Solar taps that are UL listed “suitable for line side of the service equipment. NEC 230.46

J

Jriggins7

Member
Location
Denver, CO
Occupation
Electrician
Buchanan makes a UL listed tap (BTap) that says “suitable for use on line side of the service equipment”. Just failed an inspection for using an ilsco and the Burndys (which are identical to the BTap but serial numbers are different) aren’t suitable but UL listed. This has been an issue since the first of the year everywhere but this is the only device I found that is suitable for line side of service equipment and allowed me to pass my inspection. Buchanan BTap Cat # BTC4/0-10 is what I used (service conductors 4/0-3 AWG and tap 2-10 AWG) and has a tap amp rating of up to 130 amps (which you’ll never get to off res solar), misinterpreted thinking it was the service amperage.

Buchanan BTap
 
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Would anyone happen to have the document for the Buchanan BTAP Connector showing the NEC230.46 compliance? I called their customer service to get it but they told me to email a request and they'll mail me a paper copy. I kind of need it sooner than that.. Working on a project for my boss's dad.
 
I've had success using this product. Their documentation is listed on the website showing the NEC 230.46 compliance.
www.nsiindustries.com

Line Side of Equipment

Polaris Connectors: Stay Code Compliant Polaris has led the industry in innovation and rigorous testing, ensuring our products meet the highest standards. Today, we offer a comprehensive range of Ul-listed pre-insulated connectors, all rated for NEC 230.46 compliance. All Polaris Black and...
www.nsiindustries.com www.nsiindustries.com
 
baserunner4 said:
I've had success using this product. Their documentation is listed on the website showing the NEC 230.46 compliance.
www.nsiindustries.com

Line Side of Equipment

Polaris Connectors: Stay Code Compliant Polaris has led the industry in innovation and rigorous testing, ensuring our products meet the highest standards. Today, we offer a comprehensive range of Ul-listed pre-insulated connectors, all rated for NEC 230.46 compliance. All Polaris Black and...
www.nsiindustries.com www.nsiindustries.com
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Thank you so much!! We never do taps and the installer is insisting on it. It's been driving me crazy!!
 
MinaAmeli said:
Would anyone happen to have the document for the Buchanan BTAP Connector showing the NEC230.46 compliance? I called their customer service to get it but they told me to email a request and they'll mail me a paper copy. I kind of need it sooner than that.. Working on a project for my boss's dad.
Click to expand...
I just received information that BTaps are not UL-listed. The note on their spec sheet, "suitable for use on the line side of the service equipment,” is self-claimed.
 
So you can use Ilsco PBTD or ECTD multi tap connectors or Polaris connectors for line side taps.
 
SO, Now that we know NONE of the IPC type taps are Suitable for Line side Service taps in accordance with the 2023 NEC....
Can i get some explanation on the actual tap. OHIO inspectors are split down the middle on this one!
1- inspector says its a NEW service, has to be 3 wire to the first disconnect and 2 new ground rods, 4 wire past the disco.
2- inspector says its NOT a new system, and want 4 wires separate Grounded and Grounding from the 200a panel all the way.
They both say the other is wrong and actually UNSAFE and MUST be changed.
-service is 120v/240v single phase, standard 3 wire service to meter and into a 200a MB panel, NO disconnects or 4 wire involved here.
 
SolarOhio said:
SO, Now that we know NONE of the IPC type taps are Suitable for Line side Service taps in accordance with the 2023 NEC....
Can i get some explanation on the actual tap. OHIO inspectors are split down the middle on this one!
1- inspector says its a NEW service, has to be 3 wire to the first disconnect and 2 new ground rods, 4 wire past the disco.
2- inspector says its NOT a new system, and want 4 wires separate Grounded and Grounding from the 200a panel all the way.
They both say the other is wrong and actually UNSAFE and MUST be changed.
-service is 120v/240v single phase, standard 3 wire service to meter and into a 200a MB panel, NO disconnects or 4 wire involved here.
Click to expand...
To further clarify... we are talking about tapping the Service entrance conductors before the main service disconnect in a 200a service.
The conductors that lead from the main panel, thought a LFMC outside to a 60amp fused disconnect. about 6' in length on average.
 
SolarOhio said:
SO, Now that we know NONE of the IPC type taps are Suitable for Line side Service taps in accordance with the 2023 NEC....
Can i get some explanation on the actual tap. OHIO inspectors are split down the middle on this one!
1- inspector says its a NEW service, has to be 3 wire to the first disconnect and 2 new ground rods, 4 wire past the disco.
2- inspector says its NOT a new system, and want 4 wires separate Grounded and Grounding from the 200a panel all the way.
They both say the other is wrong and actually UNSAFE and MUST be changed.
-service is 120v/240v single phase, standard 3 wire service to meter and into a 200a MB panel, NO disconnects or 4 wire involved here.
Click to expand...
You need to get clarification from their boss to get them on the same page. Inspectors are not supposed to make the rules.

Yeah, I know... :D
 
What code cycle are you on? Code has evolved and clarified this over multiple cycles.

Inspector 1 is wrong about it being a new service and needing two new ground rods. However he is arguably right that it's a new service disconnect and therefore right that you don't need a separate grounding wire (EGC or SSBJ) because you can use the neutral. If you do it that way, you bond the neutral to your new disconnect, and run a GEC from the disconnect to the existing electrodes (not new ones) separate electrodes not bonded to existing ones would be a violation of 250.50.

Before the 2020 NEC Inspector 2's method was also arguably an option. However in 2020 NEC 250.25 was added which says to do it as I said above.

I don't believe either way is unsafe.
 
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