[RE-wrenches] Battery RSD

Tue Jul 29 10:49:20 PDT 2025

David,
We already have an RSD system installed, it shuts down the tigo's on the
rooftop and it shuts down the AC output of the inverter, making the home
safe for firefighters. I can't imagine what an additional battery shut down
could do for safety, at 48V DC nominal?
But we must comply with the AHJ........

I priced (online) an Eaton 100amp 600V DC rated knife switch NEMA 3R,
$4000.00....ouch

Mike

On Tue, Jul 29, 2025 at 10:41 AM david quattro <david at quattrosolar.com>
wrote:

> I use the SolArk 12v micro-circuit that triggers RSD.  hopefully that’s
> all they’re looking for, is to kill ESS and solar DC.   When using
> plunger-type, or single gang it’s easy.   But when they require a knife
> blade style switch it’s tricky (with SolArk and Midnite).  This is because
> in order to deenergize ESS/RSD you have to *complete* the micro circuit.
>    Eaton makes a Nema4 switch that can be turned upside down.   that puts
> the red handle on the left side, which is unusual but I’ve done it, and I
> don’t think it violates any requirement.
>    otherwise you’re stuck using an ice cube relay.  Initiating RSD is
> easy, but getting everything to turn back on is harder.   Feel free to call
> me if you want
>
>
>
>
> On Tue, Jul 29, 2025 at 9:46 AM MD Electric & Solar via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> Wondering if Midnight solar makes something outdoor rated, with a typical
>> 250ADC breaker, like this:
>> Outdoor rated, lockable....
>>
>> https://www.midnitesolar.com/productPhoto.php?product_ID=76&productCat_ID=8&sortOrder=5&act=p
>>
>> On Tue, Jul 29, 2025 at 9:39 AM jay <jay.peltz at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Maybe if you left the key on a chain to open the door, and placard with
>>> instructions on the outside that would work?
>>>
>>>
>>> On Jul 29, 2025, at 10:23 AM, MD Electric & Solar <
>>> mdelectricsolar at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> Correct, it does not have an external disconnect, but if you open the
>>> cover, each battery has it's own disconnect and the Sol-Ark has a battery
>>> disconnect.
>>> Looks like I'm in the market for a 100 amp rated outdoor, lockable DC
>>> rated knife switch.
>>> Mike
>>>
>>> On Tue, Jul 29, 2025 at 9:16 AM jay <jay.peltz at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I had to look up that battery enclosure and if I understand correctly
>>>> it does not have an external breaker/disconnect so yes the inspector is
>>>> correct in the need for one if I understand.
>>>>
>>>> jay
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Jul 29, 2025, at 10:09 AM, MD Electric & Solar <
>>>> mdelectricsolar at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Here is the reference, attached.
>>>>
>>>> On Tue, Jul 29, 2025 at 8:49 AM jay <jay.peltz at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I’ll let the code experts chime in, but I would ask for the code
>>>>> reference they are referring to.
>>>>>
>>>>> The only one I can think of has to do with if the batteries are on the
>>>>> other side of a wall.
>>>>>
>>>>>  Thats as clean an install as they come
>>>>>
>>>>> jay
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> > On Jul 29, 2025, at 9:43 AM, MDElectricSolar <
>>>>> mdelectricsolar at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>> >
>>>>> > <image0.jpeg>
>>>>> > Michael D Nelson
>>>>> > MD Electric & Solar, Inc.
>>>>> > 707-684-0064 mobile
>>>>> > 707-884-1862 office
>>>>> > www.mdelectricsolar.com
>>>>> > www.facebook.com/mdelectricandsolar
>>>>> >
>>>>> >
>>>>> >> On Jul 29, 2025, at 8:06 AM, Jay via RE-wrenches <
>>>>> re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>>>> >>
>>>>> >> What is the layout of the equipment
>>>>> >>
>>>>> >> Are the batteries next to and therefore in sight of the inverter?
>>>>> >>
>>>>> >> Jay
>>>>> >>
>>>>> >>> On Jul 29, 2025, at 8:44 AM, MDElectricSolar via RE-wrenches <
>>>>> re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>>>> >>>
>>>>> >>> Wrenches,
>>>>> >>> I have a building inspector in my county of Sonoma who has just
>>>>> told me that we need to install a rapid shutdown switch of some type
>>>>> between my LFZ battery bank and my Solark 15k inverter. He mentioned some
>>>>> type of knife switch within 5 feet of the equipment. I cannot find any
>>>>> reference to this requirement anywhere but he insists it is required. These
>>>>> batteries happen to be simplify or brakes and Stratton batteries and each
>>>>> battery has its own 80 amp breaker on the battery and the Solark has a
>>>>> battery disconnect switch built-in. We do have module level RSD which kills
>>>>> the solar output as well as the inverter output when the button is pushed.
>>>>> Does anyone have any experience with this or can they point me to the
>>>>> correct code section or what are others doing to comply with this
>>>>> requirement?
>>>>> >>>
>>>>> >>>
>>>>> >>> Michael D Nelson
>>>>> >>> MD Electric & Solar, Inc.
>>>>> >>> 707-684-0064 mobile
>>>>> >>> 707-884-1862 office
>>>>> >>> www.mdelectricsolar.com
>>>>> >>> www.facebook.com/mdelectricandsolar
>>>>> >>>
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>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Michael D Nelson
>>>> MD Electric & Solar Inc.
>>>> Office: 707-412-3181
>>>> Cell: 707-684-0064
>>>> www.mdelectricsolar.com
>>>> www.facebook.com/mdelectricandsolar
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> <PRMD BLD_20250728_062230.pdf>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Michael D Nelson
>>> MD Electric & Solar Inc.
>>> Office: 707-412-3181
>>> Cell: 707-684-0064
>>> www.mdelectricsolar.com
>>> www.facebook.com/mdelectricandsolar
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>> --
>> Michael D Nelson
>> MD Electric & Solar Inc.
>> Office: 707-412-3181
>> Cell: 707-684-0064
>> www.mdelectricsolar.com
>> www.facebook.com/mdelectricandsolar
>>
>>
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-- 
Michael D Nelson
MD Electric & Solar Inc.
Office: 707-412-3181
Cell: 707-684-0064
www.mdelectricsolar.com
www.facebook.com/mdelectricandsolar
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