[RE-wrenches] Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant - Any Enphase Reps on here that might help

Wed Sep 10 15:18:01 PDT 2025

Met with AHJ and he says this is an APPLIANCE with an IGNITION SOURCE From definitions IRC R202.

[cid:dd297469-5712-4477-babc-580ac02cfac4]

Thee definition above carries into Mechanical, Plumbing, and Fuel Gas section of IRC but the ESS section R330 is silent on this.

I'll ask Enphase for assistance. Any Enphase reps on here. I don't see any 9540A test results that speak to this concern. I think reading this as an "ignition source" is nuts but this 'argument' not persuasive to AHJ.

Howard "Scot" Arey
Owner, Solar CenTex
254-300-1228

________________________________
From: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org> on behalf of William Bryce via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Sent: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 10:27 AM
To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Cc: William Bryce <wlbryce at pineridgeproducts.com>
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant

The C1D2 (Class I, Division 2) rating applies to equipment intended for use in potentially explosive environments. The PF16 is not suitable for this type of installation, as it would require a NEMA 4X (or higher) enclosure, and all conduit and connections would also need to be rated for C1D2 compliance. Additionally, most themselves are not tested for C1D2 environments.

If your AHJ is requiring C1D2-rated equipment,  you would need to explore industrial-rated equipment designed specifically for hazardous locations. Be aware the battery would come with a  increase in cost to meet this requirement.

I guess you could look at relocating the battery installation outside of the classified (explosive gas) area. This would allow for the use of standard equipment without the need for C1D2-rated components.

It may also be helpful for the AHJ to review the UL 9540A test method, which demonstrates how the battery system behaves under thermal runaway conditions. This can provide important context for risk assessment and proper installation practices.

On Wed, Sep 10, 2025 at 5:50 AM Sue Stankevitz via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>> wrote:

Hi Chris,

To my knowledge the PF batteries do not have a C1D2 rating but that would be a question for one of the Midnite Power reps on this page.

Sue Stankevitz
MidNite Solar, Inc.<https://www.midnitesolar.com/index.php>
(360) 403-7207 (XT122)

[cid:ii_19934288cc44cdccc2]

From: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org>> On Behalf Of Chris Schaefer via RE-wrenches
Sent: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 8:35 AM
To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>>
Cc: Chris Schaefer <chris at solarandwindfx.com<mailto:chris at solarandwindfx.com>>
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant

So Sue, where does the MN PowerFlo 16 product stand in regards to class I, div II rating?

Christopher

On Wed, Sep 10, 2025 at 6:58 AM Sue Stankevitz via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>> wrote:

They may be looking for the Class 1 Div 2 rating with means that it has been designed to safely operate in environments where flammable vapors or gases exist and have the potential to rise to ignitable concentrations. Midnite had to get a charge controller certified to that standard several years ago.

Sue Stankevitz
MidNite Solar, Inc.<https://www.midnitesolar.com/index.php>
(360) 403-7207 (XT122)

[cid:ii_19934288cc44cdccc2]

From: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org>> On Behalf Of Jay via RE-wrenches
Sent: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 6:27 PM
To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>>
Cc: Jay <jay.peltz at gmail.com<mailto:jay.peltz at gmail.com>>
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant

What would be the rating for that?

Is it a NEMA or?

Jay

On Sep 9, 2025, at 3:08 PM, Glenn via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>> wrote:

Unfortunately  codes and standards are constantly changing and inspectors are trying to catchup and interpret them as quickly as possible to ensure compliance for safety sake.

Erring on the side of safety is their job until educated otherwise

-Glenn

On Sep 9, 2025 17:00, Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>> wrote:

That's a first for me. The Enphase battery is sealed, but I don't know if that qualifies as sealed against vapor.

I'd reach out to Enphase to get some guidance on that. It's always something with these AHJs.

Jason Szumlanski

Principal Solar Designer | Florida Solar Design Group
NABCEP Certified Solar Professional (PVIP)
Florida State Certified Solar Contractor CVC56956

Florida Certified Electrical Contractor EC13013208

On Tue, Sep 9, 2025 at 4:13 PM Zeke Yewdall via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>> wrote:

My interpretation of this is that he wants to make sure that the battery cannot ignite a flammable vapor cloud from gasoline being spilled in the garage.  If he's saying that no electrical equipment that might create a spark (such as with a relay or switch or circuit breaker) can be below 18", that may be the case.   I might be completely off base here, but I don't think it has anything to do with it being a battery really, but just a piece of electrical equipment that might have relays or sparking things inside?  Maybe?  In which case... does the 5p have any relays or contactors, or is it's BMS all solid state?  And second question would be can you document that.

Zeke

---------------------------------

Seeking your suggestions and direction. My AHJ - after acknowledging that the Enphase 5p battery has a floor mount option - now insists that it must be 18-inches above the garage floor unless I can produce something that says it is "Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant."

We all know there is no open flame from an ESS and I know the 9540A depicts a battery at 6-inches.

Anybody run into this and have suggestions on what I might show back to the AHJ?

Howard "Scot" Arey
Owner, Solar CenTex

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