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Friday, December 8, 2023
Question:
Hello Charlie, regarding NEC 706.15(E) / NEC 480.7(C) Disconnection of Battery Series Battery Circuits. I was wondering if you had any items of reference for what a “non-load-break bolted, or plug-in disconnect” would be as to satisfy the code requirement. Would a non-fused safety switch satisfy this requirement or does the disconnecting means need to match the ampacity of the overcurrent protection? Is a twist-lock cord acceptable? I have tried contacting the battery manufacturer but didn’t receive an answer other than contact the local AHJ. Please let me know if you can answer this question, or possibly provide another reference I can contact. Thanks, Cameron P
A
Answer:
Hello Cameron and thank you for your submission. The
NEC® in general will not provide a specific product or equipment design type, as the
NEC® is not intended as a design specification manual. Section 706.15(E)(1)-(4) provides the requirements for disconnection means for batteries that are separate from the energy storage system and subject to field servicing. The disconnecting means device used to accomplish this is up to the designer and/or the installer. Whatever device is selected it must comply with not only the requirements specified in Section 706.15(E)(1)-(4), but any applicable general requirements like ratings and sizing in accordance with Chapters 1-4 of the
NEC® as well.