Does this section apply to EGC's for solar panel frame grounding in ground mount and carport structure applications? I think it is a question of code interpretation whether the ground conductor is physically protected from physical damage. There are even those Tyco Solklips that can only accept a #10-12 ground anyway so having to use a #6 would not even make sense. Any thoughts, inputs, suggestions?
250.120(c)
- Thread starter tbro723
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I'm not really sure what the question is, or what in particular you feel needs commenting on...
The requirement is IMO pretty clear cut regarding an EGC < 6AWG. It does not say only if it IS subject to physical damage. It says it must be protected from physical damage... period.
If it is in a wall or otherwise encased by a structural element (perhaps even buried), or within armored cable, or inside a raceway, it is protected. If you can see or touch it (or its insulation if insulated), it is not protected.
If you feel doing so in a particular situation is impracticable, please provide a detailed description (and/or one or more pictures).
The requirement is IMO pretty clear cut regarding an EGC < 6AWG. It does not say only if it IS subject to physical damage. It says it must be protected from physical damage... period.
If it is in a wall or otherwise encased by a structural element (perhaps even buried), or within armored cable, or inside a raceway, it is protected. If you can see or touch it (or its insulation if insulated), it is not protected.
If you feel doing so in a particular situation is impracticable, please provide a detailed description (and/or one or more pictures).
dana1028
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- San Francisco Bay area
I believe he is referring to bonding the solar panels together; it is common to run a bonding jumper [sized the same as the circuit conductors] to the undersize of each panel 'unprotected'...i.e. not in conduit.
That said, this is an installation unlikely to encounter physical damaged and in my area I don't know that 'protecting' the bonding conductor has ever been required.
Is a bonding conductor required to be protected?
tbro: if you are really losing sleep over this, contact John Wiles [the PV guru] at Southwest Tech Devel. Institute - Univ. of New Mexico.
www.nmsu.edu/~tdi
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