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<p>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.</p>
<p><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="https://www.heliovolta.com/resources/rapid-shutdown-devices-unintended-consequences">https://www.heliovolta.com/resources/rapid-shutdown-devices-unintended-consequences</a></p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>Safety should be first: family safety. Firefighters have tons of
training, our children do not. </p>
<p>Ray Walters<br>
Remote Solar</p>
<div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 4/3/2026 8:45 AM, Drake Chamberlin
via RE-wrenches wrote:<br>
</div>
<blockquote type="cite"
cite="mid:9a3e694632afb0e598ae26ed26bf9fa7@redwoodalliance.org">
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<div class="pre"
style="margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: monospace"><span
style="font-size: 12pt;">Hello All, </span></div>
<div class="pre"
style="margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: monospace"> </div>
<div class="pre"
style="margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: monospace"><span
style="font-size: 12pt;">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.</span></div>
<div class="pre"
style="margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: monospace"> </div>
<div class="pre"
style="margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: monospace"><span
style="font-size: 12pt;">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. </span></div>
<div class="pre"
style="margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: monospace"> </div>
<div class="pre"
style="margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: monospace"><span
style="font-size: 12pt;">Has anyone ever had to deal with this
issue?</span></div>
<div class="pre"
style="margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: monospace"> </div>
<div class="pre"
style="margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: monospace"><span
style="font-size: 12pt;">Thank you,</span></div>
<div class="pre"
style="margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: monospace"> </div>
<div class="pre"
style="margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: monospace"><span
style="font-size: 12pt;">Drake</span></div>
<div class="pre"
style="margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: monospace"> </div>
<div class="pre"
style="margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: monospace"> </div>
<div class="pre"
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<div id="signature">-- <br>
<div class="pre"
style="margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: monospace">
<p><em>Drake Chamberlin</em></p>
<p><em>Athens Electric LLC</em></p>
<p><em>Ohio Electrical Contractor’s License 44810</em></p>
<p><em>NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional</em></p>
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