Greetings fellow wrenches;
I know we have beat this many times but I once again have not been able
to resolve the contradictory information in 690 in regards to
implementing 690.12. As Rebekah Hren pointed out before, the diagrams
shown in Figure 690.1(b) show that the /PV System DC Circuit/ stops at
the /PV Disconnect/. Note 2 says specifically the '/PV Disconnect
separates the PV system from all other systems/'. But then in the
definitions in 690.2 on the next page, the new definition of a /P//V
System DC Circuit/ says that it includes DC to DC converter output
circuits. (which are Solar Edge module level controls, but could be
interpreted as a MPPT battery charge Controller?)
Then 690.12 which only applies to '/PV System circuits in or on
buildings/', says we have to control conductors more than 3 ft after
penetrating the building.
So in my case, I'm looking at a ground mount, and installing an external
lockable disconnect on the wall before it goes into the building. This
will officially be the PV Disconnect. In my interpretation, I should
not need to do any Rapid Shutdown, because I've essentially prevented
the /PV system/ from ever entering the building at all ( based on the
5th diagram and Note 2) However, I could see an AHJ claiming I had to
do RS all the way to the output side of the charge controller.
If this were true, could I simply apply RS equipment from the PV
disconnect to the output of the charge controller, or am I back to
module level shutdown for my ground mounted array, or could I build a
tiny building that just housed the PV Disconnect and take the exemption
for '/buildings with the sole purpose of housing PV system equipment/'?
Essentially the definitions in 690.2 are too broad, and are at odds with
the Figure and Notes of 690.1. They really didn't fix this in the 2017
code for us lowly off gridders. Charge controllers are covered by
article 706.23___/Charge Control/_,**and NOT by 690.12 at all. IMHO, the
charge controller needs to be clearly defined and differentiated from DC
to DC converters like Solar Edge's module level DC equipment.
I just want to go back to doing solar designs and installations, and
quit acting like an attorney parsing every word of this confusing code
language.
--
Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760
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