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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.
Failed Inspection - need some advice and guidance for NEC 690 infractions.
- Thread starter meager
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Zwy
Emperor Of Solar
Zwy
Emperor Of Solar
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"
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.
timselectric
If I can do it, you can do it.
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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.
Zwy
Emperor Of Solar
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?
With "exceptions".
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.
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.
timselectric
If I can do it, you can do it.
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Zwy
Emperor Of Solar
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.
Zwy
Emperor Of Solar
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
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.
Quattrohead
Solar Wizard
Q-Dog
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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.
cs1234
Solar Wizard
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Ugh.. this is the first time I've noticed the part about 8 amperes. I thought I was good just being below 30vdc.
Zwy
Emperor Of Solar
Yes, 2018 NEC if it applies goes by first disconnect. For 2023 NEC, (G) was changed to covering over 1000V.
Colorado adopted 2020 NEC.
Other option is mount IMO disconnect outside and it complies with the lockout. 690.15(C) and (D).
Depending on string voltage (over 250V), it might be difficult or extremely costly to find a disconnect with a metal enclosure. Best option might be exterior mount like this video.
Solar Guppy
Red Cobra Guppy
Golden Rule: No good deed goes unpunished.
The inspector shouldn't be criticized for doing what his employer requires and as I have posted twice, The OP should be thanking the Karma gods UL9540 hasn't been brought up.
Hedges
I See Electromagnetic Fields!
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Square D HU361RB Heavy Duty Safety Switch Non-Fusible 3R 30A 600V - New Open Box | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Square D HU361RB Heavy Duty Safety Switch Non-Fusible 3R 30A 600V - New Open Box at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
30A, 600V AC/DC, outdoor. This one is $200
Solar Guppy
Red Cobra Guppy
Or $20 for a used one ( Schneider HU361RB )
Hedges
I See Electromagnetic Fields!
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Only rated for AC, not DC.
It is a "Safety Switch", not "Heavy Duty Safety Switch" which seems to be the 600V AC/DC ones from Square D.
Although listing title says same "HU361RB", I don't see that marked on the item itself.
Edit: AC only is regarding "Or $20 for a used one ( Schneider HU361RB )"
It is a "Safety Switch", not "Heavy Duty Safety Switch" which seems to be the 600V AC/DC ones from Square D.
Although listing title says same "HU361RB", I don't see that marked on the item itself.
Edit: AC only is regarding "Or $20 for a used one ( Schneider HU361RB )"
Last edited:
My batteries are UL1973, UL9540A
cs1234
Solar Wizard
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You're talking about the used one.. I was all confused. I was looking at the listing for the new one..
The new one seems to be ok for DC from what I can tell?
zanydroid
Solar Wizard
Yep. As a counterpoint to the folks that think the inspector should be educating… think about the extra costs that entails for the building department.
In my town they already try to manage costs by allocating 15-30 min per inspection (on site and on the phone). It’s not practical or fair to explain how to fix everything.
Or if we decide they should do that, the city needs to spend more on inspectors.
Any time spent on education are better spent on scalable things like writing better documentation on the website for all residents / contractors working in the city to use.
zanydroid
Solar Wizard
It needs to be an approved UL9540 pair of inverter and battery combination. The battery positioning and protection within the structure is also prescribed in NEC or international residential code as adopted by your state (I think the latter). So that might be another rude awakening if inspector finds deviation from those rules.
Unfortunately it is possible that your AHJ only did a cursory plan check.
UL9540A is not the same as UL9540 and gives you no points for that.
UL1973 is a strict subset of UL9540 and code says you need UL9540
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