[RE-wrenches] Batteries in 4' tall crawl space

[Ray]

Article 110.26 covering clearances in front of electrical equipment 
applies.  I worked on a couple like that, and I didn't like it. Very 
hard to move the batteries, and Combined with H2S, you are in what OSHA 
considers a confined hazardous space.

Another way to use that crawl space is to build a trap door access from 
the floor above.  This can work really nicely, and put the batteries 
right under the inverter without violating article 110.26.  I think I 
saw a system that either Allan Sindelar or Windy Dankoff did like that. 
I've tried it a few times, and everyone (customers and inspectors) was 
happy.  Here's a pic of some HUPs in a floor vault just below the inverter:


Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760

On 7/30/18 8:37 AM, Dana wrote:
>
> Safe working clearance is 6’-8”.
>
> I have been confronted with this issue in the past taking over other’s 
> systems care. This is a head banger & a major safety issue if 
> something goes bad. If the batteries are 18-20” tall that only leaves 
> anther 28-30” between bottom side of the floor joist & the top of the 
> battery. Your face is way too close to a battery esp. if there is an 
> issue to address.
>
> The installation is bent over back-heavy move situation. I am assuming 
> you have a dirt or gravel floor to move across?
>
> It seems like a good use of space up front but the reality of the 
> install plagues you down the road.
>
> If it is WLA batteries it is the worst of situations.
>
> Even if this is not inspected, please avoid this situation.
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Dana Orzel                              Great Solar Works, Inc.
>
> *C - 208.721.7003                       dana at solarwork.com*
>
> Idaho Contractor - # 028765         Idaho PV # 028374
>
> NABCEP # 051112-136 www.solarwork.biz <http://www.solarwork.biz>
>
> _"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988" ___
>
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>
> *From:* RE-wrenches <re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org> *On 
> Behalf Of *Jerry Caldwell
> *Sent:* Saturday, July 28, 2018 6:10 PM
> *To:* re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
> *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] Batteries in 4' tall crawl space
>
> Wrenches,
>
> I have a customer who wants to have batteries installed in a 4' tall 
> crawl space / short basement. Are there any accessibility code issues 
> with installing batteries in a crawl space? Does the NEC address this?
>
> Thanks,
> Jerry Caldwell
>
>
>
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