Labels for PCS (EMS) systems with battery and PV

[Zee]

Per NEC 2020, what is the label I need to apply at the backfed breaker for a Power Controlled System?
(Specifically Enphase IQ Storage+PV system, but that shouldn't matter much.)

For decades I relied on this trusty label:

I'd print it at home with the specific variables A and V for each job.
Does this still apply?

However, I believe now (since the advent of PCS) 2020 NEC 705.13 is the governing section. So, I may need this:


Also this variant:

If so , where do I apply it?
Do I still also need the old label at top?
Oh just noticed the 1st says "kW" and the 2nd says "A". Which one is preferable?

My understanding is the exact verbiage or color was never specified for these labels, but the information the label must contain was prescribed in general terms. Is that accurate?

Background: Inspectors love labels! As they should.

 

[Elect117]

I don't think you need to change the label. The PCS setting is the maximum rated output. Most of the time the wire, breaker, etc. is sized to the PCS setting for which it controls. So I think the top one still makes sense.

 

[jaggedben]

The code has not addressed this AFAIK. I think you can still use the same label for the main output. The amps should include battery amps if applicable IMO. I have some custom printed labels that say it's the solar+battery output.

The PCS labels may be code required in a roundabout way if the manufacturer says to put them on. So look in the manual if it's specific where to put those labels. I've been putting them on the Enphase System Controller or combiner.

The amps vs. kW labels apply to different PCS features. The one that refers to amps backfeeding the main panel is for main panel upgrade avoidance. The kW to the utility refers to aggregate power export limit. The former actually limits amps regardless of voltage and power factor while the latter actually limits watts regardless of amps and power factor.

 

[Zee]

I don't think you need to change the label. The PCS setting is the maximum rated output. Most of the time the wire, breaker, etc. is sized to the PCS setting for which it controls. So I think the top one still makes sense.

OK, so just change the wording from PV system AC disconnect to Solar + Battery system AC disconnect.

 

[Elect117]

OK, so just change the wording from PV system AC disconnect to Solar + Battery system AC disconnect.

In my opinion, to comply with 690.13, you will need at least one sticker that says "PV System Disconnect". Even if it disconnects the battery as well. You will also need one sticker that says "ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM DISCONNECT" to comply with Art.706.15.

You might also need to include the subsections 706.15 (1)-(4) on a separate sticker.

But for the system size / max output, I believe saying something to the effect of "PCS Controlled Solar + Battery Max Output" or "Solar + Battery Rated Output".

These sections are a mess....

 

[pv_n00b]

The names are changing for the management systems. The Power Control System in the 2020 NEC is the Energy Management System in the 2023 NEC. Who knows what it will be in the 2026. Since there is no marking requirement to identify the management system I would avoid it so as not to confuse people. The rated current in the label is whatever current the management system limits it to.

 

[Zee]

The code has not addressed this AFAIK. I think you can still use the same label for the main output. The amps should include battery amps if applicable IMO. I have some custom printed labels that say it's the solar+battery output.

The PCS labels may be code required in a roundabout way if the manufacturer says to put them on. So look in the manual if it's specific where to put those labels. I've been putting them on the Enphase System Controller or combiner.

The amps vs. kW labels apply to different PCS features. The one that refers to amps backfeeding the main panel is for main panel upgrade avoidance. The kW to the utility refers to aggregate power export limit. The former actually limits amps regardless of voltage and power factor while the latter actually limits watts regardless of amps and power factor.

Yes, the mfctr manual does call out where to place the labels. On the IQ 6 Combiner.

Aha, gotcha! It is always main panel upgrade avoidance for us.