[RE-wrenches] Remote battery disconnects

[Christopher Warfel]

Seems confusing that the AHJ is requiring a disconnect for AC wiring, 
not specific to which or both panel types, and then a dc disconnect with 
no code reference.  Was trying to convey a reasonable, safe approach.  A 
lot of bad information from fire department solar consultants making a 
lot of money fear mongering, which has led to this type of situation.  Chris

On 1/27/2023 3:35 PM, William Miller via RE-wrenches wrote:
>
> Glenn:
>
> As I wrote, a DC disconnect is required.  Here is an excerpt from the 
> Q&A with the building official:
>
> 4.Will you be requiring an external disconnect to disconnect the AC 
> output of the inverter system from premise wiring?
>
> Yes, as required per 230.85
>
> 5.Will you be requiring an external disconnect to disconnect batteries 
> from the inverters?
>
> Yes
>
> If the DC disconnect was not required I would not be wasting 
> everyone’s time with my post.  I try to be careful about that, 
> researching on my own before posting and trying to make my questions 
> very clear.  I also try not to embarrass myself with dumb questions, 
> but that does happen occasionally…
>
> William
>
> Miller Solar
>
> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
>
> 805-438-5600
>
> www.millersolar.com <http://www.millersolar.com/>
>
> CA Lic. 773985
>
> *From:*RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] 
> *On Behalf Of *Glenn Burt via RE-wrenches
> *Sent:* Friday, January 27, 2023 11:46 AM
> *To:* William Miller via RE-wrenches
> *Cc:* Glenn Burt
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Remote battery disconnects
>
> Does the AHJ really want the batteries disconnected from conductors, 
> or does he really just want the inverters to stop operating and 
> producing AC within the house?
>
> Obviously there is a big difference here and it may be changing as the 
> code evolves.
>
> -Glenn
>
> Sent from my 'smart'phone, so please excuse typos and spelling errors.
>
> ------ Original message------
>
> *From: *William Miller via RE-wrenches
>
> *Date: *Fri, Jan 27, 2023 2:26 PM
>
> *To: *RE-wrenches;
>
> *Cc: *William Miller;
>
> *Subject:*[RE-wrenches] Remote battery disconnects
>
> Friends:
>
> We have a large-ish residential off-grid system install coming up.  
> The AHJ has said they will require a remote battery disconnect.  I 
> suspect there will be fire sprinkler controls and a pressure pump that 
> would become inoperable if this system were engaged.  In this case we 
> will apply for a waiver.
>
> The last time this was discussed here as far as I can find was October 
> of 2020.  At that time no one suggested any specific battery 
> disconnect equipment.
>
> To further clarify my needs:  There will be 4 or 5 Radian 8048 
> inverters (5 or 6 4/0 battery circuits, ~350A each) and two 175 amp PV 
> recombiner outputs.  That is 6 poles of high amperage DC disconnects.
>
> The battery array will be either a UnigyII VRLA or a lithium of a 
> brand yet to be determined.  In the case of lithium we will look for a 
> system that can remotely enable a BMS shutdown.  In the case of a VRLA 
> lead-acid, we will not have that luxury.
>
> I have done some considerable research and have not found viable, high 
> amperage, remotely activated shutdown equipment.
>
> I am wondering what hardware others may be using to achieve remote 
> battery disconnecting in these types of cases..
>
> William
>
> Miller Solar
>
> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
>
> 805-438-5600 <tel:805-438-5600>
>
> www.millersolar.com <http://www.millersolar.com/>
>
> CA Lic. 773985
>
>
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-- 
             Christopher Warfel
                      ENTECH Engineering, Inc.
PO Box 871, Block Island, RI 02807
                                 401-466-8978
<http://entech-engineering.com>

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