ryangittens
Member
- Location
- usa
Is there any code requirement that states you need a PV disconnect at the location of a ground mount? Or can the disconnect be remote next to the inverters and a plaque showing where it is at the ground mount?
Is there any code requirement that states you need a PV disconnect at the location of a ground mount? Or can the disconnect be remote next to the inverters and a plaque showing where it is at the ground mount?
The outside feeder is covered under 225 (however a disco is not required at the supply end).
A DC disconnect is required where it first enters the structure it supplies 225.32.
So would I.I personally would put one on the pole, but don't see anything other than 690.13(A) requiring you to put one there.
The outside feeder is covered under 225 (however a disco is not required at the supply end).
A DC disconnect is required where it first enters the structure it supplies 225.32.
I personally would put one on the pole, but don't see anything other than 690.13(A) requiring you to put one there.
If AC were run out to the ground mount, I would say per 225 we might need a disconnect. I say might because of the revised definition of "structure" and "equipment" is now not a structure. It's a bit gray to me. Its really just academic tho as most inverters have AC disconnects, and a combiner panel will usually have less than 6 throws if MLO.
The six handle rule does not apply to a combiner, AC or DC, MLO or no, as long as it doesn't connect directly to the service conductors with no disco between it and them.
Hmmm, well the 6 handle rule doesn't apply to the article 690 disconnects, but would apply to any article 225 or 230 requirements. Do you concur with that statement? Is there a way to NOT classify the AC conductors going to a combiner panelboard at a ground mount as a article 225 feeder?
If we are talking DC, I think it's doubtful we have any 'feeders'. 690 defines DC circuits in ways that exclude all parts of other circuits that are definitely feeders, and Chapter 6 takes precedence over Chapter 2.
If we are talking AC, it's a little more complicated, as there is no way to make sense of the definition of inverter output circuits without acknowledging that parts of it can also be service conductors or feeders at the same time. It would be hard to argue against an AHJ who wants to enforce 225, especially since 225.32 contains two article-specific exceptions that aren't for 690.
I'm pretty sure that MC4 connectors are considered a disconnecting means for this purpose.2017 NEC 690.15: Isolating devices shall be provided to isolate PV modules, etc. from all conductors that are not solidly grounded. This would require an isolating device at the array. Isolating device is defined as something like a disconnect, but not requiring an interrupting rating.
I'm pretty sure that would be a local requirement, not a code issue.We are required on AC or DC to have a disco on a separate structure, which a ground mount is considered to be.
I just had to revisit this question for I project I am working on and I'll add to this.If we are talking DC, I think it's doubtful we have any 'feeders'. 690 defines DC circuits in ways that exclude all parts of other circuits that are definitely feeders,
2014 NEC 690.3 Other Articles
Wherever the requirements of other articles of this Code and
Article 690 differ, the requirements of Article 690 shall apply
and, if the system is operated in parallel with a primary source(s)
of electricity, the requirements in 705.14, 705.16, 705.32, and
705.143 shall apply.
This article covers requirements for outside branch circuits and feeders run on or between buildings, structures, or poles on the premises.."
Circuit conductors between the PV source circuit(s) and the inverter or dc utilization equipment.
sketchy: can you find out from the AHJ what specific code section they are talking about? I am curious if it really is a local code or an interpretation of 225.31.We are required on AC or DC to have a disco on a separate structure, which a ground mount is considered to be.
No, it's not unless an isolation transformer is between it and the service.A pole mount PV array is a Separately Derived System...