705.12(D)(1) and the tap rule

[mull982]

705.21(D)(1) requires that a dedicated circuit breaker or fusible disconnect be required on the output of a PV inverter. The article does not say however where this device shall be located. If there is a breaker being used to tie the PV inverter into the main panel does this satisfy this requirement? What if the breaker located at the panel is 50ft from the inverter?

Do we have to follow the tap rule here and adhere to the 10ft or 25ft rule?

 

[Smart $]

705.21(D)(1) requires that a dedicated circuit breaker or fusible disconnect be required on the output of a PV inverter. The article does not say however where this device shall be located. If there is a breaker being used to tie the PV inverter into the main panel does this satisfy this requirement? What if the breaker located at the panel is 50ft from the inverter?

Do we have to follow the tap rule here and adhere to the 10ft or 25ft rule?

Give Article 690, Part III. Disconnecting Means a read...

 

[jaggedben]

705.21(D)(1) requires that a dedicated circuit breaker or fusible disconnect be required on the output of a PV inverter.

You meant 705.12, not 705.21, but we get you.

The article does not say however where this device shall be located. If there is a breaker being used to tie the PV inverter into the main panel does this satisfy this requirement?

Yes.

What if the breaker located at the panel is 50ft from the inverter?

It does not matter. The disconnect must be readily accessible (see 705.22) but distance from the inverter is not involved. (That said, if the inverter and the panel it is tied into are located on the same building, it usually makes sense to locate the inverter near the panel.)

Do we have to follow the tap rule here and adhere to the 10ft or 25ft rule?

If (and only if) you are using a tap conductor somewhere to feed the PV system, then yes. The inverter output conductor is not considered a tap conductor, if that's what you are asking.

 

[mull982]

You meant 705.12, not 705.21, but we get you.

Yes.

It does not matter. The disconnect must be readily accessible (see 705.22) but distance from the inverter is not involved. (That said, if the inverter and the panel it is tied into are located on the same building, it usually makes sense to locate the inverter near the panel.)

If (and only if) you are using a tap conductor somewhere to feed the PV system, then yes. The inverter output conductor is not considered a tap conductor, if that's what you are asking.

O.k. the inverter I am referencing has an AC disconnect integral to the output of the inverter and has a handle that can be accesed from the outside of the inverter. According to 690 section III then this would comply and no additional AC disconnect would be required? Do you agree?

Also with the main panel being located in another room would the PV breaker in this panel meed the requirements of the disconnecting means? According to 705.12(D)(1) it appears that it would. Any thoughts?

 

[c_picard]

The inverters integral disconnect does nothing to protect the output conductors, this is why the breaker/fuses are needed. In the case of a line side tap, the utilities in the places I have worked require a "visible break" disconnect, so a breaker can't be used, we need a fused disco.
As for the location, if it's a tap the switches should be "grouped" or a permanent directory should be installed noting the location of additional disconnects...
That's my take on the issue anyhow

 

[jaggedben]

O.k. the inverter I am referencing has an AC disconnect integral to the output of the inverter and has a handle that can be accesed from the outside of the inverter. According to 690 section III then this would comply and no additional AC disconnect would be required? Do you agree?

Um, not exactly. You don't say if the integrated disconnect is a circuit breaker or a fusible disconnect. If it is not, then it does not satisfy 705. I think I agree that 690 section III does not require an additional AC disconnect, but 705 does.

Also with the main panel being located in another room would the PV breaker in this panel meed the requirements of the disconnecting means? According to 705.12(D)(1) it appears that it would. Any thoughts?

It would meet the requirements of 705.12(D), yes. As mentioned, those are not the only requirements for the disconnecting means. You've got 705.22 and your utility may have further requirements.