[RE-wrenches] 4/0 GEC

Hello Wrenches, Revisiting the grounding requirements for DC systems, the grounding electrode conductor is still required to be as large as the "largest conductor supplied by the system" (250.166(B). When we run a GEC to a piping system, or the re bar cage embedded in the concrete foundatio

[RE-wrenches] pv shingles

Wrenches, I continue to get inquiries for solar shingles. I have no interest in using the Unisolar shingles but I just noticed that Sharp now has a pv tile. No installation manual available on the Sharp site so I'm not sure how they go together. Has anyone used this product yet or have any op

Re: [RE-wrenches] 4/0 GEC

Drake, The size of the GEC is limited by the grounding electrode system. Keep that in mind since that normally limits the size of the GEC dramatically. Bill. -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of

[RE-wrenches] Charging with Outback

Friends: We have been noticing that when equalizing generator fed VFX systems with MX60 charge controllers, even though we initiate a global EQ command, the MX60s stop EQing in short order. I was told by Outback this is normal. This does not seem right to me. Also, we seem unable to force

Re: [RE-wrenches] Is a Smart Phone a Useful Tool in PV?

I have a iPhone 3G and it has made my life A LOT easier and it is absolutely amazing. I appreciate the ability to keep up on emails while out of the office and 'net research. The 30,000+ applications are nice to have access to, I love the bubble and bulls-eye levels and roof pitch app. as well a

Re: [RE-wrenches] Is a Smart Phone a Useful Tool in PV?

I have an I-phone and just email myself instead of doing documents Jeff...  I would actually WANT word etc if there was a full size keyboard add on (probably exists...) but who wants to thumb type too much? Don't know how accurate the compass and the bubble level Apps are... but they are c

[RE-wrenches] 690.31(E) Wiring

Looking for clarity on when going into a structure. The 08' NEC (paraphrasing) shall be used in a metal raceway or enclosure until first point of disconnection. If you are to go through the structure again does the same rule apply? It seems like it could be interpreted as you would not have to use

Re: [RE-wrenches] Charging with Outback

William,I'll let others speak to the global EQ issue. I'm a bit underwhelmed by the degree of "intelligence" in networked OB systems.The MX CC's use "time to Bulk Voltage" to determine absorption time. Here's what I think is happening: If you initiate a bulk charge mid day with already close-to-ful

Re: [RE-wrenches] How large is too large?

I have designed and installed many off-grid systems and all but one included a backup generator.  The generator allows using a much more realistic sized battery bank and the fast charging process reduces generator run time.   All of these totally off-grid projects have been successful and some are

Re: [RE-wrenches] 4/0 GEC

Hi Drake, The NEC says that "The size of the grounding electrode conductor for a dc system shall be as specified in 250.166(A) and (B), except as permitted by 250.166(C) through (E)." The "except as permitted by" is what allows us to not run a 4/0 GEC. 250.166(C) says that the GEC doesn't ha

Re: [RE-wrenches] Charging with Outback

William and Dan, Unfortunately, the sophistication of the older MX60 controllers and its integration into the OutBack communication network was limited - there was always an issue with the amount of code space available. This has been addressed with the new FLEXmax 60 and 80 amp controllers

[RE-wrenches] Backup generator labor (was How large is too large?)

Off-grid wrenches, Genset backup or PV and wind supplementing a genset is cost-effective (except for its environmental impact). But what about the time spent setting up the genset and fuel storage, and maintenance, and repairs. A 2 to 6 kW PV system goes in pretty quickly, even with batteries.

Re: [RE-wrenches] Backup generator labor (was How large is too large?)

ging process reduces generator run time. __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 3906 (20090303) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com ___ List sponsored b

Re: [RE-wrenches] Backup generator labor (was How large is toolarge?)

allows using a much more realistic sized battery bank and the fast charging process reduces generator run time. __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 3906 (20090303) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http

Re: [RE-wrenches] Charging with Outback

William, I believe that I recently noticed the same behavior with the global equalize. It was overcast, and the MX 60 was bulk charging at about 3 amps. After initiating a global equalize from the Mate, I noticed that the MX 60 displayed Vbat > Absorb, then after a couple maybe three minute

[RE-wrenches] Pulse Charging

Hello Wrenches, I've been contacted by a local testing lab that is look at pulse charging large battery banks, "We are doing a study to assess the potential benefits of pulse charging very large format lead acid batteries (5000 to 1 Ahr class). We just recently received the co