Hi Jeff;
The new combiner boxes from Midnite are interesting for this application
too, as they offer a single external disconnect built into the side of
each combiner box. They can later be easily upgraded with Midnite's new
arc fault protection and remote disconnect. One simple signal switch
(the "Bird House") can be mounted at a readily accessible location on
the ground and can turn off all the combiner boxes in a single push of a
button. All those long DC runs down to the inverter would be
de-energized, and thus an unfamiliar fire fighter doesn't have to crawl
around on the roof with a map trying to find every combiner. I think its
the way we need to be moving for safety on all PV systems, it also would
solve your current issue, without relocating all the combiner boxes.
Ray
On 11/21/2011 5:25 PM, Jeff Yago wrote:
Thanks to all who replied with code references. I think we have put up a
good argument and refuse to re-locate the five separate combiner boxes down
at eye level on the top parking area of a student parking deck. Just an
accident waiting to happen. However, in researching this issue I noted that
the 2008 code and the comments I am hearing about the 2011 code still are
not clear about combiner box requirements. I agree with Bill Brooks that on
single array residential systems it does not make sense to put the combiner
box on top of the roof and require a ladder to access, but on large
commercial systems where there are already multiple code required
disconnects that are required to be accessible, I still think its best for
the installer and for system maintenance to have a disconnect mounted in the
cover or right beside the combiner box at each array on multiple array
systems.
Jeff Yago
DTI Solar Inc.
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