[RE-wrenches] Insurance and rapid shutdown

[Ray Walters]

This report from Heliovolt came out recently, and I think all wrenches 
should be aware.  I think if your client reads this report, he will skip 
RS.  I would.  I think we need to go back to 2011/ 2014? and just have 
the combiner box close to the array, with an external disconnect handle. 
I'd only recommend a remote disconnect, if it's a steep roof or 
otherwise hard to access the disconnect at the array.  We've gotten way 
off in the weeds for supposed firefighter safety, but now we're causing 
real fires, and real safety issues for the homeowners themselves with 
module level disconnects.  RS is going to be the Zinsco of solar, or 
perhaps aluminum 12 AWG wiring?  There have been some horrible choices 
made by NEC and UL over the years, and RS is one of them.

https://www.heliovolta.com/resources/rapid-shutdown-devices-unintended-consequences

Once again, when was the last time the fire department actually needed 
RS, to then hack through the solar array itself to ventilate?  Every 
firefighter I've ever talked to, said they'd just cut through a 
different section of roof, and leave the array alone.

Safety should be first: family safety.  Firefighters have tons of 
training, our children do not.

Ray Walters
Remote Solar

On 4/3/2026 8:45 AM, Drake Chamberlin via RE-wrenches wrote:
> Hello All,
> A client, for an off grid system, is in an area with no code 
> requirements nor inspections. He is concerned that if he does not get 
> rapid shutdown, it could affect his ability to get an insurance claim 
> paid, if ever needed.
> The array is on a separate utility building that houses a water pump 
> and tank as well as the inverter and batteries. Since there is more in 
> the building than just solar related equipment, RS is technically 
> required.
> Has anyone ever had to deal with this issue?
> Thank you,
> Drake
> -- 
>
> /Drake Chamberlin/
>
> /Athens Electric LLC/
>
> /Ohio Electrical Contractor’s License 44810/
>
> /NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional/
>
>
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