earshavewalls
Senior Member
We are having issue with some code items that, if they must be enforced, may limit the size of PV systems on flat roofs.
The California Building Code, Section 1013.5 states:
"Guards shall be provided where appliances, equipment, fans, roof hatch openings or other components that require service are located within 10 feet of a roof edge or open side of a walking surface and such edge or open side is located more than 30 inches above the floor, roof or grade below."
The section goes on to explain the requirements for guards.
The Residential Code does not contain such language, so we are NOT enforcing this on residential PV systems.
However, on commercial projects, this has come into play on a few occassions. The real question is whether or not PV modules fall under the category of "other components that require service". I get mixed responses, depending on who is asked the question. PV manufacturers, for the most part, state that their modules are designed to last 40+ years, but will not state whether or not they require service. Among installers, I get about 50% saying they 'never' require service, with the other 50% saying they are likely to need some sort of maintenance (service) over their lifetime. (I even emailed John Wiles and got a pretty much neutral response, as this is not part of his expertise).
I think I asked this a couple of years ago, and got the 50/50 response. We have been conservative with this issue all along and have considered PV modules as components that require service and this has resulted in some added expense to some projects and resulted in downsizing of the system in at least one instance.
We are debating this issue and are intending to set a policy on how to deal with this situation so that we may be consistent in the future.
So, should guards or 42" parapets be required whenever PV modules are located within 10 feet of a roof edge, for safety reasons? I am also sending a similar inquiry to OSHA to see if I can get them to voice some sort of opinion (wish me luck there....lol).
Wayne Webb
Assistant Engineer
MEP Plan Check
The California Building Code, Section 1013.5 states:
"Guards shall be provided where appliances, equipment, fans, roof hatch openings or other components that require service are located within 10 feet of a roof edge or open side of a walking surface and such edge or open side is located more than 30 inches above the floor, roof or grade below."
The section goes on to explain the requirements for guards.
The Residential Code does not contain such language, so we are NOT enforcing this on residential PV systems.
However, on commercial projects, this has come into play on a few occassions. The real question is whether or not PV modules fall under the category of "other components that require service". I get mixed responses, depending on who is asked the question. PV manufacturers, for the most part, state that their modules are designed to last 40+ years, but will not state whether or not they require service. Among installers, I get about 50% saying they 'never' require service, with the other 50% saying they are likely to need some sort of maintenance (service) over their lifetime. (I even emailed John Wiles and got a pretty much neutral response, as this is not part of his expertise).
I think I asked this a couple of years ago, and got the 50/50 response. We have been conservative with this issue all along and have considered PV modules as components that require service and this has resulted in some added expense to some projects and resulted in downsizing of the system in at least one instance.
We are debating this issue and are intending to set a policy on how to deal with this situation so that we may be consistent in the future.
So, should guards or 42" parapets be required whenever PV modules are located within 10 feet of a roof edge, for safety reasons? I am also sending a similar inquiry to OSHA to see if I can get them to voice some sort of opinion (wish me luck there....lol).
Wayne Webb
Assistant Engineer
MEP Plan Check