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<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Wrenches,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>After looking more closely at the pictures, it appears that they
may not be glass-covered modules. Given the poor manufacturing practices, this
was a fire waiting to happen the moment they turned it on.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>The amazing thing is that the installer is going to reinstall
the module—and burn the house down this time. Notice the fire made it
through the roofing in the middle.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Bill.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<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"'>
re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org] <b>On Behalf Of </b>William
Miller<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, February 11, 2009 12:57 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> RE-wrenches<br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [RE-wrenches] Panel Fire<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Dear Wind-Sun:<br>
<br>
The incident described on your forum is very Interesting and scary. It is
impossible to make any definitive conclusions from the vague information
provided, but here are a few things that got my attention:<br>
<br>
--If I could detect, from the before photos provided, a first rate
installation, I would suspect defective modules. The before photo shows
some very non-standard, low quality racking, obviously slapped together from
hardware store angle stock. The angles are installed across the roof
pitch, catching leaves and rain water. This makes me wonder how poorly
the rest of the wiring could have been and suspect that poor workmanship
may be to blame.<br>
<br>
--The homeowner claims the modules are un-stickered (no specifications,
manufacturer or listing). The entire package begins to appear to be a
real bargain basement <br>
system. The fact that this system caught fire seems to make sense.<br>
<br>
We replaced a module today that had heat damaged connection points. It
appears one of my employees did not tighten a screw terminal on an old style
module and the connections got hot. The J-box cover was melted.
This module had been removed and reinstalled for a re-roof. I know
stainless fasteners are not conducive to repeated loosening and re-tightening,
so maybe the connector screw was galled and could not be tightened. properly.<br>
<br>
I have often predicted it is only a matter of time until our industry kills
someone. My bet is on electrocution of a minor due to abraded PV
cables. Maybe I'm wrong and it will be in a house fire. All I can
say is that I am doing everything in my power to prevent it from being on one
of my jobs and to spread the gospel of protected wiring.<br>
<br>
William Miller<br>
<br>
<br>
At 10:42 PM 2/10/2009, you wrote:<br>
<br>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>In view of the recent discussion here about fires and PV
systems, you might all want to take a look at this post that someone just
posted on our forum<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?t=4524">http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?t=4524</a><br>
<br>
I never heard of this happening before.<br>
<br>
..................................................................................................<br>
Northern Arizona Wind & Sun - Electricity From The Sun<br>
Solar Discussion Forum: <a href="http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/">http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/</a><br>
..................................................................................................<o:p></o:p></p>
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