Photovoltaic Micro inverter grounding electrode installation

[gpang]

What section of the 2008 NEC require the grounding electrode conductor for an Enphase micro inverter installation (PV panels on the roof to the service) to be run/installed in a separate raceway (not run with the PV circuits)?

Thanks

 

[Hendrix]

What section of the 2008 NEC require the grounding electrode conductor for an Enphase micro inverter installation (PV panels on the roof to the service) to be run/installed in a separate raceway (not run with the PV circuits)?

Thanks

690.43 maybe

 

[SeanD]

There is no requirement to run the GEC in a separate raceway. If this is a comment from an inspection ask for a code section

 

[ty]

There is no requirement to run the GEC in a separate raceway. If this is a comment from an inspection ask for a code section

I agree with SeanD.

Please have the inspector read 690.43 2008NEC paying attention to the last paragraph.

 

[iwire]

There is no requirement to run the GEC in a separate raceway. If this is a comment from an inspection ask for a code section

Just an FYI I am pretty sure there will be in the 2011 NEC.

 

[ty]

Ooops. disregard my Code. It is for the equipment ground.
I now see it says GEC.
that is 690.47

 

[ty]

Just an FYI I am pretty sure there will be in the 2011 NEC.

did you submit it?

 

[gpang]

Just an FYI I am pretty sure there will be in the 2011 NEC.

It seems from the replies that there isn't any specific Code section requiring that the GEC be installed separately. So until someone identifies a specific Code section or I hear from the electrical inspector, I'll assume this requirement is a local requirement.

Thanks

 

[iwire]

did you submit it?

Nah, I just recall reading about it.

 

[gpang]

I just spoke to the local electrical inspector and if I understand him correctly, he said the GEC can be installed with the other circuit conductors as long as the boxes and raceways are bonded to the GEC and equipment grounding conductor.

 

[rickgomes26]

Through 2005 the GEC and EGC have always been separate requirements.This has always been interpreted to represent two separate conductors. These conductors can share the same raceway as long as the raceway is bonded according to 250.
In the 2008 however, article 690.47 a single conductor may used for both purposes.

(excerpt from John Wiles' Checklist URL below)
9. GROUNDING
• Only one bonding conductor (grounded conductor to ground) for dc circuits and one
bonding conductor for ac circuits (neutral to ground) for system grounding? [250] Note:
The dc bonds may be located inside inverters or in ground-fault protection devices.
• AC and dc grounding electrode conductors connected properly? They may be
connected to the same grounding electrode system (ground rod). Separate electrodes,
if used, must be bonded together. [690.41,47] The 2008 NEC in 690.47 allows a
combined dc grounding electrode conductor and an ac equipment-grounding
electrode, but the conditions and requirements are numerous. {690.47}
• Equipment grounding conductors properly sized (even on ungrounded, low-voltage
systems)? [690.43]
• Disconnects and overcurrent in both of the ungrounded conductors in each circuit on
12-volt, ungrounded systems? [240.20(A)], [690.41]
• Bonding fittings used with metal conduits when dc system voltage is more than 250V
dc? [250.97]
(From John Wiles at NMSU PV checklist http://www.nmsu.edu/~tdi/pdf-resources/INSPECTOR_CHECKLIST_6-23-06.pdf