D.C. overcurrent protection required?

[qcroanoke]

We have a set up where we have a battery string (125 VDC) that is feeding a main lug only DC panel.
I know that the 2008 NEC article 480.5 requires a disconnecting means.
Is overcurrent and short circuit protection not required as well?
I can't find an answer to this unless 480.3 applies.
What do you say?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Chapters 1 through 4 apply generally and there is nothing that says the rules in Article 240 do not apply to DC circuits.

 

[dereckbc]

Short answer is yes. There are two ways to go about it:
1. Reference one polarity to ground, and OCPD the other, just like you would any grounded AC system
2. OCPD on both polarities with ground fault detectors just like any ungrounded AC system.

 

[qcroanoke]

Chapters 1 through 4 apply generally and there is nothing that says the rules in Article 240 do not apply to DC circuits.

Interesting Don,
Never looked at it like that before.... But you're right, article 240 never says A/C or D/C.
It will make for an interesting discussion tomorrow.