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--></style></head><body lang="EN-US" link="blue" vlink="purple"><div class="WordSection1"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">If you look at the bottom of the Encore spec sheet it has the print legend including "Type Photovoltaic Wire." 2008 NEC 690.35(D)(3) says "Conductors listed and identified as Photovoltaic (PV) Wire installed as exposed, single conductors. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">Seems like a match to me. They just wrote out Photovoltaic.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">-August</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d"> </span></p><div><div style="border:none;border-top:solid #b5c4df 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in"><p class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif""> <a href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org">re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org</a> [mailto:<a href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org">re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>] <b>On Behalf Of </b>Kelly Larson<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Friday, September 27, 2013 11:03 AM<br><b>To:</b> RE-wrenches<br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [RE-wrenches] transformerless inverters and conductor colors</span></p></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">
Even though they say "Photovoltaic" in the spec sheet, I am not sure that this is "PV Wire". I don't see anywhere that it actually uses those exact words, and that is the designation in the NEC.</p>
<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><br>Blessings,</span></p></div>
<div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">Kelly</span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><br>
<br></span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><div><div><p class="MsoNormal">On Sep 27, 2013, at 10:38 AM, August Goers wrote:</p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br><br></p><div><div><p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">Marco,</span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d"> </span></p>
<div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">Yes, there is single jacketed PV wire. I've attached a spec sheet for some 1000 V wire we've been using. I don't know anything about the actual wiring construction and why single versus double jacketing may or may not be used. I just know it needs to be listed for the purpose.</span></p>
</div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d"> </span></p><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">Best, August</span></p>
</div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d"> </span></p><div><div style="border:none;border-top:solid #b5c4df 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in;border-width:initial;border-color:initial">
<div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"">From:</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif""> </span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif""><a href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org">re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>[mailto:<a href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org">re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>]<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>On Behalf Of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b>Marco Mangelsdorf<br>
<b>Sent:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Friday, September 27, 2013 10:28 AM<br><b>To:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>'RE-wrenches'<br><b>Subject:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>[RE-wrenches] transformerless inverters and conductor colors</span></p>
</div></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">Thanks, August.</span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d"> </span></p><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">OK, so I’ve found “PV wire” that’s double-insulated. (See attached spec sheet from Falcon wire.)</span></p>
</div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d"> </span></p><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">Is there PV wire out there that’s just got a single insulation layer that qualifies as per what came from that helpful article below?</span></p>
</div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d"> </span></p><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">marco</span></p>
</div><p>USE-2 is a standard wire designated for underground service entrance, typically used to connect terminals of a variety of service equipment. PV wire is specifically designated for use in PV module interconnections. Both cables are rated for 90oC wet or dry. PV wire, however, has thicker insulation to withstand the harsh environments frequently found in PV installations. USE-2 carries a 600V rating, whereas PV wire can be rated at 600V, 1000V or 2000V. There are separate ratings with increased insulation thickness for each cable.</p>
<p>Both USE-2 and PV wire can be used with grounded systems, but only PV wire may be used with ungrounded systems per NEC 2008. Since USE-2 has typically been installed underground or in environments where flame is unlikely, it usually does not require a flame retardant rating.<b><span style="background:yellow">The PV wire designation does include a VW-1 flame test requirement.</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Both ratings are sunlight resistant, but the PV wire rating applies a more stringent test requirement of 720 hours in weatherometer vs. 300 hour weatherometer test for USE-2.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d"> </span></p><div><div style="border:none;border-top:solid #b5c4df 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in;border-width:initial;border-color:initial">
<div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"">From:</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif""> </span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif""><a href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org">re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>[<a href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org">mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>]<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>On Behalf Of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b>August Goers<br>
<b>Sent:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Friday, September 27, 2013 4:18 AM<br><b>To:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>RE-wrenches<br><b>Subject:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Re: [RE-wrenches] transformerless inverters and conductor colors</span></p>
</div></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">Marco,</span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d"> </span></p>
<div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">My understanding is that PV wire is a separate listing. Exposed DC wiring with ungrounded non-isolated systems must be PV wire. USE-2 wire is not necessarily PV wire unless listed and labeled as PV wire. Here's a decent article:</span></p>
</div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d"> </span></p><div><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2010/11/performancecost-trade-offs-in-pv-systems-wiringcabling-selection">http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2010/11/performancecost-trade-offs-in-pv-systems-wiringcabling-selection</a></p>
</div><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">Best, August</span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d"> </span></p>
<div><div style="border:none;border-top:solid #b5c4df 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in;border-width:initial;border-color:initial"><div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"">From:</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif""> </span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif""><a href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org">re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>[mailto:<a href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org">re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>]<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>On Behalf Of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b>Marco Mangelsdorf<br>
<b>Sent:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Friday, September 27, 2013 12:24 AM<br><b>To:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>'RE-wrenches'<br><b>Subject:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>[RE-wrenches] transformerless inverters and conductor colors</span></p>
</div></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Thanks, Glen.</span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"> </span></p><div><p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size:11.0pt">This brings up the question of what exactly constitutes “PV Wire.” “PV wire” does not necessarily = double-insulated wire which I thought is required with ungrounded PV systems on the DC side at least until you hit an enclosure and enclosed raceway where you can transition to THWN-2 wire. Is there a clear and unambiguous definition out there of what constitutes “PV Wire”? To some XLP/USE-2/RHW-2 wire is “PV Wire.”</span></p>
</div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"> </span></p><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">marco</span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">2008 NEC</span></p>
</div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d"> </span></p><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">690.35 Ungrounded Photovoltaic Power Systems.</span></p>
</div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">Photovoltaic power systems shall be permitted to operate with ungrounded photovoltaic source and output circuits where the system complies with 690.35(A) through (G).</span></p>
</div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">(A) Disconnects.</span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">(B) Overcurrent Protection.</span></p>
</div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">(C) Ground-Fault Protection.</span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">(D) The photovoltaic source conductors shall consist of the following: </span></p>
</div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">(1) Nonmetallic jacketed multiconductor cables </span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">(2) Conductors installed in raceways, or </span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">(3) Conductors listed and identified as Photovoltaic (PV) Wire installed as exposed, single conductors.</span></p>
</div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d"> </span></p><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">Raceway. An enclosed channel of metal or nonmetallic materials designed expressly for holding wires, cables, or busbars, with additional functions as permitted in this Code. Raceways include, but are not limited to, rigid metal conduit, rigid nonmetallic conduit, intermediate metal conduit, liquidtight flexible conduit, flexible metallic tubing, flexible metal conduit, electrical nonmetallic tubing, electrical metallic tubing, underfloor raceways, cellular concrete floor raceways, cellular metal floor raceways, surface raceways, wireways, and busways.</span></p>
</div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d"> </span></p><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">Reads to me like you can transition to THWN-2 inside a rooftop jbox from the PV wire under the modules, as long as it is in a raceway.</span></p>
</div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d"> </span></p><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1f497d">-Glenn Burt</span></p>
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