Pilot Bob
New Member
There is what appears to be a contradiction in the 2017/2020 code between 690.31 (A) and 690.31 (G) (2017) or 690.31(D) (2020). Paragraph A says all wiring methods included in this code shall be permitted. Than A says were PV source and output circuits operating at voltages greater than 30 volts, that are installed in readily accessible locations, conductors shall be guarded or installed in Type MC cable or in raceway.
Actual wording paragraph 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. Where wiring devices with integral enclosures are used, sufficient length of cable shall be provided to facilitate replacement.
Where PV source and output circuits operatiing 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...."
Under paragraph (G) Photovoltaic System Direct Current Circuits on or in a Building. it states "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..."
in the 2020 code at 690.31(D) it says PV system dc circuits on or in buildings that exceed 30 volts or 8 amps shall be contained in metal raceways, in Type MC cable that complies with 250.118(!0), or in metal enclousures. It then gives an exception for PV hazard control systems (rapid shutdown) installed IAW 690.12(B)(2)(1) shall be permoitted to use nonmetallic enclosures, nonmetallic raceways, and cables other than Type MC.
Paragraph A in both 2017 and 2020 state all wiring methods in this code shall be permitted and further says PV source circuits shall be guarded or installed in Type MC cable or in raceway. If that is the case why is it against code to install PV Source conductors in non-metallic conduit all the way to the first disconnect inside the building? Source conductors installed in non-metallic conduit would be guarded and according to 690.31 (A) that should be approved.
In the grand scheme, this may be minor, but attention to details is important. What do you think?
Actual wording paragraph 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. Where wiring devices with integral enclosures are used, sufficient length of cable shall be provided to facilitate replacement.
Where PV source and output circuits operatiing 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...."
Under paragraph (G) Photovoltaic System Direct Current Circuits on or in a Building. it states "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..."
in the 2020 code at 690.31(D) it says PV system dc circuits on or in buildings that exceed 30 volts or 8 amps shall be contained in metal raceways, in Type MC cable that complies with 250.118(!0), or in metal enclousures. It then gives an exception for PV hazard control systems (rapid shutdown) installed IAW 690.12(B)(2)(1) shall be permoitted to use nonmetallic enclosures, nonmetallic raceways, and cables other than Type MC.
Paragraph A in both 2017 and 2020 state all wiring methods in this code shall be permitted and further says PV source circuits shall be guarded or installed in Type MC cable or in raceway. If that is the case why is it against code to install PV Source conductors in non-metallic conduit all the way to the first disconnect inside the building? Source conductors installed in non-metallic conduit would be guarded and according to 690.31 (A) that should be approved.
In the grand scheme, this may be minor, but attention to details is important. What do you think?
