70A disconnect I would want #6awg wire and the QO
breakers only go to #8.

Drake if I went from the tap right into the lugs, it would leave those lugs
hot and exposed. Is that my only option though?

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


On Wed, Nov 30, 2016 at 1:57 PM, Drake <drake.chamberlin at redwoodalliance.org
> wrote:

> Can you come out of the line side tap to the lugs, and connect the solar
> to the breaker terminals? This way a retainer clip is not required.
>
> At 11:12 AM 11/30/2016, you wrote:
>
> Sorry I should have elaborated more from the beginning.
>
> Â
>
> 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.
>
> Â
>
> 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 “loadâ€
> so no problem there (also in same code section).
>
> Â
>
> 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.â€
>
> Â
>
> 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").
>
> Â
>
> 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 feltÂ
> 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@
> 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,
>
> I̢۪m trying to find a 60A 2 Pole Breaker Box that hashas 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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