Zwy
Emperor Of Solar
I'm trying to determine why you are having a hard time with this part of the code. I believe you are over interpreting it.
NEC compliance on PV Disconnect boxes.
- Thread starter FilterGuy
- Start date
Sometimes precision (in a prescriptive context) is not the goal. In this particular case though I think you are reading too much into it. A disconnect can have a cover, dead-front, and live-front. The cover can only use a key (if presenet). The dead-front must use tools. The live-front is behind the dead-front so additional tools are not required. DIN rail breakers without a bezel lack a dead-front.
Hedges
I See Electromagnetic Fields!
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"Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to take actions such as to use tools (other than keys)"
+
That should be compliant, right?
(Remove pins from the lock and it is accessible without tools because key still works. And you can open it with a screwdriver. Does not protect the more ingenious fools.)
The surge arrestor assembly I bought, I thought I was going to have to track down keys for, but the "lock" was a screwdriver slot.
That should be compliant, right?
(Remove pins from the lock and it is accessible without tools because key still works. And you can open it with a screwdriver. Does not protect the more ingenious fools.)
The surge arrestor assembly I bought, I thought I was going to have to track down keys for, but the "lock" was a screwdriver slot.
OzSolar
Whatever you did, that's what you planned.
Mike Holt's comments on readily accessible.
It's also worth mentioning that most PV circuits rarely need OCP. Why add a breaker a when all you need is an appropriately rated safety switch?
It's also worth mentioning that most PV circuits rarely need OCP. Why add a breaker a when all you need is an appropriately rated safety switch?
Technically they aren't OCPDs, they are disconnects rated for the voltage and current.
Not really; you can't be exposed to live parts when operating a disconnect that needs to be readily accessible.
OzSolar
Whatever you did, that's what you planned.
That's what I said
Hedges
I See Electromagnetic Fields!
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Where does it say that?
Hazardous voltages are not accessible except by tool (or key)
For purposes of "readily accessible", lock with key is OK.
I would rather have a bezel. Don't want to reach in myself and slip. Could even fabricate, but need a way to mount.
So buy that $150 box from Midnight.
FilterGuy
Solar Engineering Consultant - EG4 and Consumers
1) In this particular build, there needs to be two separately controllable disconnects. The cleanest way I have found to do that is to use the Din rail breakers.
2) The cost of properly rated switches is typically higher than the cost of the breakers.
OzSolar
Whatever you did, that's what you planned.
what is your voltage?
FilterGuy
Solar Engineering Consultant - EG4 and Consumers
Temperature adjusted it is just under 200V
timselectric
If I can do it, you can do it.
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Make a deadfront/bezel out of plexi glass.
Attached to the breakers with velcro. At the flat surface between the terminal screws.
Attached to the breakers with velcro. At the flat surface between the terminal screws.
OzSolar
Whatever you did, that's what you planned.
In that application we use a few dozen of these a year. No problem passing inspection ever. $27
Siemens General Duty 30 Amp 2-Pole 2-Wire 240-Volt Non-Fusible Indoor Safety Switch GNF221A - The Home Depot
Make a great addition to your electrical room by choosing this excellent Siemens General Duty 2-Pole 2-Wire Non-Fusible Indoor Safety Switch. Horsepower rated.
www.homedepot.com
Zwy
Emperor Of Solar
That is indoor rated, the NEMA outdoor rated is higher.In that application we use a few dozen of these a year. No problem passing inspection ever. $27
Siemens General Duty 30 Amp 2-Pole 2-Wire 240-Volt Non-Fusible Indoor Safety Switch GNF221A - The Home Depot
Make a great addition to your electrical room by choosing this excellent Siemens General Duty 2-Pole 2-Wire Non-Fusible Indoor Safety Switch. Horsepower rated.www.homedepot.com
Siemens General Duty 30 Amp 2-Pole 3-Wire 240-Volt Fusible Outdoor Safety Switch RBPU GF221NRAU - The Home Depot
Create a safe working environment by reducing the risk of electrical accidents with this Siemens General Duty 2-Pole 3-Wire Fusible Outdoor Safety Switch.
www.homedepot.com
OzSolar
Whatever you did, that's what you planned.
Trust me, it's the same one. Some sort oddness with HD website. As I said.... $27 rated for outside, passed inspection dozens of times with it outside already.That is indoor rated, the NEMA outdoor rated is higher.
Siemens General Duty 30 Amp 2-Pole 3-Wire 240-Volt Fusible Outdoor Safety Switch RBPU GF221NRAU - The Home Depot
Create a safe working environment by reducing the risk of electrical accidents with this Siemens General Duty 2-Pole 3-Wire Fusible Outdoor Safety Switch.www.homedepot.com
Zwy
Emperor Of Solar
It isn't the same, it doesn't have the cover on the top.
I know what you're saying but NEMA rating is a NEMA rating for exposure. Many times outdoor rated is galvanized metal, the indoor isn't. Take for instance Siemens PV rated disconnect, the outdoor rated box is made of aluminum so it won't corrode.
It's like fake meat, while it might taste the same (it doesn't), smell the same (it doesn't) and look the same (it might), doesn't mean it is meat.
The indoor one: https://mall.industry.siemens.com/mall/EN/US/Catalog/Product/?mlfb=US2:GNF221A
The outdoor one: https://mall.industry.siemens.com/mall/EN/US/Catalog/Product/?mlfb=US2:GF221NRAU
Outdoor one says it is nearly a pound heavier.
Edit: if those are indeed the correct pics on their site it does look like the indoor one has the lock opening on front on side which could let water in and outdoor one has it at bottom and doesn't look like water can get in?
The outdoor one: https://mall.industry.siemens.com/mall/EN/US/Catalog/Product/?mlfb=US2:GF221NRAU
Outdoor one says it is nearly a pound heavier.
Edit: if those are indeed the correct pics on their site it does look like the indoor one has the lock opening on front on side which could let water in and outdoor one has it at bottom and doesn't look like water can get in?
UL requirement. The only other approach is calling it an "industrial control panel", but that raises other issues.
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