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Failed Inspection - need some advice and guidance for NEC 690 infractions.

I'm realizing that my inspector refused to answer any questions by email, but in person he was more helpful. Not extremely helpful, just more helpful.

I had to word the questions like "If I did this, would it meet code?"
Or, "Just to make sure I understand, doing it X way is correct?"

Not, "how do I do this?"

In the end, they definitely view their job as "safety" (I'm not saying that's true or not, just that's the inspector's view) not school. They are used to dealing with contractors/people in the trades.
 
It is all about liability and they don't want to touch that with a barge Pole. Just make sure you're interpreting the code correctly for your area and for products print out the UL certification if you can and just give that to the inspector as evidence that that particular device is good.
By the way did you see that new trough / circuit breaker all in one unit that goes below the 6500s, very cool. If you're going to have to do a bunch of rewiring below the inverters anyway I would just spring for this unit now.
EG4 combiner for 6500
 
timselectric said:
The reason why the inspector can't tell you how to fix it. Is because there are multiple ways to do it and pass. He's not allowed to suggest his favorite one. That would be considered as product promoting.
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It is possible my expectations are too high, I'll admit that. But at the advice of others here, I've changed my inquiries to "If I do X, will that meet the requirements" and "If I take a picture, will you circle the exact violation". It is clear at this point that he is simply not willing to do anything. To be honest, I don't think I ever asked him "how" to accomplish anything. I'd say I've been walking on egg shells the entire time and treating him like the god that he is.
 
You may just need to add a ground lug attached to the inverters case to ground the inverters enclosure beyond all doubts. You would want to use a listed lug and remove some the paint to insure the lug makes good contact.
 
meager said:
It is possible my expectations are too high, I'll admit that. But at the advice of others here, I've changed my inquiries to "If I do X, will that meet the requirements" and "If I take a picture, will you circle the exact violation". It is clear at this point that he is simply not willing to do anything. To be honest, I don't think I ever asked him "how" to accomplish anything. I'd say I've been walking on egg shells the entire time and treating him like the god that he is.
Click to expand...
I think his latest email states his position. He is not employed to show you how to do the job. You need to learn on your own, or hire someone to do it, or show you how to do it. Just make sure you fix everything on his list.
 
CoolWill said:
In my experience, asking the AHJ about stuff like that might bring something to his attention that is best left alone. Especially if he doesn't know the answer. The ego of the dictator that lives inside people with authority will not allow them to appear ignorant.
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He already has the disconnect, I'd certainly ask about it.

You guys are paranoid.
 
Zwy said:
I already gave the exception in this post, https://diysolarforum.com/threads/f...nce-for-nec-690-infractions.66975/post-844248

Maybe read that section first. It is quite clear, "An isolating device listed for the intended application"
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Yes, and I thank you for your response. In your answer you did say "The easy way to find out if it will pass is to ask the AHJ about it." I've established that this is not a possibility. I'm going to use all of the education I've been given here, apply it and then hope for the best. It's all I can do. Again, thank you.
 
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Reactions: Zwy
Just a comment...
Correct,it is not the inspectors to inform you of the proper corrections,BUT...when inspecting a "one-time" homeowner diy...c'mon man,get this DONE ! Jeez,share a lil bit,get it corrected,and I'll see you...never again !
 
Zwy said:
I already gave the exception in this post, https://diysolarforum.com/threads/f...nce-for-nec-690-infractions.66975/post-844248

Maybe read that section first. It is quite clear, "An isolating device listed for the intended application"
Click to expand...
Yes that IMO switch is usable as a PV disconnect per that section. But when used inside a building, with pv system dc circuits inside that switch doesn't meet the requirements of 690.31(D) for those circuits to be in metal raceway and boxes. It doesn't make much sense to require the enhanced protection of metal inside a building but allow a plastic box to be used for part of the circuit.
 
timselectric said:
It's not an exception. Just another part of the code.
Click to expand...

What is the purpose of an "exception" in the code?

To indicate something is allowed. That is how I see it. Otherwise, why have an exception?

timselectric said:
You're required to meet all sections.
Click to expand...

With "exceptions". ;)

timselectric said:
It doesn't say that you can use a product in a location that it's not allowed, as long as it's UL listed.
Click to expand...
But it does say "An isolating device listed for the intended application"

If it is a sticking point, then use a metal enclosure to accept the switch part of the IMO. The switch can be purchased separately or just removed from the case and used.
 
pvgirl said:
Yes that IMO switch is usable as a PV disconnect per that section. But when used inside a building, with pv system dc circuits inside that switch doesn't meet the requirements of 690.31(D) for those circuits to be in metal raceway and boxes. It doesn't make much sense to require the enhanced protection of metal inside a building but allow a plastic box to be used for part of the circuit.
Click to expand...
Agreed. I've specifically asked him about metal conduit going into and out of this IMO and all he did was refer me back to code. I could probably possibly skate by with putting that IMO disconnect inside yet another approved metal case (with access door), but I mean my goodness...that seems absolutely ridiculous. However, it does seem to be what I'm going to have to do...or I may just purchase that EG4 Load Center PDP and be done with it all. I already have to replace all the DC disconnects at the panel array anyways, so I can just repurpose these IMO's at the array I would think.
 
Zwy said:
What is the purpose of an "exception" in the code?
Click to expand...
But, it's not listed as an exception.
Just another requirement.
On top of all other requirements.
Exceptions are listed separately. And identified as such.
 
pvgirl said:
Yes that IMO switch is usable as a PV disconnect per that section. But when used inside a building, with pv system dc circuits inside that switch doesn't meet the requirements of 690.31(D) for those circuits to be in metal raceway and boxes. It doesn't make much sense to require the enhanced protection of metal inside a building but allow a plastic box to be used for part of the circuit.
Click to expand...
You need to scroll down to (G).


(G) Photovoltaic System Direct Current Circuits on or in a Building​


Where PV system dc circuits run inside a building, they shall be contained in metal raceways, Type MC metal-clad cable that complies with 250.118(10), or metal enclosures from the point of penetration of the surface of the building to the first readily accessible disconnecting means. The disconnecting means shall comply with 690.13(B) and (C) and 690.15(A) and (B). The wiring methods shall comply with the additional installation requirements in 690.31(G)(1) through (4).

Note is says in metal raceway to first readily accessible disconnecting means. The IMO is the first readily accessible disconnecting means and it doesn't state it needs a metal enclosure, only the dc circuits need to be run in a metal raceway.
 
meager said:
Agreed. I've specifically asked him about metal conduit going into and out of this IMO and all he did was refer me back to code. I could probably possibly skate by with putting that IMO disconnect inside yet another approved metal case (with access door), but I mean my goodness...that seems absolutely ridiculous. However, it does seem to be what I'm going to have to do...or I may just purchase that EG4 Load Center PDP and be done with it all. I already have to replace all the DC disconnects at the panel array anyways, so I can just repurpose these IMO's at the array I would think.
Click to expand...
It could be you simply need a grounding bushing for the IMO. https://www.google.com/search?q=gro...46i433i512.4294j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
 
Zwy said:
You need to scroll down to (G).


(G) Photovoltaic System Direct Current Circuits on or in a Building​


Where PV system dc circuits run inside a building, they shall be contained in metal raceways, Type MC metal-clad cable that complies with 250.118(10), or metal enclosures from the point of penetration of the surface of the building to the first readily accessible disconnecting means. The disconnecting means shall comply with 690.13(B) and (C) and 690.15(A) and (B). The wiring methods shall comply with the additional installation requirements in 690.31(G)(1) through (4).

Note is says in metal raceway to first readily accessible disconnecting means. The IMO is the first readily accessible disconnecting means and it doesn't state it needs a metal enclosure, only the dc circuits need to be run in a metal raceway.
Click to expand...
That section was changed in 2020 NEC and now the whole circuit has to be in metal.

(D) Direct-Current Circuits on or in Buildings
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.
 
cj5orion said:
Just a comment...
Correct,it is not the inspectors to inform you of the proper corrections,BUT...when inspecting a "one-time" homeowner diy...c'mon man,get this DONE ! Jeez,share a lil bit,get it corrected,and I'll see you...never again !
Click to expand...
I might agree with you if there were only one or two minor issues, but did you read the first post? He has to redo the entire PV portion of the install inside the building.
 
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