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

[Dan Fink]

I agree with you, Ray, as a purely off-grid solar installer and
troubleshooter. I think all that was accomplished in NEC 2017 on this issue
is that non-habitable structures, like the common off-grid 'power shed'
don't need 690.12 RS anymore.

Dan Fink
Professor of Solar Energy Technology, Ecotech Institute
IREC Certified Instructor™ for:
~ PV Installation Professional
~ Small Wind Installer
Executive Director, Buckville Energy
NABCEP Registered Continuing Education Providers™
NABCEP Associate

970.672.4342



On Fri, Jul 6, 2018 at 11:32 AM, Ray <ray at solarray.com> wrote:

> 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
>
> [image: EEI logo] <http://entech-engineering.com>
>
>
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