DerpsyDoodler
Solar Addict
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2021
- Messages
- 2,247
Could that DC circuit be safely grounded on both ends of that 500ft run?
If it doesn't connect back to the main ground bar.I guess I should have specified the implied EGC from the panels/mount/local equipment chassis to this grounding electrode? As for where grounding the DC circuit should happen, could it be done at either location? What are the factors to consider?
That keeps panels and mount at earth potential. Whatever you call "grounding bar" is arbitrary, as long as a fault trips a breaker, right? Presuming the DC circuit is isolated from the house/AC circuit then it would make sense to ground the DC circuit at the panels. Closest to the power source, right?If it doesn't connect back to the main ground bar.
It isn't grounded. It's just connected to a rod, stuck in the dirt.
This should help you understand.That keeps panels and mount at earth potential. Whatever you call "grounding bar" is arbitrary, as long as a fault trips a breaker, right? Presuming the DC circuit is isolated from the house/AC circuit then it would make sense to ground the DC circuit at the panels. Closest to the power source, right?
I don't understand the need for an extra 500ft run from the house to the solar panel/DC circuit grounding electrode.
Wrong. The ground reference is the zero volt reference. It is not to complete circuits or carry voltage for regular use.The ground reference is back to the source of the ac,
the inverter. You will do little harm having a ground rod in a non-grid system. But no benefit.
SorryIn a non-grid system. The solar panels frame should be connected to one or more ground rods. This is for lightning avoidance. Only.
Your statements, prove this to be untrue.I may not be an electrician, but I know enough to be safe.
I would need more information about this statement. Maybe a reference? We Need to learn.Sorry
But this would attract lightning, not avoid it.
I just read over this thread and felt compelled to ask. With regard to neutral ground bond, do you fully understand where and how that is supposed to happen, at this point?
Main point is: for the entire system, this happens once and once only. timselectric described where it should happen.
Also,
@timselectric @FilterGuy
considering the long distance run from his PV mount to his house, why should he run grounding wire all the way from his solar panels?
In that case, why not a grounding electrode at the panels and a grounding electrode at the house?
It isn't about a ground loop but voltage potential from nearby lightning strikes. Mike Holt has this in his videos.Both are grounded and it wouldnt require 500ft of cable. At that distance, is there risk of a ground loop between the two electrodes?
I ask direct questions that you ignore and instead continue to point me to a video that I've watched before and have no interest in watching again (btw). I know how breakers work, and I know the purpose of a zero volt reference. So please explain how asking questions should somehow mean I don't know how to be safe.Your statements, prove this to be untrue.
I guess that you didn't bother to watch the video.
"You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink "
I give up, my time is being wasted.
I have installed lightning protection, on commercial buildings. The goal is to provide the easiest path for the lightning strike. Whenever there was grounded equipment, mounted on the roof. (AC units or antennas) we had to add air terminals, mounted higher than the equipment. In order to attract the lightning to the lightning protection system, instead of the equipment. NEC allows, but does not require a ground rod for an array. It only requires that the array be grounded. (With a #6 green wire, ran back to the main service ground) the video I posted a few posts up, gives more reasoning.I would need more information about this statement. Maybe a reference? We Need to learn.
Will it be OK to make the connection of the 6AWG wire to the other ground rod lug I have in the ground at my ground mount, run it through the combiner box ground lug, disconnect switch ground lug, through the conduit to the emergency shut-off switches ground lug, then to the inverter ground lug? This makes the most sense to me unless it has to be tied in with the array ground rod. I can separate the two rods by removing the wires I have tied between them.An electrical systems Grounding system, has nothing to do with the earth, other than the earth should be connected to it.
I can understand the confusion of thinking this.
Because the earth that we stand on, is also known as the ground we stand on. But, these are two different uses of the word "ground".
Yes, that's exactly what you should do.Will it be OK to make the connection of the 6AWG wire to the other ground rod lug I have in the ground at my ground mount, run it through the combiner box ground lug, disconnect switch ground lug, through the conduit to the emergency shut-off switches ground lug, then to the inverter ground lug? This makes the most sense to me.
I am totally off-grid.Yes, that's exactly what you should do.
I can't remember if you have grid available or not.
If so, make sure that it continues to the main service ground.
This is the problem with the industry. A lot of people truly believe that it's the right thing to do.It is accepted by code and solar installation experts that solar panel frames must be grounded to an earth ground rod or more. Systems I have examined all have multiple rods tied together with copper wire..
OkI am totally off-grid.