Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase System Labeling

[Marv Dargatz]

Kent, You're absolutely right.  I'll submit changes to the manual for our next round of compliance testing. Our goal is to reduce installed cost and not compromise safety. Thanks for the suggestions. See ya! Marv 707 763-4784 x7016 Kent Osterberg wrote: Thanks, Marv.  It is understandable that ac power should  be disconnected before disconnecting the ac plug and that should be explained in the manual.  However the instruction manual still has contradictory statements about whether the ac connector can  be disconnected under load.  In areas, such as here, where a roof-top load-break rated switch is being required, the statements changed in the manual aren't going to help change policies requiring the roof-top switch.  Contradictory statements in the manual must be removed so that there is no ambiguity about the fact that the ac plug can be disconnected under load.  The statement: "The AC connector of the first microinverter in a branch circuit is suitable as a disconnecting means once the AC branch circuit breaker in the load center has been opened." Needs to be changed to something like: The AC connector of the first microinverter in a branch circuit is suitable as a disconnecting means under all output power conditions.  However it is recommended that the AC branch circuit breaker energizing the inverters be opened first. As far as disconnecting the dc connector under load goes: the mating piece on the PV module still says don't open under load.  Fortunately that isn't a serious problem because the dc current should be zero if the ac power is disconnected.  But that is ignoring the possibility of a dc short circuit in the inverter. Kent Osterberg Blue Mountain Solar Marv Dargatz wrote: Kent, The evaluation of the connectors included the abnormal overload test.  This test requires 250 mate/unmate cycles at nominal system voltage and 150% of max rated current.  The connectors passed this test with flying colors, due to the protective functions within the inverter.  So, we could technically say that the connectors can be disconnected under load, but we do not want to encourage this practice.  It is always good practice to open the dedicated OCPD prior to unmating the connectors.  The Utility-Interactive functions of the inverter will guarantee that all currents go to zero.  However, the connectors comply with 690.33(E), so no hazard is presented to the operator if they fail to open the OCPD first. See ya! Marv 707 763-4784 x7016 Kent Osterberg wrote: Marv, The manual now clearly states that the ac and dc connectors have been evaluated and approved for use as the required ac load break disconnect.  Yet in other locations the manual still says "Never disconnect the DC wire connectors under load" and "The AC connector of the first microinverter in a branch circuit is suitable as a disconnecting means once the AC branch circuit breaker in the load center has been opened." Sorry, but that's just not a clear a set of instructions yet.  Can we open these connectors under load or are we never supposed to open them under load? Kent Osterberg Blue Mountain Solar Marv Dargatz wrote: Wrenches, Please note that Enphase has completed testing and received listing for the ac connectors and the DC connectors for use as the disconnect as required by the NEC.  No other disconnect device is required.  This information is contained in the latest Installation and Operations manual, available for download from http://www.enphaseenergy.com/support/downloads.cfm See ya! Marv 707 763-4784 x7016 Dana Orzel wrote: This is per our AHJ.   Thanks,   Dana Orzel Great Solar works, Inc. E - d...@solarwork.com V - 970.626.5253 F - 970.626.414 C - 970.209.4076   From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of benn kilburn Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 3:21 PM To: Wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase System Labeling   Thanks for sharing that Dana,   Are you required by code or the AHJ, for micro-inverter systems, to have an additional AC d/c aside from the branch circuit breaker? (on the roof or other location)   For these micro-inverter systems the only labeling required here, by code (CEC), is; 84-030 (1) which states...    “ A warning notice of an interconnected system shall be installed in a conspicuous place at the supply authority disconnecting means of Rule 84-022 and the supply authority meter location.”   84-022 is generally referring to the load center main breaker.  And the utility company puts their own "WARNING: interconnected system" label at the meter.   So we don't 'have to' provide any additional info, but i think that providing some is a good idea. As Ray pointed out, too much info can be discouraging.   For now, I have opted for these labels on the load center as the only labeling for the system; Code required -- "WARNING Two Power Source Parallel System" and; Optional for info -- "Grid-Connected Solar Electric System                                     Array Rating: 660 WDC                                 Module Rating (each): 220 WDC" ....the optional one will of course need to be replaced and updated if/when the owner decides to add to his system.   cheers, benn DayStar Renewable Energy Inc.  b...@daystarsolar.ca 780-906-7807  HAVE A SUNNY DAY     From: d...@solarwork.com To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Date: Mon, 17 May 2010 14:29:12 -0600 Subject: [RE-wrenches] Enphase System Labeling This was our last batch                 Labeling For Grid-tie Solar Electric System Great Solar Works, Inc., 970-626-5253                                                                   KNOPP SIGNS         Qty – 2, Color red   INTERACTIVE SYSTEM POINT OF INTERCONNECTION Enphase Micro-Inverters [1] per module [17] Total   PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM SOURCE                     PV System Total Watts                                            3.910   KW                   Maximum AC Output Operating Current             13.6     Amps                   AC Operating Voltage                                              240      Volts                    For information and service contact: Great Solar Works, Inc., 970-626-5253   Qty – 1, Color red   PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM SOURCE                     PV System Total Watts                                            3.910   KW                   Maximum AC Output Operating Current             13.6     Amps                   AC Operating Voltage                                              240      Volts                    For information and service contact: Great Solar Works, Inc., 970-626-5253   Qty – 1, Color red   PHOTOVOLTAIC AC SYSTEM UTILITY DISCONNECT WARNING - ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD - DONOT TOUCH TERMINALS. TERMINALS ON BOTH THE LINE AND LOAD SIDES MAY BE ENERGIZED IN THE OPEN POSITION. IF A GROUND FAULT IS INDICATED THE NORMALLY GROUNDED CONDUCTORS MAY BE ENERGIZED AND UNGROUNDED   For information and service contact: Great Solar Works, Inc., 970-626-5253   Qty -1, Color Yellow   PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM CONNECTED THE AC PV DISCONNECT IS LOCATED Next to Meter on South Wall For information and service contact: Great Solar Works, Inc., 970-626-5253       Thanks,  Dana Orzel   Great Solar Works, Inc E - d...@solarwork.com V - 970.626.5253 F - 970.626.4140 C - 970.209.4076 web - www.solarwork.com Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"     30 days of prizes: Hotmail makes your day easier! 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