ROMEX for enphase system ran in attic PLEASE HELP I need a code reference ASAP

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OnPointElectric

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Redding
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C10 Contractor
Really need help with this code reference. We ran an enphase system roof mount and ran 12/2 romex in the attic as we always do but this inspector is saying it needs to be protected by conduit because of the voltage. It’s 240v and there is tons 240v romex circuits ran in the attic for other things in the home I can’t see why this would be different. Does anyone know a code reference saying 240v circuits can be ran in an attic without conduit? I need this ASAP by Monday.
 
Try 690.31(A). It is a violation.

".......Where PV source and output circuits operating at voltages greater than 30 volts are installed in readily accessible locations, circuit conductors shall be guarded or installed in Type MC cable or in raceway........"
 
See NEC 690.31. Relevant excerpts:

690.31(A) "All raceway and cable wiring methods included in this Code, other wiring systems and fittings specifically listed for use in PV arrays, and wiring as part of a listed system shall be permitted. . . ."

690.31(A) "Where PV source and output circuits operating at voltages greater than 30 volts are installed in readily accessible locations, circuit conductors shall be guarded or installed in Type MC cable or in raceway." Note that PV source and output circuits are defined at the front of 2020 NEC Article 690 as DC circuits, so this does not apply to the inverter output circuit from the microinverters.

690.31(D) "Where inside buildings, PV system dc circuits that exceed 30 volts or 8 amperes shall be contained in metal raceways, in Type MC metal-clad cable that complies with 250.118(10), or in metal enclosures." Again, the inverter output circuit is not a DC circuit.

So no violation.

Cheers, Wayne
 
Fred B said:
Try 690.31(A). It is a violation.

".......Where PV source and output circuits operating at voltages greater than 30 volts are installed in readily accessible locations, circuit conductors shall be guarded or installed in Type MC cable or in raceway........"
Click to expand...
Except the circuits in question in the OP are not PV source or output circuits.

Cheers, Wayne
 
This is not a PV source circuit.
It is a branch circuit.
No different than all the other branch circuits that are run with Romex in the house ( for dryers, washers, outlets whatever. )

To wit, if you trip the breaker, the whole circuit goes dead.

Not the same for a PV source circuit.
 
The code violation is you ran 12/2.
You need to run 12/3.
You ran black and white.
.... you need a black and RED.
And just waste the white neutral.

you're not allowed to phase tape one of them red.

Not on anything under 6 gauge.
 
Zee said:
The code violation is you ran 12/2.
You need to run 12/3.
You ran black and white.
.... you need a black and RED.
And just waste the white neutral.

you're not allowed to phase tape one of them red.

Not on anything under 6 gauge.
Click to expand...
you can tape or sharpie the white in a nm-b

beat me to it :)
 
wwhitney said:
See NEC 690.31. Relevant excerpts:

690.31(A) "All raceway and cable wiring methods included in this Code, other wiring systems and fittings specifically listed for use in PV arrays, and wiring as part of a listed system shall be permitted. . . ."

690.31(A) "Where PV source and output circuits operating at voltages greater than 30 volts are installed in readily accessible locations, circuit conductors shall be guarded or installed in Type MC cable or in raceway." Note that PV source and output circuits are defined at the front of 2020 NEC Article 690 as DC circuits, so this does not apply to the inverter output circuit from the microinverters.

690.31(D) "Where inside buildings, PV system dc circuits that exceed 30 volts or 8 amperes shall be contained in metal raceways, in Type MC metal-clad cable that complies with 250.118(10), or in metal enclosures." Again, the inverter output circuit is not a DC circuit.

So no violation.

Cheers, Wayne
Click to expand...
I’m agreeing with what you have posted, just a question.
I was thinking the romex had to be marked with voltage and “DC”..
 
What the OP did is fine. It's apparent that the inspector mistakenly believes the circuit in question must follow the rules for a DC PV circuit. The correction the inspector issued would apply to PV DC circuits. But it does not apply to a microinverter output circuit, any more than it would apply to any ordinary 120/240v AC circuit (such an one supplying an HVAC compressor). Not the first time I have run into this confusion from inspectors, some just see solar and think the rule applies. I've had luck so far when I explain that it's a microinverter system and the circuit is AC.

(Wayne already explained all this, I'm just concurring, as a PV professional.)
 
Fred B said:
Try 690.31(A). It is a violation.

".......Where PV source and output circuits operating at voltages greater than 30 volts are installed in readily accessible locations, circuit conductors shall be guarded or installed in Type MC cable or in raceway........"
Click to expand...
Doesn't that section allow NM cable if it's guarded?
 
Interesting discussion, I don't know solar has the OP has said what type of building it is?
roger said:
Ask the inspector for a reference.
Click to expand...
I agree there are other possible reasons you may not be allowed to use NM cable, here if the building is 4-floors or more everything is typically metal raceway or MC, also other types of 'occupancy' like commercial occupancies articles 514 - 518.
There was another trade (HVAC person) that ran some NM cable with refrigerant lines on a 4-story duplex that I had to go redo in MC because it got flagged.
 
WD40 said:
Interesting discussion, I don't know solar has the OP has said what type of building it is?

I agree there are other possible reasons you may not be allowed to use NM cable, here if the building is 4-floors or more everything is typically metal raceway or MC, also other types of 'occupancy' like commercial occupancies articles 514 - 518.
There was another trade (HVAC person) that ran some NM cable with refrigerant lines on a 4-story duplex that I had to go redo in MC because it got flagged.
Click to expand...
I presume one or two family residential because I don't think other types of buildings are as likely to have an 'attic' and because if the building type was the reason for failing the inspection the inspector would have said so, not "because of the voltage."
 
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