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Hey thanks for the feedback. Looks like the definition of accessible is pretty much the same for the CEC and NEC, and NEC's 690.34 gives this method the go-ahead.<br><br><span class="ecxecxecxecxEC_Apple-style-span" style="color:rgb(0, 32, 96)">DayStar Renewable Energy Inc. </span><div><div>benn@daystarsolar.ca</div><div>780-906-7807 </div><div>HAVE A SUNNY DAY
</div><div><br></div></div>> Date: Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:28:49 -0400<br>> From: daveclick@fsec.ucf.edu<br>> To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org<br>> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Accessable?<br>> <br>> And more specifically:<br>> 690.34 Access to Boxes.<br>> Junction, pull, and outlet boxes located behind modules or panels shall <br>> be so installed that the wiring contained in them can be rendered <br>> accessible directly or by displacement of a module(s) or panel(s) <br>> secured by removable fasteners and connected by a flexible wiring system.<br>> <br>> Andrew Truitt wrote:<br>> ><br>> ><br>> > Benn - I like installing j-boxes under the array as a general rule both<br>> > for aesthetics and to keep them somewhat sheltered from the elements. I<br>> > do not see any code issues with the location because, as you mention,<br>> > they are still accessible.<br>> ><br>> ><br>> > From NEC2008 Article 100:<br>> ><br>> > *Accessible (as applied to equipment)*. Admitting close<br>> > approach; not guarded by locked doors, elevation, or other<br>> > effective means.<br>> ><br>> > *Accessible (as applied to wiring methods)*. Capable of<br>> > being removed or exposed without damaging the building<br>> > structure or finish or not permanently closed in by the structure<br>> > or finish of the building.<br>> ><br>> ><br>> ><br>> > - Andrew<br>> ><br>> ><br>> ><br>> ><br>> > On Wed, Sep 15, 2010 at 3:15 AM, benn kilburn <benn@daystarsolar.ca<br>> > <mailto:benn@daystarsolar.ca>> wrote:<br>> ><br>> > Wrenches,<br>> > There has been some mention on this list lately of locating Soladeck<br>> > and/or other combiner boxes under arrays. This has me wondering if<br>> > folks are doing this only for a cleaner looking roof array or if<br>> > there are other reasonable intentions (lack of available roof space).<br>> ><br>> > Other than a cleaner look, i see no benefit to doing this. (don't<br>> > get me wrong, a cleanly installed array is something to be proud of)<br>> > However if the box ever needs to be accessed, you have to remove<br>> > at least one module to get to it, dealing with the whole 'breaking<br>> > the bond' issue; having to remove the module, replacing the WEEB<br>> > clip or undoing and then re-torquing the lug set screw,<br>> > re-installing module, etc. If you just wanted to quickly check<br>> > something in the box (voltage, torque, whatever) it is no longer a<br>> > quick and easy task.<br>> ><br>> > So the Canadian Electrical Code says in Section 0.....Definitions<br>> ><br>> > _Accessible_ (as applied to equipment) - admitting close approach<br>> > because the equipment is not guarded by locked doors, elevation, or<br>> > other effective means.<br>> ><br>> > _Accessible_ (as applied to wiring methods) -<br>> > (a) not permanently closed in by the structure or finish of the<br>> > building; and<br>> > (b) capable of being removed without disturbing the<br>> > building structure or finish.<br>> ><br>> > My interpretation here is that;<br>> > (a) the box is not 'permanently closed in', just inconveniently<br>> > closed in. and,<br>> > (b) you are not disturbing the structure or finish, as you will be<br>> > replacing the module as soon as you are finished in the box.<br>> ><br>> > Many pieces of equipment and/or panels require that you remove a<br>> > single piece or a multi-piece cover to access the wiring. The pv<br>> > module is like a large 'cover' in this case. So i do not see this as<br>> > a code violation. Do you?<br>> ><br>> > I'm not familiar with the NEC, is it's definition of 'accessible'<br>> > similar to the CEC's?<br>> ><br>> > Is this combiner mounting location under the array common practice<br>> > for some of you, or only done when roof space for a combiner box is<br>> > limited?<br>> ><br>> > I am going to run this scenario by one of our inspectors, i just<br>> > thought i'd get some feedback from other Wrenches first.<br>> ><br>> > cheers,<br>> > benn<br>> > DayStar Renewable Energy Inc.<br>> > benn@daystarsolar.ca <mailto:benn@daystarsolar.ca><br>> > 780-906-7807<br>> > HAVE A SUNNY DAY<br> </body>
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