e57
Senior Member
- Location
- San Francisco, CA
I think the idea was to go back to square one with the guise that one could make it to square two.... When it really requires one of those "Knight" moves. (Chess)
code violations on a solar installation
- Thread starter lbwireman
- Start date
- Status
In these cases when the inspector requires something 'not in the code' its not in NEC, but there is a local ordinance requiring it. For example one city in so cal I am aware of; requires a seperate meter, a DC disconnect, and a disconnect on the output of the inverter for grid tie solar installations. (I am not familiar with the codes involved here, perhaps the two discos are always required?) They are also very particular about signage on the discos.
Sierrasparky
Senior Member
- Location
- USA
- Occupation
- Electrician ,contractor
Thats nice that they may have seperate rules for their city. The problem is it actually must be LAW. They cannot just enact it by whim. They must go through a process. I believe they must submit through the state before they can make such a rule. Many times cities do not. The city just cannot make things up as they go.
All I was suggesting is that the AHJ provide a documentation for the request. Especially if it was not the fault of the HO and just a shoddy EC.
In general I mean the cities, not just particular inspectors as far as requirements that aren't in the NEC. And, yeah, I see what you were saying about the cities needing to go through a process.
It's a case of picking battles I guess. I have argued, and won, about some significant things like when they want additional grounding rods that shouldn't be required. But, I've let other things go, like when they want direct burial grounding lugs on each module and not some less expensive clips which are also approved and make for a neater install.
The biggest specific impediment that some cities adopt for solar have been fire set backs. Some cities are much more strict than others. I guess this is a planning issue though and not the building department's.
It's a case of picking battles I guess. I have argued, and won, about some significant things like when they want additional grounding rods that shouldn't be required. But, I've let other things go, like when they want direct burial grounding lugs on each module and not some less expensive clips which are also approved and make for a neater install.
The biggest specific impediment that some cities adopt for solar have been fire set backs. Some cities are much more strict than others. I guess this is a planning issue though and not the building department's.
The separate meter and a separate AC disconnect, usually lockable, is a requirement of many of the municipal power companies in SoCal. The DC disconnect is required, but is often integrated with the inverter. Depending on where the inverter is, where the conduit runs and where the array is, there could be a separate DC disconnect required by the NEC.
e57
Senior Member
- Location
- San Francisco, CA
I'm in one of thos cities that rewrites the book.... They have been sued a number of times and won.... Nearest I can tell - the BSA can care less - and all cities need do is have the AHJ for them post or make any changes to the codes available. And most make them available on line or use legal posting services. Interpetiaon is another story all together.
The POCO's can and of course write thier own book, based on loose state guidelines, but are free to change them at will. As far as the topic on hand - I know there has been a push for standardization on this for net metering - but the last two times I have looked for PG&E's there have been changes to it. Like most things 'solar' - it may take decades to self-standardize - if ever.
Sierrasparky
Senior Member
- Location
- USA
- Occupation
- Electrician ,contractor
The person modified the Load center in the meter combo. The breakers are only accesable if you remove the deadfront. If we had better pictures I guess there would be more.
As far as the AHJ making rules. They just need to follow the process. They can't just make it up along the way. Same goes for the POCO. They need to provide such rules they make and it must be in writing.They also must post it with some state agency also.
I do not think the customer needs a new service. It looks to me like there is room to properly add two 20 amp or two 15 amp breakers in the existing service after an electrician cleans things up a bit. Running new conduit and wire is expensive and may be unnecessary. What are the other items that you think are Code violations? Why not give the first company a chance to fix it? I suggest you check things out carefully before calling CSLB. You may get cited!
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Hospital Master Electrician
All right if we leave them, since one post was already replied to?
- Location
- Simi Valley, CA
There's not really that many illegal solar installs, since they can't get their rebates without a signed job card.
- Status