Jeff,<br>We have had some issues with this also<br>.....maybe try this ref from the 2011 code 690.16 (b) where the disconnect is located more than 1.8 m (6ft) from the overcurrent device, a directory showing the location of each disconnect shall be installed at the overcurrent device location<br>
<br><div class="gmail_quote">On Thu, Nov 17, 2011 at 3:40 PM, Ryan Mayfield <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:ryan@renewableassociates.com">ryan@renewableassociates.com</a>></span> wrote:<br><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex;">
Jeff,<br>
<br>
Try pointing them to 690.14(B). This allows for PV source circuit isolating<br>
switches on the PV side of the disconnecting means. As you describe it, the<br>
dc disconnect at the inverter is the required PV disconnecting means and you<br>
can describe the combiner disconnects as source circuit isolating switches.<br>
This paragraph doesn't make mention of accessibility.<br>
<br>
Good luck,<br>
<br>
Ryan<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
-----Original Message-----<br>
From: <a href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org">re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org</a><br>
[mailto:<a href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org">re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>] On Behalf Of Jeff Yago<br>
Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2011 11:57 AM<br>
To: 'RE-wrenches'<br>
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Code reviewer issue with array disconenct<br>
location<br>
<br>
Here's another one of those reviewers that do not know what they are<br>
reviewing and just cause added hours of lost time. Large 112 kW array<br>
mounted on top of structural steel beams above multi-story parking deck.<br>
Beams straddle center up and down ramps so no parking spaces are lost.<br>
Multiple rows of modules and require ladders to access. Budget reviewer<br>
deleted my design of grated walkways behind each row, so you must use tie<br>
offs to work on any part of system.<br>
<br>
Each row includes a fused combiner box at center line, with individual<br>
conduit from each grouped down centerline on high mounting then down to<br>
inverter located outside on top deck. Inverter includes both AC and DC<br>
disconnects which are readable accessible. Other AC disconnects included in<br>
electric room and outside at meter.<br>
<br>
Due to long runs from each array row back down to inverter, I specified the<br>
fused combiner boxes to include a DC disconnect option located in the cover<br>
(memory of Target Store conduit fire!) which not only allows disconnecting<br>
any single row without shutting down entire system, but also useful for<br>
testing and service.<br>
<br>
Reviewer demands this "disconnect" meet code requirement that a "disconnect"<br>
must be readable accessible. I have told them we cannot separate this<br>
disconnect from the combiner box and will not relocate these high voltage<br>
combiner boxes down at eye level on a raised parking deck where any student<br>
could gain access, so if they make an issue of this we will use a different<br>
combiner box that does not have this option (and also loose added protection<br>
of conduit runs between combiners and inverter). However, I would like to<br>
refer to code and I see no mention of a combiner box as required by code so<br>
there is no reference to it having a disconnect.<br>
<br>
Suggestions?<br>
<br>
Jeff Yago<br>
DTI Solar Inc.<br>
<br>
<br>
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</blockquote></div><br><br clear="all"><br>-- <br><b>James B Rudolph<br>NABCEP Certified PV Installer<br><br></b><br>