Breaking 6 handle Rule?

[HoosierSparky]

Would adding a line side tap at the SES for a PV disconnect to an SES that already has 6 disconnects violate the 6 handle rule? We are under the 2014 NEC.

 

[ggunn]

Would adding a line side tap at the SES for a PV disconnect to an SES that already has 6 disconnects violate the 6 handle rule? We are under the 2014 NEC.

No, but your POCO and/or AHJ might not agree, and it might be a difficult fight to win.

 

[jaggedben]

See this recent thread:

2017 "Service Disconnects" Grouping and additional PV System Disconnect

Hello, I have a question in regards to groupings of disconnects per 230.71(A) of the 2017 version. My current situation is this: Existing building has 6 Service Disconnects "Grouped" that are tapped off of parallel sets of Underground service conductors in a junction box located below said...

forums.mikeholt.com

I think this is something where the NEC is actually clear that you can add a new disconnect for PV (up to 6, actually) but it says it in such a roundabout way and it comes up rarely enough that many AHJs won't be convinced.

 

[HoosierSparky]

See this recent thread:

2017 "Service Disconnects" Grouping and additional PV System Disconnect

Hello, I have a question in regards to groupings of disconnects per 230.71(A) of the 2017 version. My current situation is this: Existing building has 6 Service Disconnects "Grouped" that are tapped off of parallel sets of Underground service conductors in a junction box located below said...

forums.mikeholt.com

I think this is something where the NEC is actually clear that you can add a new disconnect for PV (up to 6, actually) but it says it in such a roundabout way and it comes up rarely enough that many AHJs won't be convinced.

We are under the 2014, not the 2017. We are changing in January to the 2020.

 

[ggunn]

We are under the 2014, not the 2017. We are changing in January to the 2020.

When an AHJ I was dealing with was still under the 2014 NEC I successfully argued this point using some content from one of Mike Holt's video panel discussions.

 

[jaggedben]

We are under the 2014, not the 2017. We are changing in January to the 2020.

If you look at the other thread I linked to, it's pretty much all about stuff in Article 230 that hasn't changed in any if those cycles.

 

[Phil Timmons]

You doing an old Split Bus Panel? Has 6 "Mains" at the top -- usually 2 pole 240 Volt -- and then single pole breakers below?

If so, that rig may be older than you. Or maybe even older than me. And I am not young anymore.

Not being your momma or anything -- but everything has a Service Life. Typical 25 to 50 years.

Folks who are getting New Solar usually plan on being around for a while. And are the type of folks who will be wanting to add an EV charger with in a year or so.

"Best Practices" might be to do the new 200 Amp Main Panel / Service Disconnect (2020 Code) outside and connect the Solar PV there -- all your New Stuff outside, with spare breakers to add for the place . . . . and turn the old box into a Sub-Panel or J-Box or whatever.