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<p>Greetings fellow wrenches;</p>
<p>I know we have beat this many times but I once again have not
been able to resolve the contradictory information in 690 in
regards to implementing 690.12. As Rebekah Hren pointed out
before, the diagrams shown in Figure 690.1(b) show that the <i>PV
System DC Circuit</i> stops at the <i>PV Disconnect</i>. Note
2 says specifically the '<i>PV Disconnect separates the PV system
from all other systems</i>'. But then in the definitions in
690.2 on the next page, the new definition of a <i>P</i><i>V
System DC Circuit</i> says that it includes DC to DC converter
output circuits. (which are Solar Edge module level controls, but
could be interpreted as a MPPT battery charge Controller?) <br>
</p>
<p>Then 690.12 which only applies to '<i>PV System circuits in or on
buildings</i>', says we have to control conductors more than 3
ft after penetrating the building. <br>
</p>
<p>So in my case, I'm looking at a ground mount, and installing an
external lockable disconnect on the wall before it goes into the
building. This will officially be the PV Disconnect. In my
interpretation, I should not need to do any Rapid Shutdown,
because I've essentially prevented the <i>PV system</i> from ever
entering the building at all ( based on the 5th diagram and Note
2) However, I could see an AHJ claiming I had to do RS all the
way to the output side of the charge controller.</p>
<p>If this were true, could I simply apply RS equipment from the PV
disconnect to the output of the charge controller, or am I back to
module level shutdown for my ground mounted array, or could I
build a tiny building that just housed the PV Disconnect and take
the exemption for '<i>buildings with the sole purpose of housing
PV system equipment</i>'? <br>
</p>
<p>Essentially the definitions in 690.2 are too broad, and are at
odds with the Figure and Notes of 690.1. They really didn't fix
this in the 2017 code for us lowly off gridders. Charge
controllers are covered by article 706.23<u> </u><u><i>Charge
Control</i></u>,<b> </b>and NOT by 690.12 at all. IMHO, the
charge controller needs to be clearly defined and differentiated
from DC to DC converters like Solar Edge's module level DC
equipment. <br>
</p>
<p>I just want to go back to doing solar designs and installations,
and quit acting like an attorney parsing every word of this
confusing code language.<br>
</p>
<pre class="moz-signature" cols="72">--
Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760</pre>
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