Listed Assemblies

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Energy-Miser

Energy-Miser

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Greetings,
Can someone show me a code reference, to the effect that if an assembly is listed, then inspector should not concern self with component listings. The issue is that Enphase micro-inverter comes with twist type disconnects. Well the whole thing is listed to UL 1741, but inspector insists that the twist disconnect that comes with it needs to also be listed to meet code as a disconnect for the solar on the roof. Your thoughts please. Much appreciated. E/M.
 
Energy-Miser said:
Greetings,
Can someone show me a code reference, to the effect that if an assembly is listed, then inspector should not concern self with component listings. The issue is that Enphase micro-inverter comes with twist type disconnects. Well the whole thing is listed to UL 1741, but inspector insists that the twist disconnect that comes with it needs to also be listed to meet code as a disconnect for the solar on the roof. Your thoughts please. Much appreciated. E/M.
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If the equipment came with installation instructions and those instructions show to use the disconnects then I think 110.3 B would come into play.
 
ceb58 said:
If the equipment came with installation instructions and those instructions show to use the disconnects then I think 110.3 B would come into play.
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Thanks. Just looked it up, it urges installation to take place according to manufacturers instructions. I am looking for something that is more specific as to the acceptability of the disconnect in this case, based on the fact that it is part of a listed assembly. E/M.
 
The code requires that the equipment be "approved" and per the NEC that leaves it up to the inspector. The fact that a product is listed is one method that the inspector can use to "approve" the equipment, but there is nothing in the code that requires the inspector to accept the listing. Look at 110.2, the definition of "approved" and the FPN after 110.3(A)(1).
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
The code requires that the equipment be "approved" and per the NEC that leaves it up to the inspector. The fact that a product is listed is one method that the inspector can use to "approve" the equipment, but there is nothing in the code that requires the inspector to accept the listing. Look at 110.2, the definition of "approved" and the FPN after 110.3(A)(1).
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Excellent point. Apart from AHJ being the ultimate "approver" however, the referenced FPN does say that "Suitability of equipment use may be identified by a description marked on or provided with a product for a specific purpose, environment, or application, ..."

Looking at the last part of this quote, it seems like if the manufacturer has literature outlining suitability of product for a purpose, such as "to serve as a disconnect for specific model of solar panel" in this case, that I can at least make a convincing argument to the inpector. Thanks again, PS - to all: more comments on this issue are certainly welcome.
 
Energy-Miser said:
Excellent point. Apart from AHJ being the ultimate "approver" however, the referenced FPN does say that "Suitability of equipment use may be identified by a description marked on or provided with a product for a specific purpose, environment, or application, ..."

Looking at the last part of this quote, it seems like if the manufacturer has literature outlining suitability of product for a purpose, such as "to serve as a disconnect for specific model of solar panel" in this case, that I can at least make a convincing argument to the inpector. Thanks again, PS - to all: more comments on this issue are certainly welcome.
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The key word in the FPN is "may".
FPN: Suitability of equipment use may be identified by a description marked on or provided with a product to identify the suitability of the product for a specific purpose, environment, or application. Suitability of equipment may be evidenced by listing or labeling.
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LarryFine said:
Or, perhaps, his/her supervisor. Don't be afraid to climb the food chain when necessary.

Don't forget that the AHJ is rarely the inspector him/herself.
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Thanks Larry, yes good point. This business of solar inspection is still shaking out, be a while before the ground rules are established. So many interpretations, so little time!
 
Energy-Miser said:
Thanks Larry, yes good point. This business of solar inspection is still shaking out, be a while before the ground rules are established. So many interpretations, so little time!
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Bob (iwire) has some experience with solar. See if he can assist you.
 
Enphase micro-inverter comes with twist type disconnects

Enphase micro-inverter comes with twist type disconnects

Unless your Enphase micro-inverter is part of a listed Alternating-Current PV module, the regular rules of NEC Art. 690 apply and a separate disconnecting means will be needed. The utility generally requires this to be a lockable-off safety switch. Some jurisdictions are requiring roof mounted DC disconnects as part of fire or building codes, not the electrical code.

If your Enphase micro-inverter is part of a listed Alternating-Current PV module, then see Art 690.6 of the NEC for Alternating-Current modules. This Article seems to allow the twist lock to be a disconnecting means, but that will not satisfy most utilities who will insist on the safety switch.
 
BillK-AZ said:
Unless your Enphase micro-inverter is part of a listed Alternating-Current PV module, the regular rules of NEC Art. 690 apply and a separate disconnecting means will be needed. The utility generally requires this to be a lockable-off safety switch. Some jurisdictions are requiring roof mounted DC disconnects as part of fire or building codes, not the electrical code.

If your Enphase micro-inverter is part of a listed Alternating-Current PV module, then see Art 690.6 of the NEC for Alternating-Current modules. This Article seems to allow the twist lock to be a disconnecting means, but that will not satisfy most utilities who will insist on the safety switch.
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Thanks. Yes the disconnects are on the output cables of the micro-inverter, which carry AC, so I guess we should be ok per NEC.
 
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