I have an inspector who is failing me on a ground mounted solar system because I don’t have a ground rod at the array. He has cited article 690.47 in the code which will then reference you to 250.52 in 250.52. My structure meets the qualifications to be its own grounding electrode per 250.52 A3. The inspector told me that I did not meet that requirement because my poles are not UL listed. I explained to him that in this section of code it allows for steel tire wire as an acceptable connection. Could he show me where steel tie wire is you all listed? All of this system components on this ground mount are UL2703 certified. this guy is just pissed because I called him out on his incorrect interpretation.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Clarification of nec 250.52
- Thread starter Japple10
- Start date
letgomywago
Senior Member
- Location
- Washington state and Oregon coast
- Occupation
- residential electrician
Sometimes its worth having a humble conversation with inspectors
Sometimes you need to go over their heads
Your attitude and their attitude are factors
Sometimes the cost to you is a factor. I dont agree with going beyond what's been payed for and spec out if its code compliant but is this holding you up from finish. What would be an acceptable solution if code can't break through to him.
There is nuance to getting through in issues like this it's a soft skill that is required of us.
There are also silly issues like most guys who are inspectors not paying attention to solar since its not their thing usually.
Where im at i have a local amendment that required min #6 cu in this situation. that doesnt help Virginia but attitude can help smooth things over. That doesnt mean as an inspector he will be helpfull but I find it a good thing to have as many of them on my side and help come up with solutions even if thats outside their job description.
Sometimes you need to go over their heads
Your attitude and their attitude are factors
Sometimes the cost to you is a factor. I dont agree with going beyond what's been payed for and spec out if its code compliant but is this holding you up from finish. What would be an acceptable solution if code can't break through to him.
There is nuance to getting through in issues like this it's a soft skill that is required of us.
There are also silly issues like most guys who are inspectors not paying attention to solar since its not their thing usually.
Where im at i have a local amendment that required min #6 cu in this situation. that doesnt help Virginia but attitude can help smooth things over. That doesnt mean as an inspector he will be helpfull but I find it a good thing to have as many of them on my side and help come up with solutions even if thats outside their job description.
Trust me I tried the humble smooth approach. I am above the inspector now. It’s the head electrical inspector that immediately gave me attitude. He told me to just use common sense and do what he wants. That rubbed me the wrong way and being the master and the owner I’ve got the time to push back. There is nothing in 690.47 that calls out a ground rod. At first they said a ground rod was needed because it was a subpanel at a separate structure. I showed them that was wrong. A combiner is not a subpanel and power source conductors are not the same as feeders. That should have been the end of it. Then they just kept on and doing it in a disrespectful manner. They dug their heels in on 250.52. Ok got it. 250.52 I am clearly in compliance with a concrete encased electrode. They said no you have to have 20ft in contact with earth. Failed again. I read into it and show them 250.52A(3) which clearly states why I’m correct.Sometimes its worth having a humble conversation with inspectors
Sometimes you need to go over their heads
Your attitude and their attitude are factors
Sometimes the cost to you is a factor. I dont agree with going beyond what's been payed for and spec out if its code compliant but is this holding you up from finish. What would be an acceptable solution if code can't break through to him.
There is nuance to getting through in issues like this it's a soft skill that is required of us.
There are also silly issues like most guys who are inspectors not paying attention to solar since its not their thing usually.
Where im at i have a local amendment that required min #6 cu in this situation. that doesnt help Virginia but attitude can help smooth things over. That doesnt mean as an inspector he will be helpfull but I find it a good thing to have as many of them on my side and help come up with solutions even if thats outside their job description.