National Electrical Installation Standards

Standards as High as Your Own

 
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Thursday, February 9, 2023

Question:

Hi Code friends, work is being completed on a PV array, and the final point of interconnection from the PV Main OCPD conductors will be at the utility service side of the Service Disconnect. Are the conductors between the line side of the PV Main OCPD and the Utility side of the Building Main OCPD considered "Service Conductors" thusly having to comply with article 230. More so these conductors are installed on the building’s interior for approximately a 50' run and would have to comply with 230.6. Thank you, Anthony Caiafa
A

Answer:

Hi Anthony, thank you for your submission, this is a great question.

 Section 230.82(6) permits the connection of a PV system to the supply-side of a Service Disconnect, if the PV disconnect is “Suitable for use as Service Equipment” and the OCPD is provided in accordance with Part VII of Article 230.

 Article 705 provides guidance on the interconnection of multiple Power Production Sources. The conductors you describe in the question would not be considered Service Conductors or be required to comply with Section 230.6. They are defined in Section 705.2 as Power Source Output Circuit conductors. Section 705.11(C)(1)&(2) provides guidance on the protection of these conductors when routed inside the building, as well as the location of the protection once these conductors have entered the building. Additionally, Sections 705.11(A)-(E) provides the requirements for the supply-side connection of Power Source Output Circuit conductors as permitted in Section 230.82(6).

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