Above ground cable conveyance from battery to transformer?

[SJacobitti]

I am searching for any current code that either allows or disallows above grade cable conveyance from a battery to a transformer for a utility grade solar application. We have looked through thge current code and have not seen any mention that either says yes or no. This may be virgin territory as of now. Any help in locating any mention woulkd be very helpful....Thanks!

 

[tom baker]

If this is a installation by a Utility, the NEC does not apply

 

[SJacobitti]

If this is a installation by a Utility, the NEC does not apply

This is a commercial application installed by an EPC. Would the code apply in this case?

 

[jaggedben]

NEC would apply.

I can't imagine you're directly connecting a battery (DC) to a transformer. So I'm gonna assume this is AC, such as the output of an inverter BESS.

In which case...
You will not find any mention of wiring methods with regard to it happening to involve solar or battery sources, and overhead wiring is allowed if you follow the rules for such methods. (e.g. Article 396) In general, the NEC does not discrimate on wiring methods depending on application, and particularly for AC power wiring. (Exceptions I can think of include service conductors and DC solar circuits, but not DC battery circuits.)

I doubt the NESC makes any distinction either, as I don't believe there's any important physical difference. AC line power is AC line power.

 

[jaggedben]

By 'above grade cable conveyance' do you mean cable tray?

Regardless, it comes down mainly to whether it legitimately follows chapter 3.

 

[SJacobitti]

By 'above grade cable conveyance' do you mean cable tray?

Regardless, it comes down mainly to whether it legitimately follows chapter 3.

yes, cable tray

 

[SJacobitti]

NEC would apply.

I can't imagine you're directly connecting a battery (DC) to a transformer. So I'm gonna assume this is AC, such as the output of an inverter BESS.

In which case...
You will not find any mention of wiring methods with regard to it happening to involve solar or battery sources, and overhead wiring is allowed if you follow the rules for such methods. (e.g. Article 396) In general, the NEC does not discrimate on wiring methods depending on application, and particularly for AC power wiring. (Exceptions I can think of include service conductors and DC solar circuits, but not DC battery circuits.)

I doubt the NESC makes any distinction either, as I don't believe there's any important physical difference. AC line power is AC line power.

correct BESS

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I don't see anything specific in Article 691, so the general rules in Chapters 1 through 4 apply.