Aloha Wrenches,
I am in the process of familiarizing myself with the upcoming code
adoptions here. Big Island has just adopted 2014 and Kauai (KIUC) just went
to the 2017 NEC.
Below is what I have gathered so far on the changes that would apply moving
forward.
- 2014
- My understanding is that most string inverters should take care of
ground fault/arc fault compliance.
- Need a disconnect within 10’ of rooftop array (exterior wiring).
- Microinverters/optimizers automatically take care of this
- For PV systems without backup, (i.e. Mauna Loa) can also just
install a string inverter within the boundary (no additional
cost other
than inverters in a bad location) which acts as the disconnect if the
inverter shuts down (i.e. turning the breaker off)
- For PV systems with backup, may need remote shutoff apart
from interconnection breaker
- Otherwise a disconnecting combiner is needed
- Labeling requirement changes
- 2017
- Changes the 10’ rule to 1’ on the disconnect
- Also requires control of conductors in the array (optimizers or
possibly string level disconnects)
- Better/cheaper products are likely on the way, but I haven’t seen
them yet
Have I missed some things?
Mahalo in advance.
*James B. Rudolph*
*HU*
*Director of Energy*
*ES Electrician # 10816*
*NABCEP Certified PV Installer # 091209-155*
*808.594.9969*
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