[RE-wrenches] Rapid Shutdown and January 1 2019 option?

[Ray]

Midnite has some string level and module level 690.12 disconnects that 
wire in like an optimizer or micro inverter, so those should be able to 
meet the 2019 requirements.  However beware:  they as of yet still don't 
have a reasonable disconnect system to disconnect the charge controller 
which has capacitors that back feed the PV line for up to 90 seconds.  
They have a DC GFI breaker with remote trip capability but it takes 4 
spaces, so with multiple charge controllers it turns into a wiring mess 
really fast.

I actually wired in some 60 amp rated diodes on one system to get it to 
pass inspection; what a joke, going back to 1980s equipment to pass 2017 
code.    690.12 is an absolute nightmare for small off grid.  There 
really should be some exemptions for small arrays (under 3 kW) and under 
100 vdc.  Fire fighters are not going to get there till the structure is 
down anyway,  Response times are up to an hour for remote locations with 
volunteer fire departments.  Its not like in town at all;  no one is 
going to go on the roof on an off grid fire.

On the flip side, there are real dangers created by nuisance tripping of 
690.12 equipment.  Again, on grid it's a mere inconvenience, but off 
grid it could mean spoiled food, frozen water lines, shut down heating 
systems in subzero temperatures, and for the elderly: loss of their 
breathing machines.  I've already had a 74 year old customer climbing on 
their roof multiple times to reset the Rapid shutdown equipment after 
nuisance trips. Are we going to wait until we get someone killed in the 
name of "Safety" before we fix this?

Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760

On 7/6/18 9:55 AM, cwarfel wrote:
>
> I am wondering about the experience installers have with a DC coupled 
> multimode system design that will comply after January 1 with what I 
> feel is the biggest mistake/poorly guided part of NEC 2017 690, and 
> that is 690.12. We are installing two Outback systems with the remote 
> controlled combiner and even that won't comply after January 1 unless 
> we parallel more subarrays (There's safety for you, lower 
> voltage-higher amperage!). Thanks for any insight.
>
> Chris
>
>
>
>
> -- 
>
>          Christopher Warfel, PE
>        ENTECH Engineering, Inc.
> PO Box 871, Block Island, RI 02807
>                (401)466-8978
>
> EEI logo <http://entech-engineering.com>
>
>
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