Nec690.45 - 2011

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Article 690
● Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems 685.14
A person designated as a qualified person shall TABLE 685.3 Application of Other Articles
possess the skills and knowledge related to the con-
struction and operation of the electrical equipment and Conductor/Equipment Section
installation and shall have received documented safety
training on the hazards involved. Documentation of More than one building or 225, Part II
other structure
their qualifications shall be on file with the office of the
Ground-fault protection of 230.95, Exception
establishment in charge of the completed installation. equipment
(3) Effective safeguards acceptable to the authority having Protection of conductors 240.4
jurisdiction are established and maintained. Electrical system coordination 240.12
Ground-fault protection of 240.13(1)
equipment
The integrated electrical systems commonly used in large Grounding ac systems of 50 250.21
and complex industrial processes are designed, installed, volts to less than 1000 volts
and operated under stringent on-site engineering supervi- Equipment protection 427.22
sion. The control equipment, including overcurrent devices, Orderly shutdown 430.44
is located so that it is accessible to qualified personnel, but Disconnection 430.74, Exception Nos. 1 and 2
Disconnecting means in sight 430.102(A), Exception No. 2
that location might not meet and is not required to meet the from controller
conditions described in the Article 100 definition of readily Energy from more than one 430.113, Exception Nos. 1 and
accessible. Locating overcurrent devices and their associ- source 2
ated disconnecting means so that it is not readily accessible Disconnecting means 645.10, Exception
to unqualified personnel is one of the preventative measures Uninterruptible power supplies 645.11(1)
used to help maintain continuity of operation. (UPS)
For some industrial processes, the sudden loss of elec- Point of connection 705.12(A)
tric power to vital equipment is an unacceptable level of
risk, and an orderly shutdown procedure is necessary to pre-
vent severe equipment damage, injury to personnel, or, in ARTICLE 690
some extreme cases, catastrophic failure. Orderly shutdown Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
is commonly employed in nuclear power–generating facili-
ties, paper mills, and other areas with hazardous processes.
Contents
I. General
685.3 Application of Other Articles 690.1 Scope
The articles/sections in Table 685.3 apply to particular cases 690.2 Definitions
of installation of conductors and equipment, where there are 690.3 Other Articles
orderly shutdown requirements that are in addition to those 690.4 Installation
of this article or are modifications of them. (A) Photovoltaic Systems
(B) Identification and Grouping
II. Orderly Shutdown (C) Module Connection Arrangement
(D) Equipment
685.10 Location of Overcurrent Devices in or (E) Wiring and Connections
on Premises (F) Circuit Routing
Location of overcurrent devices that are critical to integrated (G) Bipolar Photovoltaic Systems
electrical systems shall be permitted to be accessible, with (H) Multiple Inverters
mounting heights permitted to ensure security from opera- 690.5 Ground-Fault Protection
tion by unqualified personnel. (A) Ground-Fault Detection and Interruption
(B) Isolating Faulted Circuits
685.12 Direct-Current System Grounding (C) Labels and Markings
690.6 Alternating-Current (ac) Modules
Two-wire dc circuits shall be permitted to be ungrounded.
(A) Photovoltaic Source Circuits
(B) Inverter Output Circuit
685.14 Ungrounded Control Circuits
(C) Disconnecting Means
Where operational continuity is required, control circuits of (D) Ground-Fault Detection
150 volts or less from separately derived systems shall be (E) Overcurrent Protection
permitted to be ungrounded.
National Electrical Code Handbook 2011 1099

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685.14 Article 690 ● Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
II. Circuit Requirements 690.33 Connectors

690.7 Maximum Voltage (A) Configuration
(A) Maximum Photovoltaic System Voltage (B) Guarding
(B) Direct-Current Utilization Circuits (C) Type
(C) Photovoltaic Source and Output Circuits (D) Grounding Member
(D) Circuits over 150 Volts to Ground (E) Interruption of Circuit
(E) Bipolar Source and Output Circuits 690.34 Access to Boxes
690.8 Circuit Sizing and Current 690.35 Ungrounded Photovoltaic Power Systems
(A) Calculation of Maximum Circuit Current V. Grounding
(B) Ampacity and Overcurrent Device Ratings 690.41 System Grounding
(C) Systems with Multiple Direct-Current 690.42 Point of System Grounding Connection
Voltages 690.43 Equipment Grounding
(D) Sizing of Module Interconnection (A) Equipment Grounding Required
Conductors (B) Equipment Grounding Conductor Required
690.9 Overcurrent Protection (C) Structure as Equipment Grounding Conductor
(A) Circuits and Equipment (D) Photovoltaic Mounting Systems and Devices
(B) Power Transformers (E) Adjacent Modules
(C) Photovoltaic Source Circuits (F) All Conductors Together
(D) Direct-Current Rating 690.45 Size of Equipment Grounding Conductors
(E) Series Overcurrent Protection (A) General
690.10 Stand-Alone Systems (B) Ground-Fault Protection Not Provided
(A) Inverter Output 690.46 Array Equipment Grounding Conductors
(B) Sizing and Protection 690.47 Grounding Electrode System
(C) Single 120-Volt Supply (A) Alternating-Current Systems
(D) Energy Storage or Backup Power System (B) Direct-Current Systems
Requirements (C) Systems with Alternating-Current and Direct-
(E) Back-fed Circuit Breakers Current Grounding Requirements
690.11 Arc-Fault Circuit Protection (Direct Current) 690.48 Continuity of Equipment Grounding Systems
III. Disconnecting Means 690.49 Continuity of Photovoltaic Source and Output
690.13 All Conductors Circuit Grounded Conductors
690.14 Additional Provisions 690.50 Equipment Bonding Jumpers
(A) Disconnecting Means VI. Marking
(B) Equipment 690.51 Modules
(C) Requirements for Disconnecting Means 690.52 Alternating-Current Photovoltaic Modules
(D) Utility-Interactive Inverters Mounted in Not- 690.53 Direct-Current Photovoltaic Power Source
Readily-Accessible Locations 690.54 Interactive System Point of Interconnection
690.15 Disconnection of Photovoltaic Equipment 690.55 Photovoltaic Power Systems Employing
690.16 Fuses Energy Storage
(A) Disconnecting Means 690.56 Identification of Power Sources
(B) Fuse Servicing (A) Facilities with Stand-Alone Systems
690.17 Switch or Circuit Breaker (B) Facilities with Utility Services and PV
690.18 Installation and Service of an Array Systems
IV. Wiring Methods VII. Connection to Other Sources
690.31 Methods Permitted 690.57 Load Disconnect
(A) Wiring Systems 690.60 Identified Interactive Equipment
(B) Single-Conductor Cable 690.61 Loss of Interactive System Power
(C) Flexible Cords and Cables 690.63 Unbalanced Interconnections
(D) Small-Conductor Cables 690.64 Point of Connection
(E) Direct-Current Photovoltaic Source and VIII. Storage Batteries
Output Circuits Inside a Building 690.71 Installation
(F) Flexible, Fine-Stranded Cables (A) General
690.32 Component Interconnections (B) Dwellings
1100 2011 National Electrical Code Handbook

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Article 690
Photovoltaic source circuits

(C) Current Limiting
(D) Battery Nonconductive Cases and Conductive Blocking diodes Photovoltaic
output circuit
Racks
(E) Disconnection of Series Battery Circuits
Fuses
(F) Battery Maintenance Disconnecting Means
(G) Battery Systems of More Than 48 Volts
Solar cells
690.72 Charge Control
(A) General
(B) Diversion Charge Controller
(C) Buck/Boost Direct-Current Converters
Module
690.74 Battery Interconnections
(A) Flexible Cables Panel
IX. Systems over 600 Volts
690.80 General
690.85 Definitions Array or photovoltaic
power source
I. General Dedicated branch circuit

of the electric production
690.1 Scope and distribution network
The provisions of this article apply to solar photovoltaic Inverter output circuit
(PV) electrical energy systems, including the array circuit(s), ac module (includes inverter)
inverter(s), and controller(s) for such systems. [See Figure Array (of ac modules)
690.1(A) and Figure 690.1(B).] Solar photovoltaic systems ac module system
covered by this article may be interactive with other electri- Notes:
cal power production sources or stand-alone, with or without 1. These diagrams are intended to be a means of identification for
photovoltaic system components, circuits, and connections.
electrical energy storage such as batteries. These systems 2. Disconnecting means required by Article 690, Part III, are not shown.
may have ac or dc output for utilization. 3. System grounding and equipment grounding are not shown.
See Article 690, Part V.
The use of photovoltaic (PV) systems as utility-interactive FIGURE 690.1(A) Identification of Solar Photovoltaic
or stand-alone power-supply systems has steadily increased System Components.
as the technology and availability of PV equipment have
evolved. Also, recently passed legislation that provides fi-
nancial incentives to end users has resulted in the burgeon-
ing use of these system in residential, commercial,
institutional, and industrial settings. The requirements of Ar-
ticle 690 cover the use of stand-alone and utility-interactive
PV systems. Utility-interactive photovoltaic systems are
subject to the requirements for interconnected electric power
production sources contained in Article 705.
Exhibit 690.1 shows a custom-designed home with a
PV electrical system. The integrated array of glass panels on
the roof generates electricity directly from the sun using PV
modules.
EXHIBIT 690.1 Roof of a solar house that in the Northern
Hemisphere typically faces south to maximize exposure.
690.2 Definitions (Courtesy of Solar Design Associates, Inc.)
Alternating-Current (ac) Module (Alternating-Current
Photovoltaic Module). A complete, environmentally pro- An ac PV module consists of a single integrated mechanical
tected unit consisting of solar cells, optics, inverter, and unit. Because there is no accessible, field-installed dc wiring
other components, exclusive of tracker, designed to generate in this single unit, the dc PV source-circuit requirements in
ac power when exposed to sunlight.

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Photovoltaic source circuits Inverter input circuit

Inverter output circuit
Electric production
and distribution
Photovoltaic output circuit network connection
Inverter
Interactive system
Wind, engine-generator,
micro-hydro-electric, and Energy storage, charge controller,
other power sources and system control
Inverter input circuit
Inverter output circuit
Photovoltaic
output circuit
dc loads Inverter
Hybrid system
Charge controller
Photovoltaic output Inverter input circuit EXHIBIT 690.2 An array composed of multiple modules or pan-
circuit Inverter output circuit els installed on a support structure and foundation. (Courtesy of
Main supply NECA)
equipment for
Inverter ac loads
Main supply equipment

for dc loads Blocking diodes are not required by this Code, although the
Stand-alone system Energy storage instructions or labels supplied with the PV module may re-
quire them. Blocking diodes are not overcurrent devices and
Notes:
1. These diagrams are intended to be a means of identification for may not be substituted for any overcurrent device required
photovoltaic system components, circuits, and connections. by this Code.
2. Disconnecting means and overcurrent protection required by
Article 690 are not shown.
3. System grounding and equipment grounding are not shown.
See Article 690, Part V. Building Integrated Photovoltaics. Photovoltaic cells, de-
4. Custom designs occur in each configuration, and some components vices, modules, or modular materials that are integrated into
are optional.
the outer surface or structure of a building and serve as the
outer protective surface of that building.
FIGURE 690.1(B) Identification of Solar Photovoltaic
System Components in Common System Configurations. Charge Controller. Equipment that controls dc voltage or
dc current, or both, used to charge a battery.
Diversion Charge Controller. Equipment that regulates

this Code are not applicable to the dc wiring in an ac PV the charging process of a battery by diverting power from
module. energy storage to direct-current or alternating-current loads
or to an interconnected utility service.
Array. A mechanically integrated assembly of modules or Electrical Production and Distribution Network. A
panels with a support structure and foundation, tracker, and power production, distribution, and utilization system, such
other components, as required, to form a direct-current as a utility system and connected loads, that is external to
power-producing unit. and not controlled by the photovoltaic power system.
Hybrid System. A system comprised of multiple power

A rooftop photovoltaic array is illustrated in Exhibit 690.2. sources. These power sources may include photovoltaic,
wind, micro-hydro generators, engine-driven generators,
and others, but do not include electrical production and dis-
Bipolar Photovoltaic Array. A photovoltaic array that has tribution network systems. Energy storage systems, such as
two outputs, each having opposite polarity to a common ref- batteries, do not constitute a power source for the purpose of
erence point or center tap. this definition.
Blocking Diode. A diode used to block reverse flow of cur- Interactive System. A solar photovoltaic system that oper-
rent into a photovoltaic source circuit. ates in parallel with and may deliver power to an electrical

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Article 690
production and distribution network. For the purpose of this into electric energy suitable for connection to a utilization
definition, an energy storage subsystem of a solar photovol- load.
taic system, such as a battery, is not another electrical pro-
duction source. Stand-Alone System. A solar photovoltaic system that
supplies power independently of an electrical production
Inverter. Equipment that is used to change voltage level or and distribution network.
waveform, or both, of electrical energy. Commonly, an in-
verter [also known as a power conditioning unit (PCU) or
power conversion system (PCS)] is a device that changes dc The simplified circuit schematics in Exhibits 690.3 through
input to an ac output. Inverters may also function as battery 690.6 demonstrate the use of various components in a PV sys-
chargers that use alternating current from another source tem. Specific requirements for overcurrent protection, discon-
and convert it into direct current for charging batteries. necting means, and grounding are covered in other sections of
Article 690 and should not be assumed based on these draw-
Inverter Input Circuit. Conductors between the inverter
ings. Instructions for, or labels on the PV module might re-
and the battery in stand-alone systems or the conductors be-
quire additional overcurrent devices that may not be shown.
tween the inverter and the photovoltaic output circuits for
electrical production and distribution network.
Inverter Output Circuit. Conductors between the inverter Subarray. An electrical subset of a PV array.
and an ac panelboard for stand-alone systems or the conduc-
tors between the inverter and the service equipment or an- 690.3 Other Articles
other electric power production source, such as a utility, for
electrical production and distribution network. Wherever the requirements of other articles of this Code and
Article 690 differ, the requirements of Article 690 shall
Module. A complete, environmentally protected unit con- apply and, if the system is operated in parallel with a pri-
sisting of solar cells, optics, and other components, exclu- mary source(s) of electricity, the requirements in 705.14,
sive of tracker, designed to generate dc power when exposed 705.16, 705.32, and 705.143 shall apply.
to sunlight.
Exception: Solar photovoltaic systems, equipment, or wir-
Monopole Subarray. A PV subarray that has two conduc-
ing installed in a hazardous (classified) location shall also
tors in the output circuit, one positive (1) and one nega-
comply with the applicable portions of Articles 500 through
tive(2). Two monopole PV subarrays are used to form a
516.
bipolar PV array.
Panel. A collection of modules mechanically fastened to- 690.4 Installation
gether, wired, and designed to provide a field-installable (A) Photovoltaic Systems. Photovoltaic systems shall be
unit. permitted to supply a building or other structure in addition
to any other electricity supply system(s).
Photovoltaic Output Circuit. Circuit conductors between
the photovoltaic source circuit(s) and the inverter or dc utili-
(B) Identification and Grouping. Photovoltaic source cir-
zation equipment.
cuits and PV output circuits shall not be contained in the
Photovoltaic Power Source. An array or aggregate of ar- same raceway, cable tray, cable, outlet box, junction box, or
rays that generates dc power at system voltage and current. similar fitting as conductors, feeders, or branch circuits of
other non-PV systems, unless the conductors of the different
Photovoltaic Source Circuit. Circuits between modules systems are separated by a partition. Photovoltaic system
and from modules to the common connection point(s) of the conductors shall be identified and grouped as required by
dc system. 690.4(B)(1) through (4). The means of identification shall
Photovoltaic System Voltage. The direct current (dc) volt- be permitted by separate color coding, marking tape, tag-
age of any photovoltaic source or photovoltaic output circuit. ging, or other approved means.
For multiwire installations, the photovoltaic system voltage is
the highest voltage between any two dc conductors.
Section 690.4(B) does not permit the alternating-current
Solar Cell. The basic photovoltaic device that generates branch-circuit conductors that supply an exterior luminaire
electricity when exposed to light. installed near a roof-mounted PV array to share the same
raceway or cable with the conductors of PV source circuits
Solar Photovoltaic System. The total components and or PV output circuits.
subsystems that, in combination, convert solar energy

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EXHIBIT 690.3 Simplified cir-

cuit schematic of a small resi- Control box
Junction box
dential stand-alone system. Fuses in
+ –
pull-out holders
** Charge + dc
controller – Load
+ –
**
+ –
** Inverter
ac
+ – loads
**
+ –
**
+
+ –
**
+ – Batteries
PV
** modules
+ –
** –
+ –
**
+ – ** Overcurrent device may be required by UL 1703
**
Equipment grounding
Current-limiting fuse
movable cover(s), the ac and dc conductors of each system

Conductors directly related to a specific PV system, shall be grouped separately by wire ties or similar means at
such as those in dc and ac output power circuits, may be least once, and then shall be grouped at intervals not to ex-
contained in the same raceway as PV source and output con- ceed 1.8 m (6 ft).
ductors, providing they meet the requirements of 690.4(B)
(1) through (B)(4) and 300.3(C).
Exception: The requirement for grouping shall not apply if
the circuit enters from a cable or raceway unique to the cir-
(1) Photovoltaic Source Circuits. Photovoltaic source circuit that makes the grouping obvious.
cuits shall be identified at all points of termination, connec-
tion, and splices. (C) Module Connection Arrangement. The connection to
a module or panel shall be arranged so that removal of a
(2) Photovoltaic Output and Inverter Circuits. The con- module or panel from a photovoltaic source circuit does not
ductors of PV output circuits and inverter input and output interrupt a grounded conductor to other PV source circuits.
circuits shall be identified at all points of termination, con-
nection, and splices.
In general, 690.4(C) requires that a jumper be installed be-
(3) Conductors of Multiple Systems. Where the conduc- tween a module terminal or lead and the connection point to
tors of more than one PV system occupy the same junction the grounded PV source-circuit conductor. That way, a mod-
box, raceway, or equipment, the conductors of each system ule can be removed without interrupting the grounded con-
shall be identified at all termination, connection, and splice ductor to other PV source circuits. If interrupted, such
points. conductors, although identified as grounded, would be oper-
ating at the system potential with respect to ground, and a
Exception: Where the identification of the conductors is ev- shock hazard could result. The reverse-current protection re-
ident by spacing or arrangement, further identification is quirement on nearly all PV modules (as indicated by the
not required. fuse requirement labeled on the back of each module) gener-
ally dictates that each module or string of modules have a
(4) Grouping. Where the conductors of more than one PV series overcurrent device and become a source circuit.
system occupy the same junction box or raceway with a re-

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Article 690● Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems 690.4

cuit schematic of a medium-
sized residential hybrid system. Roof-mounted PV power center
PV modules
dc
loads
Roof Charge
junction controller
relay
+
box
– – – –
*
*
Ground-fault +
+
system
– – – –
–
Battery
Typical subarray 1 of 5 bank
Inverter with
battery
H charger
Fuel cell
N
120 Vac out
240/120 H
Wall
N
ac panelboard
Equipment grounding Main disconnects

*
Surge arrester Current-limiting fuse
(D) Equipment. Inverters, motor generators, photovoltaic such as beams, rafters, trusses, and columns where the loca-
modules, photovoltaic panels, ac photovoltaic modules, tion of those structural members can be determined by ob-
source-circuit combiners, and charge controllers intended servation. Where circuits are imbedded in built-up, laminate,
for use in photovoltaic power systems shall be identified and or membrane roofing materials in roof areas not covered by
listed for the application. PV modules and associated equipment, the location of cir-
cuits shall be clearly marked.
Section 690.4(D) requires equipment used in PV systems to

be listed for the application. Equipment listed for marine, The general requirement covering the location of the pho-
mobile, telecommunications, or other applications may not tovoltaic disconnecting means in 690.14(C)(1) specifies
be suitable for installation in permanent PV power systems that it be located nearest to the point where the PV circuit
complying with this Code. conductors enter a building or structure. The distance be-
tween the array and the disconnecting means is not limited
by the Code. The PV circuit conductors between the photo-
(E) Wiring and Connections. The equipment and systems
voltaic power source and the PV disconnecting means are
in 690.4(A) through (D) and all associated wiring and inter-
energized whenever the source is producing power.
connections shall be installed only by qualified persons.
Because of this potential exposure to energized conduc-
Informational Note: See Article 100 for the definition of tors, a marking is required to warn roofers, other tradesper-
qualified person. sons, or first responders of the location of energized PV
conductors where PV source or output circuits are “imbed-
(F) Circuit Routing. Photovoltaic source and PV output ded” or concealed by the roofing material. This require-
conductors, in and out of conduit, and inside of a building or ment does not apply to conductors installed in areas of the
structure, shall be routed along building structural members

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cuit schematic of a remote-
cabin dc-only system.
** ** ** ** ** **
+ + + + + +
Junction box
– – – – – –
Control panel
PV modules
Charge
Grounding controller
electrode
dc loads
Fused
disconnect with
current-limiting
fuses
+ +
– – Batteries
+ +
– –
Equipment grounding Current-limiting fuse
Surge arrester Overcurrent device may

** be required by UL 1703
(H) Multiple Inverters. A PV system shall be permitted to

roof covered by PV modules or other associated equip- have multiple utility-interactive inverters installed in or on a
ment. single building or structure. Where the inverters are remotely
located from each other, a directory in accordance with
705.10 shall be installed at each dc PV system disconnecting
(G) Bipolar Photovoltaic Systems. Where the sum, with-
means, at each ac disconnecting means, and at the main ser-
out consideration of polarity, of the PV system voltages of
vice disconnecting means showing the location of all ac and
the two monopole subarrays exceeds the rating of the con-
dc PV system disconnecting means in the building.
ductors and connected equipment, monopole subarrays in a
bipolar PV system shall be physically separated, and the
electrical output circuits from each monopole subarray shall Exception: A directory shall not be required where all in-
be installed in separate raceways until connected to the inverters and PV dc disconnecting means are grouped at the
verter. The disconnecting means and overcurrent protective main service disconnecting means.
devices for each monopole subarray output shall be in sepa-
rate enclosures. All conductors from each separate mono- 690.5 Ground-Fault Protection
pole subarray shall be routed in the same raceway. Grounded dc photovoltaic arrays shall be provided with dc
ground-fault protection meeting the requirements of
Exception: Listed switchgear rated for the maximum volt- 690.5(A) through (C) to reduce fire hazards. Ungrounded dc
age between circuits and containing a physical barrier sep- photovoltaic arrays shall comply with 690.35.
arating the disconnecting means for each monopole
subarray shall be permitted to be used instead of discon- Exception No. 1: Ground-mounted or pole-mounted photo-
necting means in separate enclosures. voltaic arrays with not more than two paralleled source cir-

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Article 690 ● Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems 690.5

cuit schematic of a rooftop grid- Utility
connected system.
PV
disconnect Inverter
(including GFPD)
*
+ 240 V output
dc Utility
– ac required Residential ac
grounding disconnect disconnect
electrode panelboard
(located
+ conductor near meter)
(GEC)
ac
– 4– 28 PV dc Electrodes bonded grounding
modules grounding together or dc GEC electrode
+ connected electrode connected to ac conductor
in series grounding electrode (GEC)
– ac
grounding
electrode
+
Optional auxiliary
grounding electrode
Equipment grounding conductor

Bonding jumper
*No overcurrent protection required with certain inverters
cuits and with all dc source and dc output circuits isolated be permitted. If a grounded conductor is opened to interrupt
from buildings shall be permitted without ground-fault pro- the ground-fault current path, all conductors of the faulted
tection. circuit shall be automatically and simultaneously opened.
Manual operation of the main PV dc disconnect shall
Exception No. 2: Photovoltaic arrays installed at other
not activate the ground-fault protection device or result in
than dwelling units shall be permitted without ground-fault
grounded conductors becoming ungrounded.
protection if each equipment grounding conductor is sized
in accordance with 690.45.
Typical ground-fault protection devices meeting the require-
ments of 690.5(A) operate by opening the main dc bonding
Ground-fault detection and interruption for the direct- jumper. They sense dc ground faults anywhere on the dc sys-
current portions of PV systems should not be confused with tem and may be mounted anywhere in that system. They are
the requirements for alternating-current circuit GFCI protec- usually installed inside the utility-interactive inverters or in
tion, as defined in Article 100. A GFCI is intended for the the dc power center in stand-alone PV systems. Ground-fault
protection of personnel in single-phase ac systems. The ac protection accomplished through the opening of the grounded
GFCI functions to open the ungrounded conductor when a conductor also has to incorporate disconnecting means to au-
5-mA fault current is detected. In contrast, devices meeting tomatically open all conductors of the faulted circuit.
the requirements of 690.5 are intended to prevent fires in dc
PV circuits due to ground faults.
(B) Isolating Faulted Circuits. The faulted circuits shall
be isolated by one of the two following methods:
(A) Ground-Fault Detection and Interruption. The
ground-fault protection device or system shall be capable of (1) The ungrounded conductors of the faulted circuit shall
detecting a ground-fault current, interrupting the flow of be automatically disconnected.
fault current, and providing an indication of the fault. (2) The inverter or charge controller fed by the faulted cir-
Automatically opening the grounded conductor of the cuit shall automatically cease to supply power to output
faulted circuit to interrupt the ground-fault current path shall circuits.

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Typical ground-fault protection devices operating in PV sys- moves the external source and turns off all ac PV modules
tems (48-volt nominal and below) automatically disconnect connected to that disconnecting device.
the ungrounded conductor with a circuit breaker mechani-
cally linked to a ground-fault-sensing circuit breaker. Equip-
ment operating above 48 volts nominal usually automatically (D) Ground-Fault Detection. Alternating-current module
shuts off the connected equipment to meet this requirement systems shall be permitted to use a single detection device to
when a ground fault is sensed. detect only ac ground faults and to disable the array by re-
moving ac power to the ac module(s).
(C) Labels and Markings. A warning label shall appear

on the utility-interactive inverter or be applied by the in- The detection device permitted by 690.6(D) is a fire preven-
staller near the ground-fault indicator at a visible location, tion device and is not intended to be a shock prevention de-
stating the following: vice. Existing GFCI and equipment ground-fault protection
devices are generally not listed for backfeeding and are not
WARNING suitable for meeting this requirement.
ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD
IF A GROUND FAULT IS INDICATED,
NORMALLY GROUNDED CONDUCTORS MAY (E) Overcurrent Protection. The output circuits of ac
BE UNGROUNDED AND ENERGIZED modules shall be permitted to have overcurrent protection
and conductor sizing in accordance with 240.5(B)(2).
When the photovoltaic system also has batteries, the
same warning shall also be applied by the installer in a visi-
ble location at the batteries.
II. Circuit Requirements
690.7 Maximum Voltage
(A) Maximum Photovoltaic System Voltage. In a dc pho-
Many types of ground-fault detection and interruption
tovoltaic source circuit or output circuit, the maximum pho-
equipment break the negative-to-ground bond to interrupt
tovoltaic system voltage for that circuit shall be calculated as
the fault currents, and the now ungrounded PV negative con-
the sum of the rated open-circuit voltage of the series-
ductor generally is at open-circuit voltage below the ground
connected photovoltaic modules corrected for the lowest ex-
reference (e.g., 2400 volts).
pected ambient temperature. For crystalline and
multicrystalline silicon modules, the rated open-circuit volt-
age shall be multiplied by the correction factor provided in
690.6 Alternating-Current (ac) Modules
Table 690.7. This voltage shall be used to determine the
(A) Photovoltaic Source Circuits. The requirements of voltage rating of cables, disconnects, overcurrent devices,
Article 690 pertaining to photovoltaic source circuits shall and other equipment. Where the lowest expected ambient
not apply to ac modules. The photovoltaic source circuit, temperature is below 240°C (240°F), or where other than
conductors, and inverters shall be considered as internal wir- crystalline or multicrystalline silicon photovoltaic modules
ing of an ac module. are used, the system voltage adjustment shall be made in ac-
cordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
(B) Inverter Output Circuit. The output of an ac module When open-circuit voltage temperature coefficients are
shall be considered an inverter output circuit. supplied in the instructions for listed PV modules, they shall
be used to calculate the maximum photovoltaic system volt-
(C) Disconnecting Means. A single disconnecting means, age as required by 110.3(B) instead of using Table 690.7.
in accordance with 690.15 and 690.17, shall be permitted for
the combined ac output of one or more ac modules. Addi- Informational Note: One source for statistically valid, low-
est-expected, ambient temperature design data for various
tionally, each ac module in a multiple ac module system
locations is the Extreme Annual Mean Minimum Design
shall be provided with a connector, bolted, or terminal-type Dry Bulb Temperature found in the ASHRAE Handbook —
disconnecting means. Fundamentals. These temperature data can be used to calcu-
late maximum voltage using the manufacturer’s temperature
coefficients relative to the rating temperature of 25°C.
Alternating-current PV modules, as utility-interactive de-
vices, are designed to produce ac power only when they are
connected to an external source of ac power at the correct A PV source is not a constant-voltage source, and the dif-
voltage and frequency. A single disconnecting means reference between the rated operating voltage determined

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Article 690
under controlled laboratory conditions and the open-circuit TABLE 690.7 Voltage Correction Factors for Crystalline
and Multicrystalline Silicon Modules
voltage under field-installed conditions can be significant.
Consequently, the higher-rated open-circuit voltage must Correction Factors for Ambient Temperatures Below 25°C
be used to select circuit components with proper voltage (77°F). (Multiply the rated open circuit voltage by the
ratings. appropriate correction factor shown below.)
The voltage potential (both open circuit and operating)
of a PV power source increases with decreasing tempera- Ambient Ambient
Temperature (°C) Factor Temperature (°F)
ture. The installer should note the temperature conditions
under which the PV device was rated. If the anticipated low- 24 to 20 1.02 76 to 68
est temperature at the installation site is lower than the rating 19 to 15 1.04 67 to 59
condition (25°C), Table 690.7 should be used to adjust the 14 to 10 1.06 58 to 50
maximum open-circuit voltage of the crystalline system be- 9 to 5 1.08 49 to 41
fore conductors, overcurrent devices, and switchgear are se- 4 to 0 1.10 40 to 32
lected. 21 to 25 1.12 31 to 23
The temperature adjustment requirement is also in- 26 to 210 1.14 22 to 14
cluded in the instructions provided with listed PV modules 211 to 215 1.16 13 to 5
and is established at a fixed 125 percent, regardless of tem- 216 to 220 1.18 4 to 24
221 to 225 1.20 25 to 213
perature. Table 690.7 supersedes the fixed 125 percent
226 to 230 1.21 214 to 222
where the lowest temperature is above 240°C.
231 to 235 1.23 223 to 231
Where a listed PV module includes open-circuit voltage 236 to 240 1.25 232 to 240
temperature coefficients in the installation instructions,
these temperature coefficients provide a more accurate max-
imum system voltage and are required to be used instead of
applying Table 690.7. The NEC does not require tempera- maximum photovoltaic system voltage up to 600 volts.
ture coefficient information to be included in the installation Other installations with a maximum photovoltaic system
instructions. voltage over 600 volts shall comply with Article 690, Part
Bipolar PV systems (with positive and negative volt- IX.
ages) must use the sum of the absolute values of the open-
circuit voltages to determine the rated open-circuit system
A significant difference exists between the rated open-circuit
voltage. For example, a system with open-circuit voltages of
voltage and the operating voltage in PV dc circuits. For the
1480 volts and 2480 volts with respect to ground would
PV system to perform its intended function, rated dc open-
have a system open-circuit voltage of 960 volts. This voltage
circuit voltages of up to 600 volts may be present.
should be multiplied by a temperature-dependent factor
from Table 690.7, yielding a system design voltage of up to
1200 volts. The system design voltage should be used in the (D) Circuits over 150 Volts to Ground. In one- and two-
selection of cables and other equipment. Also, see the defini- family dwellings, live parts in photovoltaic source circuits
tion of photovoltaic system voltage in 690.2. Certain meth- and photovoltaic output circuits over 150 volts to ground
ods of connecting bipolar PV arrays meeting the shall not be accessible to other than qualified persons while
requirements of 690.7(E) may have different requirements energized.
for calculating the maximum system voltage.
Informational Note: See 110.27 for guarding of live parts,
and 210.6 for voltage to ground and between conductors.
(B) Direct-Current Utilization Circuits. The voltage of
dc utilization circuits shall conform to 210.6. Where dc circuitry over 150 volts to ground is present in
one- and two-family dwellings, additional protection for un-
qualified persons may be needed. Protection may be in the
The requirements of 690.7(B) cover installations where the form of conduit, a closed cabinet, or an enclosure that re-
PV output is connected to dc utilization circuits. quires the use of tools to open it and that permits entry only
by qualified persons.
(C) Photovoltaic Source and Output Circuits. In one-
and two-family dwellings, photovoltaic source circuits and (E) Bipolar Source and Output Circuits. For 2-wire cir-
photovoltaic output circuits that do not include lamphold- cuits connected to bipolar systems, the maximum system
ers, fixtures, or receptacles shall be permitted to have a voltage shall be the highest voltage between the conductors

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of the 2-wire circuit if all of the following conditions (3) Inverter Output Circuit Current. The maximum cur-
apply: rent shall be the inverter continuous output current rating.
(1) One conductor of each circuit of a bipolar subarray is
solidly grounded. Both stand-alone and utility-interactive inverters are power-
limited devices. Output circuits connected to these devices are
Exception: The operation of ground-fault or arc-fault de- sized on the continuous rated outputs of these devices and are
vices (abnormal operation) shall be permitted to interrupt not based on load calculations or reduced-size PV arrays or
this connection to ground when the entire bipolar array be- battery banks, if any. Some inverters may have specifications
comes two distinct arrays isolated from each other and the listing sustained maximum output currents, and the higher of
utilization equipment. this number or the rated output should be used.
(2) Each circuit is connected to a separate subarray.

(3) The equipment is clearly marked with a label as fol- (4) Stand-Alone Inverter Input Circuit Current. The
lows: maximum current shall be the stand-alone continuous in-
verter input current rating when the inverter is producing
WARNING rated power at the lowest input voltage.
BIPOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAY.
DISCONNECTION OF NEUTRAL OR
GROUNDED CONDUCTORS MAY RESULT IN Stand-alone inverters are nearly constant-output voltage de-
OVERVOLTAGE ON ARRAY OR INVERTER. vices. As the input battery voltage decreases, the input bat-
tery current increases to maintain a constant ac output
690.8 Circuit Sizing and Current power. The input current for such inverters is calculated by
(A) Calculation of Maximum Circuit Current. The max- taking the rated full-power output of the inverter in watts
imum current for the specific circuit shall be calculated in and dividing it by the lowest operating battery voltage and
accordance with 690.8(A)(1) through (A)(4). then by the rated efficiency of the inverter under those oper-
ating conditions.
Informational Note: Where the requirements of 690.8(A)
For example, the input current for a 4000-watt, 24-volt
(1) and (B)(1) are both applied, the resulting multiplication
factor is 156 percent. inverter that is 85 percent efficient at 22 volts can be calcu-
lated as follows:
(1) Photovoltaic Source Circuit Currents. The maximum watt output
current shall be the sum of parallel module rated short- Ampere input =
voltage 3 efficiency
circuit currents multiplied by 125 percent.
= 4000 W
22 V 3 0.85
The use of the array short-circuit current allows for proper = 214 A
sizing of conductors to handle the current generated during
Ripple currents might be present in the dc-input circuits of
extended periods of operation under a short-circuit current
single-phase, stand-alone inverters. These ripple currents
operating point.
might cause nuisance operation of overcurrent devices at
The 125 percent factor is required by 690.8(A)(1) be-
continuous high inverter outputs. In such cases, the mea-
cause PV modules, PV source circuits, and PV output circuits
sured maximum true rms (root mean square) value of the
can deliver output currents higher than the rated short-circuit
total (ac + dc) input current, which will be greater than the
currents for more than 3 hours near solar noon. This require-
average current calculated here, should be used to determine
ment is duplicated in the instructions provided with each
conductor sizes and overcurrent device ratings.
listed module, but this factor only needs to be applied once. A
second 125 percent factor is required by 690.8(B).
PV modules in hot climates operate at temperatures of
(B) Ampacity and Overcurrent Device Ratings. Photo-
60°C to 80°C due to solar heating. Conductors with insula-
voltaic system currents shall be considered to be continuous.
tion types rated at least 90°C should be used, and these con-
ductors should have the ampacity corrected in accordance
(1) Overcurrent Devices. Overcurrent devices, where re-
with Table 310.15(B)(16) or Table 310.15(B)(17).
quired, shall be rated as required by 690.8(B)(1)(a) through
(1)(d).
(2) Photovoltaic Output Circuit Currents. The maxi-
mum current shall be the sum of parallel source circuit max- (a) To carry not less than 125 percent of the maximum
imum currents as calculated in 690.8(A)(1). currents calculated in 690.8(A).

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Article 690
Exception: Circuits containing an assembly, together with

its overcurrent device(s), that is listed for continuous opera- current protection for two modules or strings of modules and
tion at 100 percent of its rating shall be permitted to be used overcurrent protection for the conductors. The PV module
at 100 percent of its rating. manufacturer should be contacted for specific information.
The exception to 690.8(B)(1)(a) permits use at the full rating 690.9 Overcurrent Protection
of assemblies, such as panelboards, incorporating overcur- (A) Circuits and Equipment. Photovoltaic source circuit,
rent devices listed for continuous operation at 100 percent of photovoltaic output circuit, inverter output circuit, and stor-
the rating. age battery circuit conductors and equipment shall be pro-
tected in accordance with the requirements of Article 240.
Circuits connected to more than one electrical source shall
(b) Terminal temperature limits shall be in accordance have overcurrent devices located so as to provide overcur-
with 110.3(B) and 110.14(C). rent protection from all sources.
(c) Where operated at temperatures greater than 40°C
(104°F), the manufacturer’s temperature correction factors Exception: An overcurrent device shall not be required for
shall apply. PV modules or PV source circuit conductors sized in accor-
(d) The rating or setting of overcurrent devices shall be dance with 690.8(B) where one of the following applies:
permitted in accordance with 240.4(B), (C), and (D). (a) There are no external sources such as parallel-con-
nected source circuits, batteries, or backfeed from in-
verters.
(2) Conductor Ampacity. Circuit conductors shall be sized
(b) The short-circuit currents from all sources do not ex-
to carry not less than the larger of 690.8(B)(2)(a) or (2)(b).
ceed the ampacity of the conductors or the maximum
overcurrent protective device size specified on the PV
(a) One hundred and twenty-five percent of the maxi-
module nameplate.
mum currents calculated in 690.8(A) without any additional
correction factors for conditions of use. Informational Note: Possible backfeed of current from any
(b) The maximum currents calculated in 690.8(A) after source of supply, including a supply through an inverter into
conditions of use have been applied. the photovoltaic output circuit and photovoltaic source cir-
cuits, is a consideration in determining whether adequate
(c) The conductor selected, after application of condi- overcurrent protection from all sources is provided for con-
tions of use, shall be protected by the overcurrent protective ductors and modules.
device, where required.
(C) Systems with Multiple Direct-Current Voltages. For In the circuits illustrated in Exhibits 690.3, 690.4, 690.5, and
a photovoltaic power source that has multiple output circuit 690.6, the PV source-circuit overcurrent devices are required
voltages and employs a common-return conductor, the am- to be rated so that the source-circuit conductors are pro-
pacity of the common-return conductor shall not be less than tected in accordance with Article 240 and so that the over-
the sum of the ampere ratings of the overcurrent devices of current device ratings do not exceed the maximum
the individual output circuits. overcurrent device rating marked on the modules. Possible
backfeed currents from the other PV source circuits, other
(D) Sizing of Module Interconnection Conductors. supply sources through the inverter, and storage-battery cir-
Where a single overcurrent device is used to protect a set of cuits, if any, have to be considered.
two or more parallel-connected module circuits, the ampac- Blocking diodes (possibly required by the module man-
ity of each of the module interconnection conductors shall ufacturer for specific applications) can lose their blocking
not be less than the sum of the rating of the single fuse plus ability because of overtemperature conditions or internal
125 percent of the short-circuit current from the other breakdown. Therefore, overcurrent protection has to be con-
parallel-connected modules. sidered with a condition of shorted blocking diodes if they
are used in the circuit.
In typical one- and two-family dwelling unit utility-
Normally, labeling or module instructions require reverse interactive PV systems, overcurrent devices may only be re-
overcurrent protection for each module or string of modules. quired in the dc PV source or output circuits where there are
In some cases, modules with low-rated short-circuit currents more than two strings of PC modules connected in parallel.
and high values of the required series protective fuse may At the inverter or battery/charge controller end of the
allow the use of one overcurrent device to provide reverse- PV output circuit, the need for overcurrent protection has to

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be considered with respect to the maximum backfeed fault Direct-current fault currents are considerably harder to inter-
current available from other sources. rupt than ac faults. Overcurrent devices marked or listed
only for ac use should not be used in dc circuits. Automo-
tive- and marine-type fuses, although used in these dc sys-
(B) Power Transformers. Overcurrent protection for a
tems, are not suitable for use in permanently wired
transformer with a source(s) on each side shall be provided
residential or commercial electrical power systems meeting
in accordance with 450.3 by considering first one side of the
the requirements of the Code.
transformer, then the other side of the transformer, as the
primary.
(E) Series Overcurrent Protection. In PV source circuits,
Exception: A power transformer with a current rating on a single overcurrent protection device shall be permitted to
the side connected toward the utility-interactive inverter protect the PV modules and the interconnecting conductors.
output, not less than the rated continuous output current of
the inverter, shall be permitted without overcurrent protec-
tion from the inverter. The single overcurrent device (when required) may provide
both the reverse-current protection required for the series-
(C) Photovoltaic Source Circuits. Branch-circuit or connected PV modules and the overcurrent protection re-
supplementary-type overcurrent devices shall be permitted quired for the interconnecting conductors.
to provide overcurrent protection in photovoltaic source cir-
cuits. The overcurrent devices shall be accessible but shall
not be required to be readily accessible.
690.10 Stand-Alone Systems
Standard values of supplementary overcurrent devices The premises wiring system shall be adequate to meet the
allowed by this section shall be in one ampere size incre- requirements of this Code for a similar installation con-
ments, starting at one ampere up to and including 15 am- nected to a service. The wiring on the supply side of the
peres. Higher standard values above 15 amperes for building or structure disconnecting means shall comply with
supplementary overcurrent devices shall be based on the this Code except as modified by 690.10(A) through (E).
standard sizes provided in 240.6(A).
(A) Inverter Output. The ac output from a stand-alone
inverter(s) shall be permitted to supply ac power to the
If the overcurrent protection of PV source circuits is con- building or structure disconnecting means at current levels
sidered supplementary overcurrent protection, use of over- less than the calculated load connected to that disconnect.
current devices with ratings other than those suitable for The inverter output rating or the rating of an alternate energy
branch-circuit protection is permitted. The use of such de- source shall be equal to or greater than the load posed by the
vices permits module protection closer to the specified rat- largest single utilization equipment connected to the system.
ings required on the labels attached to listed modules. It is Calculated general lighting loads shall not be considered as
anticipated that only qualified service personnel will re- a single load.
place or reset overcurrent devices in PV source circuits.
Consequently, ready access to the user need not be pro-
vided. These supplementary overcurrent devices must be A stand-alone residential or commercial PV installation may
listed for dc operation and have appropriate voltage and have an ac output and be connected to a building wired in
current ratings. full compliance with all articles of this Code. Even though
Overcurrent devices used to protect modules or module such an installation may have service-entrance equipment
interconnections may be installed in enclosures mounted rated at 100 or 200 amperes at 120/240 volts, the PV source
outdoors in locations exposed to direct sunlight that may is not required to provide either the full current rating or the
subject the overcurrent devices to operating temperatures dual voltages of the service equipment. While safety re-
higher than 40°C. Appropriate derating instructions are quirements dictate full compliance with the ac wiring sec-
available from the overcurrent device manufacturer. tions of the Code, a PV installation is usually designed so
that the actual ac demands on the system are sized to the
output rating of the PV system. The inverter output is re-
(D) Direct-Current Rating. Overcurrent devices, either quired by 690.10(A) to have sufficient capacity to power the
fuses or circuit breakers, used in any dc portion of a photo- largest single piece of utilization equipment to be supplied
voltaic power system shall be listed for use in dc circuits and by the PV system, but the inverter output does not have to be
shall have the appropriate voltage, current, and interrupt rat- sized for the potential multiple loads to be simultaneously
ings.

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Article 690
cured in accordance with 408.36(D). Circuit breakers that

connected to it. Lighting loads are managed by the user are marked “line” and “load” shall not be backfed.
based on the available energy from the PV system.
690.11 Arc-Fault Circuit Protection (Direct
(B) Sizing and Protection. The circuit conductors be- Current)
tween the inverter output and the building or structure dis- Photovoltaic systems with dc source circuits, dc output cir-
connecting means shall be sized based on the output rating cuits, or both, on or penetrating a building operating at a PV
of the inverter. These conductors shall be protected from system maximum system voltage of 80 volts or greater, shall
overcurrents in accordance with Article 240. The overcur- be protected by a listed (dc) arc-fault circuit interrupter, PV
rent protection shall be located at the output of the inverter. type, or other system components listed to provide equiva-
lent protection. The PV arc-fault protection means shall
(C) Single 120-Volt Supply. The inverter output of a stand- comply with the following requirements:
alone solar photovoltaic system shall be permitted to supply
120 volts to single-phase, 3-wire, 120/240-volt service equip- (1) The system shall detect and interrupt arcing faults re-
ment or distribution panels where there are no 240-volt outlets sulting from a failure in the intended continuity of a
and where there are no multiwire branch circuits. In all instal- conductor, connection, module, or other system compo-
lations, the rating of the overcurrent device connected to the nent in the dc PV source and output circuits.
output of the inverter shall be less than the rating of the neu- (2) The system shall disable or disconnect one of the fol-
tral bus in the service equipment. This equipment shall be lowing:
marked with the following words or equivalent: a. Inverters or charge controllers connected to the fault
circuit when the fault is detected
WARNING
b. System components within the arcing circuit
SINGLE 120-VOLT SUPPLY. DO NOT CONNECT
MULTIWIRE BRANCH CIRCUITS! (3) The system shall require that the disabled or discon-
nected equipment be manually restarted.
(4) The system shall have an annunciator that provides a
Multiwire branch circuits are common in one- and two- visual indication that the circuit interrupter has oper-
family dwelling units. When connected to a normal 120/240- ated. This indication shall not reset automatically.
volt ac service, the currents in the neutral conductors of
these multiwire branch circuits (typically 14-3 AWG) sub-
tract or are, at most, no larger than the rating of the branch- To mitigate fire initiation hazards associated with arcing
circuit overcurrent device. When these electrical systems are type faults occurring in dc source circuits and dc output cir-
connected to a single 120-volt PV power system inverter by cuits, 690.11 requires arc-fault circuit protection for PV sys-
paralleling the two ungrounded conductors in the service- tems. The requirement applies only where the conductors
entrance load center, the currents in the neutral conductor are installed on or in a building. The arc-fault protection de-
for each multiwire branch circuit add rather than subtract. vice used to meet this requirement must be listed for dc and
The currents in the neutral conductor may be as high as for use in photovoltaic systems. Listed components that pro-
twice the rating of the branch-circuit overcurrent device. vide protection equivalent to arc-fault protection are also
With this configuration, neutral conductor overloading is permitted by this requirement.
possible.
(D) Energy Storage or Backup Power System Require-

III. Disconnecting Means
ments. Energy storage or backup power supplies are not 690.13 All Conductors
required. Means shall be provided to disconnect all current-carrying
dc conductors of a photovoltaic system from all other con-
Stand-alone PV systems may be operated without energy ductors in a building or other structure. A switch, circuit
storage or backup power. The systems are tailored to meet breaker, or other device shall not be installed in a grounded
the load requirements. conductor if operation of that switch, circuit breaker, or
other device leaves the marked, grounded conductor in an
ungrounded and energized state.
(E) Back-fed Circuit Breakers. Plug-in type back-fed cir-
cuit breakers connected to a stand-alone inverter output in Exception No. 1: A switch or circuit breaker that is part of
either stand-alone or utility-interactive systems shall be se- a ground-fault detection system required by 690.5, or that is

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part of an arc-fault detection/interruption system required

by 690.11, shall be permitted to open the grounded conduc-
Modules
tor when that switch or circuit breaker is automatically
opened as a normal function of the device in responding to
ground faults.
Exception No. 2: A disconnecting switch shall be permitted
in a grounded conductor if all of the following conditions
Disconnecting
are met: means
PV source
circuits
(1) The switch is used only for PV array maintenance.
(2) The switch is accessible only by qualified persons.
(3) The switch is rated for the maximum dc voltage and
current that could be present during any operation, in-
cluding ground-fault conditions.
Line side equipment allowed
Informational Note: The grounded conductor may have a

bolted or terminal disconnecting means to allow mainte- EXHIBIT 690.7 Equipment permitted on the PV power source
nance or troubleshooting by qualified personnel. side of the PV power source disconnecting means.
690.14 Additional Provisions

Photovoltaic disconnecting means shall comply with (1) Location. The photovoltaic disconnecting means shall
690.14(A) through (D). be installed at a readily accessible location either on the out-
side of a building or structure or inside nearest the point of
(A) Disconnecting Means. The disconnecting means shall entrance of the system conductors.
not be required to be suitable as service equipment and shall
comply with 690.17. Exception: Installations that comply with 690.31(E) shall
be permitted to have the disconnecting means located re-
(B) Equipment. Equipment such as photovoltaic source mote from the point of entry of the system conductors.
circuit isolating switches, overcurrent devices, and blocking
The photovoltaic system disconnecting means shall not
diodes shall be permitted on the photovoltaic side of the
be installed in bathrooms.
photovoltaic disconnecting means.
These requirements generally prohibit long runs of PV

In general, equipment that needs servicing must be discon- source and output circuits inside a building before reaching
nected from sources of supply. In a PV system, however, the required PV disconnect. A short conductor run through a
some equipment, as indicated, is permitted to be located on wall at the point of first penetration to reach a disconnect
the PV power source side of the disconnecting means. See mounted inside the building is allowed. Section 690.31(E)
Exhibit 690.7. Servicing the exempted equipment might re- permits these circuits to be run inside a building when in-
quire disabling all or portions of the array, as explained in stalled in metal conduit from the point of entrance to the
the commentary following 690.18. system disconnecting means.
A disconnecting means located in each PV source cir-
cuit or located physically at each PV module location is not
required. Unlike load circuits (e.g., rooftop air conditioners), (2) Marking. Each photovoltaic system disconnecting
PV source-circuit conductors may be energized at any time means shall be permanently marked to identify it as a photo-
from the PV modules. A centrally located disconnect meet- voltaic system disconnect.
ing the requirements of 690.14(C)(1) near the inverter or
batteries serves to disconnect the PV source circuits from (3) Suitable for Use. Each photovoltaic system discon-
the other portions of the electric power system. necting means shall be suitable for the prevailing conditions.
Equipment installed in hazardous (classified) locations shall
comply with the requirements of Articles 500 through 517.
(C) Requirements for Disconnecting Means. Means
shall be provided to disconnect all conductors in a building (4) Maximum Number of Disconnects. The photovoltaic
or other structure from the photovoltaic system conductors. system disconnecting means shall consist of not more than six

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Article 690
switches or six circuit breakers mounted in a single enclosure, ungrounded conductors of all sources. If the equipment is
in a group of separate enclosures, or in or on a switchboard. energized from more than one source, the disconnecting
means shall be grouped and identified.
(5) Grouping. The photovoltaic system disconnecting A single disconnecting means in accordance with
means shall be grouped with other disconnecting means for 690.17 shall be permitted for the combined ac output of
the system to comply with 690.14(C)(4). A photovoltaic dis- one or more inverters or ac modules in an interactive sys-
connecting means shall not be required at the photovoltaic tem.
module or array location.
690.16 Fuses
Where a building has multiples sources of power, such as the
Switches, pullouts, or similar devices that have suitable rat-
utility, the PV array, backup generator, and wind system, no
ings may serve as means to disconnect fuses from all sources
more than six disconnects for each source of power to the
of supply.
building, are allowed, and the disconnects for each source
are required to be grouped together. However, a PV system
may be considered a source of supply separate from a utility
(A) Disconnecting Means. Disconnecting means shall be
source under certain conditions (see 230.2), and each source
provided to disconnect a fuse from all sources of supply if
may have up to six grouped disconnecting means as permit- the fuse is energized from both directions. Such a fuse in a
ted by 230.72. photovoltaic source circuit shall be capable of being discon-
nected independently of fuses in other photovoltaic source
(D) Utility-Interactive Inverters Mounted in Not-Readily- circuits.
Accessible Locations. Utility-interactive inverters shall be
permitted to be mounted on roofs or other exterior areas that (B) Fuse Servicing. Disconnecting means shall be in-
are not readily accessible. These installations shall comply stalled on PV output circuits where overcurrent devices
with (1) through (4): (fuses) must be serviced that cannot be isolated from ener-
gized circuits. The disconnecting means shall be within sight
(1) A direct-current photovoltaic disconnecting means shall of, and accessible to, the location of the fuse or integral with
be mounted within sight of or in the inverter. fuse holder and shall comply with 690.17. Where the dis-
(2) An alternating-current disconnecting means shall be connecting means are located more than 1.8 m (6 ft) from
mounted within sight of or in the inverter. the overcurrent device, a directory showing the location of
each disconnect shall be installed at the overcurrent device
This section permits the utility-interactive inverter to be in- location.
stalled in a location that is not readily accessible, so the re- Non-load-break-rated disconnecting means shall be
quirements in 690.14(D)(1) and (D)(2) provide for dc and ac marked “Do not open under load.”
disconnecting means at the inverter location to facilitate ser-
vicing of the inverter. 690.17 Switch or Circuit Breaker
The disconnecting means for ungrounded conductors shall
consist of a manually operable switch(es) or circuit
(3) The alternating-current output conductors from the in-
breaker(s) complying with all of the following requirements:
verter and an additional alternating-current disconnecting
means for the inverter shall comply with 690.14(C)(1). (1) Located where readily accessible
(2) Externally operable without exposing the operator to
contact with live parts
The disconnect required by 690.14(C)(1) allows the
(3) Plainly indicating whether in the open or closed posi-
inverter(s) and the circuit to it (them) to be de-energized tion
from a readily accessible location.
(4) Having an interrupting rating sufficient for the nominal
circuit voltage and the current that is available at the
(4) A plaque shall be installed in accordance with 705.10. line terminals of the equipment
Where all terminals of the disconnecting means may be

690.15 Disconnection of Photovoltaic energized in the open position, a warning sign shall be
Equipment mounted on or adjacent to the disconnecting means. The
Means shall be provided to disconnect equipment, such as sign shall be clearly legible and have the following words or
inverters, batteries, charge controllers, and the like, from all equivalent:

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WARNING Informational Note: Photovoltaic modules operate at ele-

ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD. vated temperatures when exposed to high ambient tempera-
tures and to bright sunlight. These temperatures may
DO NOT TOUCH TERMINALS. TERMINALS
routinely exceed 70°C (158°F) in many locations. Module
ON BOTH THE LINE AND LOAD SIDES interconnection conductors are available with insulation
MAY BE ENERGIZED IN THE OPEN POSITION. rated for wet locations and a temperature rating of 90°C
(194°F) or greater.
Exception: A connector shall be permitted to be used as an
ac or a dc disconnecting means, provided that it complies (B) Single-Conductor Cable. Single-conductor cable type
with the requirements of 690.33 and is listed and identified USE-2, and single-conductor cable listed and labeled as
for the use. photovoltaic (PV) wire shall be permitted in exposed out-
door locations in photovoltaic source circuits for photovol-
690.18 Installation and Service of an Array taic module interconnections within the photovoltaic array.
Open circuiting, short circuiting, or opaque covering shall
be used to disable an array or portions of an array for instal- Exception: Raceways shall be used when required by
lation and service. 690.31(A).
Informational Note: Photovoltaic modules are energized Informational Note: Photovoltaic (PV) wire [also photovol-
while exposed to light. Installation, replacement, or servic- taic (PV) cable] has a nonstandard outer diameter. Conduit
ing of array components while a module(s) is irradiated may fill may be calculated using Table 1 of Chapter 9.
expose persons to electric shock.
Most PV modules are designed for a direct series connection

To prevent contact with energized parts by personnel during by using factory-installed leads and connectors. To accom-
installation, servicing, or other procedures, a number of modate such a direct series connection without the waste of
methods can be used to disable an array or portions of an one or more conductors in a multiconductor cable, use of a
array. One method, used infrequently because of the expense single-conductor Type USE-2 cable and single-conductor
in time and materials, is to cover all of the array or portions cable listed and labeled for PV applications is permitted in
of it with an opaque material. Care must be taken that all of PV source circuits. Long runs of separated conductors (with
the area to be covered is shielded from light. Another method loop inductance and distributed capacitance) and the result-
divides the array into nonhazardous segments, which can be ing long time constants in dc circuits may result in improper
accomplished by switches or connectors. Also see 690.33. operation of overcurrent devices. It is suggested that, wher-
Short-circuiting all or portions of an array by means of ever possible, both positive and negative conductors of each
switches or plug-in connectors, in conjunction with the by- circuit and the equipment grounding conductor be routed as
pass diodes internal to each module, can also provide the close together as possible to minimize the circuit time con-
necessary disablement. (Bypass diodes are incorporated in stant. The smaller loop resulting from the close routing also
PV modules for performance purposes.) decreases induced currents from nearby lightning strikes.
Because PV modules may operate at high temperatures and
are installed in outdoor, exposed locations, the use of high-
IV. Wiring Methods temperature, wet-rated conductors such as USE-2, THWN-
690.31 Methods Permitted 2, or RHW-2 is advisable. See 310.15(B)(3)(c) for
(A) Wiring Systems. All raceway and cable wiring meth- requirements on the ampacities of conductors in circular
ods included in this Code and other wiring systems and fit- raceways installed on rooftops exposed to sunlight. Single-
tings specifically intended and identified for use on conductor cables listed and labeled for use in PV applica-
photovoltaic arrays shall be permitted. Where wiring devices tions will be identified as “PV Wire,” “PV Cable,”
with integral enclosures are used, sufficient length of cable “Photovoltaic Wire,” or “Photovoltaic Cable.”
shall be provided to facilitate replacement.
Where photovoltaic source and output circuits operating (C) Flexible Cords and Cables. Flexible cords and cables,
at maximum system voltages greater than 30 volts are in- where used to connect the moving parts of tracking PV mod-
stalled in readily accessible locations, circuit conductors ules, shall comply with Article 400 and shall be of a type
shall be installed in a raceway. identified as a hard service cord or portable power cable;
they shall be suitable for extra-hard usage, listed for outdoor
Most PV modules do not have provisions for attaching race- use, water resistant, and sunlight resistant. Allowable am-
ways. These circuits may have to be made “not readily ac- pacities shall be in accordance with 400.5. For ambient tem-
cessible” by use of physical barriers such as wire screening. peratures exceeding 30°C (86°F), the ampacities shall be
derated by the appropriate factors given in Table 690.31(C).

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Article 690
TABLE 690.31(C) Correction Factors
Temperature Rating of Conductor

Ambient Ambient
Temperature (°C) 60°C (140°F) 75°C (167°F) 90°C (194°F) 105°C (221°F) Temperature (°F)
30 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 86

31–35 0.91 0.94 0.96 0.97 87–95
36–40 0.82 0.88 0.91 0.93 96–104
41–45 0.71 0.82 0.87 0.89 105–113
46–50 0.58 0.75 0.82 0.86 114–122
51–55 0.41 0.67 0.76 0.82 123–131
56–60 — 0.58 0.71 0.77 132–140
61–70 — 0.33 0.58 0.68 141–158
71–80 — — 0.41 0.58 159–176
(D) Small-Conductor Cables. Single-conductor cables

listed for outdoor use that are sunlight resistant and moisture vide additional fire resistance should faults develop in the
resistant in sizes 16 AWG and 18 AWG shall be permitted cable, and they provide an additional ground-fault detection
for module interconnections where such cables meet the am- path for the ground-fault protection device required by
pacity requirements of 690.8. Section 310.15 shall be used 690.5.
to determine the cable ampacity adjustment and correction
factors. (1) Beneath Roofs. Wiring methods shall not be installed
within 25 cm (10 in.) of the roof decking or sheathing except
Because the smaller cables permitted by 690.31(D) are not where directly below the roof surface covered by PV mod-
normally marked with standard Code-recognized markings ules and associated equipment. Circuits shall be run perpen-
(e.g., USE-2), the PV module manufacturer or installer dicular to the roof penetration point to supports a minimum
should verify that these cables are listed and labeled for PV of 25 cm (10 in.) below the roof decking.
use, thereby indicating that they have the necessary sunlight Informational Note: The 25 cm (10 in.) requirement is to
and moisture resistance and are suitable for exposed, out- prevent accidental damage from saws used by fire fighters
door use. for roof ventilation during a structure fire.
In accordance with 200.6(A), grounded conductors that
are smaller than 6 AWG and used in PV source circuits are (2) Flexible Wiring Methods. Where flexible metal con-
permitted to be marked at the time of installation with a duit (FMC) smaller than metric designator 21 (trade size 3⁄4)
white marking at all terminations. or Type MC cable smaller than 25 mm (1 in.) in diameter
containing PV power circuit conductors is installed across
ceilings or floor joists, the raceway or cable shall be pro-
(E) Direct-Current Photovoltaic Source and Output Cir-
tected by substantial guard strips that are at least as high as
cuits Inside a Building. Where dc photovoltaic source or
the raceway or cable. Where run exposed, other than within
output circuits from a building-integrated or other photovol-
1.8 m (6 ft) of their connection to equipment, these wiring
taic system are run inside a building or structure, they shall
methods shall closely follow the building surface or be pro-
be contained in metal raceways, Type MC metal-clad cable
tected from physical damage by an approved means.
that complies with 250.118(10), or metal enclosures from
the point of penetration of the surface of the building or
structure to the first readily accessible disconnecting means. (3) Marking or Labeling Required. The following wiring
The disconnecting means shall comply with 690.14(A), (B), methods and enclosures that contain PV power source con-
and (D). The wiring methods shall comply with the addi- ductors shall be marked with the wording “Photovoltaic
tional installation requirements in (1) through (4) Power Source” by means of permanently affixed labels or
other approved permanent marking:
The use of metallic raceways, Type MC metal-clad cable, or (1) Exposed raceways, cable trays, and other wiring methods
metal enclosures inside a building provides additional physi- (2) Covers or enclosures of pull boxes and junction boxes
cal protection for these circuits. Metallic raceways also pro- (3) Conduit bodies in which any of the available conduit
openings are unused

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(4) Marking and Labeling Methods and Locations. The (B) Guarding. The connectors shall be constructed and in-
labels or markings shall be visible after installation. Photo- stalled so as to guard against inadvertent contact with live
voltaic power circuit labels shall appear on every section of parts by persons.
the wiring system that is separated by enclosures, walls, par-
titions, ceilings, or floors. Spacing between labels or mark- (C) Type. The connectors shall be of the latching or lock-
ings, or between a label and a marking, shall not be more ing type. Connectors that are readily accessible and that are
than 3 m (10 ft). Labels required by this section shall be suit- used in circuits operating at over 30 volts, nominal, maxi-
able for the environment where they are installed. mum system voltage for dc circuits, or 30 volts for ac cir-
cuits, shall require a tool for opening.
The objective of the requirements contained in 690.31(E)(1) (D) Grounding Member. The grounding member shall be
through (4) is to protect persons from inadvertently damag- the first to make and the last to break contact with the mat-
ing PV source and output circuit conductors. Where the lo- ing connector.
cation of the PV circuit conductors is not obvious, fire
fighters, other first responders, and maintenance personnel (E) Interruption of Circuit. Connectors shall be either (1)
could be exposed to shock hazards. Ventilating roofs con- or (2):
taining PV source or output circuits by cutting the mem-
(1) Be rated for interrupting current without hazard to the
brane with saws exposes personnel to shock hazards and the
operator.
building to further damage resulting from the ignition of
(2) Be a type that requires the use of a tool to open and
combustible members due to arcing from damaged conduc-
marked “Do Not Disconnect Under Load” or “Not for
tors.
Current Interrupting.”
(F) Flexible, Fine-Stranded Cables. Flexible, fine- The two options provided for connectors in this requirement
stranded cables shall be terminated only with terminals, provide for safe disconnection of circuit connectors either
lugs, devices, or connectors in accordance with 110.14(A). by being able to be opened under load or by having a warn-
ing indicating that disconnection prior to opening the con-
nector is necessary. Connectors that can be opened or
Flexible, fine-stranded cables recognized in Table disconnected using only the hands are not acceptable.
310.104(A) have numerous, very fine strands and can be
used only with specially tested, listed, and identified termi-
nations. The terminals, connectors, and crimp-on lugs found 690.34 Access to Boxes
on most electrical equipment used in PV systems are not Junction, pull, and outlet boxes located behind modules or
suitable for use with these types of cables. The requirements panels shall be so installed that the wiring contained in them
for these fine-stranded conductors are covered in 110.14. can be rendered accessible directly or by displacement of a
module(s) or panel(s) secured by removable fasteners and
connected by a flexible wiring system.
690.32 Component Interconnections
Fittings and connectors that are intended to be concealed at 690.35 Ungrounded Photovoltaic Power
the time of on-site assembly, where listed for such use, shall Systems
be permitted for on-site interconnection of modules or other Photovoltaic power systems shall be permitted to operate
array components. Such fittings and connectors shall be with ungrounded photovoltaic source and output circuits
equal to the wiring method employed in insulation, tempera- where the system complies with 690.35(A) through (G).
ture rise, and fault-current withstand, and shall be capable of
resisting the effects of the environment in which they are (A) Disconnects. All photovoltaic source and output cir-
used. cuit conductors shall have disconnects complying with 690,
Part III.
690.33 Connectors
The connectors permitted by Article 690 shall comply with (B) Overcurrent Protection. All photovoltaic source and
690.33(A) through (E). output circuit conductors shall have overcurrent protection
complying with 690.9.
(A) Configuration. The connectors shall be polarized and
shall have a configuration that is noninterchangeable with (C) Ground-Fault Protection. All photovoltaic source
receptacles in other electrical systems on the premises. and output circuits shall be provided with a ground-

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Article 690
fault protection device or system that complies with (1)

through (3): leakage current values less than those detected by the re-
quired ground-fault detection device, but they can cause any
(1) Detects a ground fault. ungrounded conductor to become a potential shock hazard
(2) Indicates that a ground fault has occurred with respect to ground.
(3) Automatically disconnects all conductors or causes the
inverter or charge controller connected to the faulted
circuit to automatically cease supplying power to output (G) The inverters or charge controllers used in systems with
circuits. ungrounded photovoltaic source and output circuits shall be
listed for the purpose.
(D) The photovoltaic source conductors shall consist of the
following: Many types of PV equipment are designed to operate only
(1) Nonmetallic jacketed multiconductor cables on grounded systems. Equipment to be used on ungrounded
(2) Conductors installed in raceways, or systems must be tested and evaluated for such use.
(3) Conductors listed and identified as Photovoltaic (PV)
Wire installed as exposed, single conductors.
V. Grounding
690.41 System Grounding
Three options for PV source output circuits are provided by
690.35(D). All cables and conductors installed outdoors and For a photovoltaic power source, one conductor of a 2-wire
exposed to direct sunlight and wet conditions have to be system with a photovoltaic system voltage over 50 volts and
suitable for these conditions, and such suitability is verified the reference (center tap) conductor of a bipolar system shall
by the cables and conductors being listed. Conductors inside be solidly grounded or shall use other methods that accom-
raceways installed in wet locations are required to be identi- plish equivalent system protection in accordance with
fied or listed as suitable for this environmental condition. 250.4(A) and that utilize equipment listed and identified for
See 310.10(C) for the requirements on conductors installed the use.
in wet locations. Open, single conductors are permitted
where listed and identified as “Photovoltaic Wire,” “Photo- Exception: Systems complying with 690.35.
voltaic Cable,” “PV Wire,” or “PV Cable.” These conductors
are evaluated for use where exposed to direct sunlight and Low-voltage systems that are not grounded are required by
wet conditions. Although not required as a general rule, 690.41 to be solidly grounded, having overcurrent protection
these conductors can be installed in a raceway at the discre- in each of the ungrounded conductors, as required by
tion of the installer. 240.21. Other methods that employ available equipment
may be used to achieve objectives contained in 250.4(A),
thereby providing protection for the PV power source cir-
(E) The photovoltaic power system direct-current circuits
cuits equivalent to solid grounding.
shall be permitted to be used with ungrounded battery sys-
tems complying with 690.71(G).
690.42 Point of System Grounding Connection
(F) The photovoltaic power source shall be labeled with the The dc circuit grounding connection shall be made at any
following warning at each junction box, combiner box, dis- single point on the photovoltaic output circuit.
connect, and device where energized, ungrounded circuits
may be exposed during service: Informational Note: Locating the grounding connection
point as close as practicable to the photovoltaic source bet-
WARNING ter protects the system from voltage surges due to lightning.
ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD. THE DC CONDUCTORS
OF THIS PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM ARE Exception: Systems with a 690.5 ground-fault protection de-
UNGROUNDED AND MAY BE ENERGIZED. vice shall be permitted to have the required grounded
conductor-to-ground bond made by the ground-fault protection
device. This bond, where internal to the ground-fault equip-
PV dc circuits operate in outdoor environments and are ex- ment, shall not be duplicated with an external connection.
pected to be energized for many years. Aging of the conduc-
tors, dust and dirt infiltration, and moisture and water
intrusion create leakage paths from the conductors to If other than solid grounding is utilized, as permitted by
ground. These high-resistance leakage paths can result in 690.41, the connections should be made in accordance with

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ted to bond the exposed metallic frames of PV modules to

the markings found on the equipment or in the installation the metallic frames of adjacent PV modules.
instructions.
Stand-alone PV systems might require the grounding (F) All Conductors Together. Equipment grounding con-
connection point to be located close to the high-current conductors for the PV array and structure (where installed) shall
ductors associated with the battery and the inverter. be contained within the same raceway or cable or otherwise
PV systems requiring ground-fault protection devices run with the PV array circuit conductors when those circuit
(see 690.5) are permitted to have the single-point grounding conductors leave the vicinity of the PV array.
connection made inside the ground-fault protection equip-
ment or inside the utility-interactive inverter and additional
external bonding connections are not permitted. Connec- To maintain the shortest electrical time constant in each dc
tions are to be made in accordance with markings on the circuit, the equipment grounding conductor should be routed
equipment or in the installation instructions. as closely as possible to the circuit conductors. This routing
facilitates the operation of overcurrent devices.
690.43 Equipment Grounding

Equipment grounding conductors and devices shall comply 690.45 Size of Equipment Grounding
with 690.43(A) through (F). Conductors
Equipment grounding conductors for photovoltaic source
(A) Equipment Grounding Required. Exposed non– and photovoltaic output circuits shall be sized in accordance
current-carrying metal parts of PV module frames, electrical with 690.45(A) or (B).
equipment, and conductor enclosures shall be grounded in
accordance with 250.134 or 250.136(A), regardless of volt- (A) General. Equipment grounding conductors in photo-
age. voltaic source and photovoltaic output circuits shall be sized
in accordance with Table 250.122. Where no overcurrent
protective device is used in the circuit, an assumed overcur-
Equipment grounding is required even in low-voltage rent device rated at the photovoltaic rated short-circuit cur-
(12- and 24-volt) systems not otherwise required to have a rent shall be used in Table 250.122. Increases in equipment
system ground. A grounding electrode must be added to an grounding conductor size to address voltage drop consider-
ungrounded system to accommodate the equipment grounds. ations shall not be required. The equipment grounding con-
ductors shall be no smaller than 14 AWG.
(B) Equipment Grounding Conductor Required. An
(B) Ground-Fault Protection Not Provided. For other
equipment grounding conductor between a PV array and
than dwelling units where ground-fault protection is not pro-
other equipment shall be required in accordance with
vided in accordance with 690.5(A) through (C), each equip-
250.110.
ment grounding conductor shall have an ampacity of at least
two (2) times the temperature and conduit fill corrected cir-
(C) Structure as Equipment Grounding Conductor. De-
cuit conductor ampacity.
vices listed and identified for grounding the metallic frames
of PV modules or other equipment shall be permitted to
bond the exposed metal surfaces or other equipment to Equipment-grounding conductors on PV systems without
mounting structures. Metallic mounting structures, other ground-fault protection may have ground-fault currents that
than building steel, used for grounding purposes shall be circulate continuously until the ground fault is corrected.
identified as equipment-grounding conductors or shall have These conductors must have their ampacity corrected for the
identified bonding jumpers or devices connected between conditions of use just like the circuit conductors. Fault cur-
the separate metallic sections and shall be bonded to the rents from parallel source circuits may allow currents in
grounding system. equipment-grounding conductors up to twice the normal cir-
cuit current under ground-fault conditions.
(D) Photovoltaic Mounting Systems and Devices. De-
vices and systems used for mounting PV modules that are
also used to provide grounding of the module frames shall Informational Note: The short-circuit current of photovol-
be identified for the purpose of grounding PV modules. taic modules and photovoltaic sources is just slightly above
the full-load normal output rating. In ground-fault condi-
tions, these sources are not able to supply the high levels of
(E) Adjacent Modules. Devices identified and listed for short-circuit or ground-fault currents necessary to quickly
bonding the metallic frames of PV modules shall be permit- activate overcurrent devices as in typical ac systems. Protec-

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Article 690● Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems 690.47
tion for equipment grounding conductors in photovoltaic Informational Note No. 2: For utility-interactive systems,
systems that are not provided with ground-fault protection is the existing premises grounding system serves as the ac
related to size and withstand capability of the equipment grounding system.
grounding conductor, rather than overcurrent device opera-
tion. (1) Separate Direct-Current Grounding Electrode Sys-
tem Bonded to the Alternating-Current Grounding Elec-
690.46 Array Equipment Grounding trode System. A separate dc grounding electrode or system
Conductors shall be installed, and it shall be bonded directly to the ac
Equipment grounding conductors for photovoltaic modules grounding electrode system. The size of any bonding
smaller than 6 AWG shall comply with 250.120(C). jumper(s) between the ac and dc systems shall be based on
the larger size of the existing ac grounding electrode con-
690.47 Grounding Electrode System ductor or the size of the dc grounding electrode conductor
specified by 250.166. The dc grounding electrode system
(A) Alternating-Current Systems. If installing an ac sys- conductor(s) or the bonding jumpers to the ac grounding
tem, a grounding electrode system shall be provided in ac- electrode system shall not be used as a substitute for any re-
cordance with 250.50 through 250.60. The grounding quired ac equipment grounding conductors.
electrode conductor shall be installed in accordance with
250.64. (2) Common Direct-Current and Alternating-Current
Grounding Electrode. A dc grounding electrode conductor
(B) Direct-Current Systems. If installing a dc system, a of the size specified by 250.166 shall be run from the marked
grounding electrode system shall be provided in accordance dc grounding electrode connection point to the ac grounding
with 250.166 for grounded systems or 250.169 for un- electrode. Where an ac grounding electrode is not accessi-
grounded systems. The grounding electrode conductor shall ble, the dc grounding electrode conductor shall be connected
be installed in accordance with 250.64. to the ac grounding electrode conductor in accordance with
A common dc grounding-electrode conductor shall be 250.64(C)(1). This dc grounding electrode conductor shall
permitted to serve multiple inverters. The size of the com- not be used as a substitute for any required ac equipment
mon grounding electrode and the tap conductors shall be in grounding conductors.
accordance with 250.166. The tap conductors shall be con-
nected to the common grounding-electrode conductor by (3) Combined Direct-Current Grounding Electrode
exothermic welding or with connectors listed as grounding Conductor and Alternating-Current Equipment
and bonding equipment in such a manner that the common Grounding Conductor. An unspliced, or irreversibly
grounding electrode conductor remains without a splice or spliced, combined grounding conductor shall be run from
joint. the marked dc grounding electrode conductor connection
point along with the ac circuit conductors to the grounding
(C) Systems with Alternating-Current and Direct-Cur- busbar in the associated ac equipment. This combined
rent Grounding Requirements. Photovoltaic systems hav- grounding conductor shall be the larger of the sizes specified
ing dc circuits and ac circuits with no direct connection by 250.122 or 250.166 and shall be installed in accordance
between the dc grounded conductor and ac grounded con- with 250.64(E).
ductor shall have a dc grounding system. The dc grounding
system shall be bonded to the ac grounding system by one of
the methods in (1), (2), or (3). Inverters used in PV power systems usually contain a trans-
This section shall not apply to ac PV modules. former that isolates the dc grounded circuit conductor from
When using the methods of (C)(2) or (C)(3), the exist- the ac grounded circuit conductor. Isolation necessitates that
ing ac grounding electrode system shall meet the applicable both a dc and an ac grounding system be installed. The two
requirements of Article 250, Part III. grounding systems are to be bonded together or have a com-
Informational Note No. 1: ANSI/UL 1741, Standard for In-
mon grounding electrode so that all ac and dc grounded cir-
verters, Converters, and Controllers for Use in Independent cuit conductors and equipment grounding conductors have
Power Systems, requires that any inverter or charge control- the same near-zero potential to earth.
ler that has a bonding jumper between the grounded dc con- The combined dc equipment grounding, dc system
ductor and the grounding system connection point have that grounding, and ac equipment grounding required by this
point marked as a grounding electrode conductor (GEC)
connection point. In PV inverters, the terminals for the dc section establishes only one grounding circuit and connec-
equipment grounding conductors and the terminals for ac tion for the entire PV system from the PV array to the ac
equipment grounding conductors are generally connected point of connection. Under PV dc ground-fault conditions,
to, or electrically in common with, a grounding busbar that an interruption of this single circuit may allow exposed
has a marked dc GEC terminal.

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(1) Open-circuit voltage

metal surfaces to become energized up to the maximum PV (2) Operating voltage
system voltage. (3) Maximum permissible system voltage
(4) Operating current
●
(5) Short-circuit current
(6) Maximum power
690.48 Continuity of Equipment Grounding
Systems 690.52 Alternating-Current Photovoltaic
Where the removal of equipment disconnects the bonding Modules
connection between the grounding electrode conductor and Alternating-current modules shall be marked with identifi-
exposed conducting surfaces in the photovoltaic source or cation of terminals or leads and with identification of the
output circuit equipment, a bonding jumper shall be installed following ratings:
while the equipment is removed.
(1) Nominal operating ac voltage
(2) Nominal operating ac frequency
PV source and output circuits are energized anytime the PV (3) Maximum ac power
modules are exposed to light. The equipment grounding sys- (4) Maximum ac current
tem is a primary line of defense against electric shocks and (5) Maximum overcurrent device rating for ac module pro-
fires. In many PV systems, the main bonding jumper and the tection
equipment grounding busbar are located in the inverter or a
dc power center that may require removal for service. The 690.53 Direct-Current Photovoltaic Power
continuity of the equipment grounding conductors should be Source
maintained even when the equipment is removed.
A permanent label for the direct-current photovoltaic power
source indicating items (1) through (5) shall be provided by
690.49 Continuity of Photovoltaic Source and the installer at the photovoltaic disconnecting means:
Output Circuit Grounded Conductors (1) Rated maximum power-point current
Where the removal of the utility-interactive inverter or other (2) Rated maximum power-point voltage
equipment disconnects the bonding connection between the (3) Maximum system voltage
grounding electrode conductor and the photovoltaic source
Informational Note to (3): See 690.7(A) for maximum pho-
and/or photovoltaic output circuit grounded conductor, a tovoltaic system voltage.
bonding jumper shall be installed to maintain the system
grounding while the inverter or other equipment is removed. (4) Short-circuit current
Informational Note to (4): See 690.8(A) for calculation of
PV source and output circuits are energized anytime the PV maximum circuit current.
modules are exposed to light. The marked, grounded circuit (5) Maximum rated output current of the charge controller
conductors should always remain grounded because they (if installed)
may be energized daily and cannot be easily disconnected
from the source. In many PV systems, the main bonding Informational Note: Reflecting systems used for irradiance
enhancement may result in increased levels of output cur-
jumper is located in the inverter or a dc power center that rent and power.
may require removal for service. The continuity to ground of
the grounded circuit conductors should be maintained even
when the equipment is removed. After installation of PV arrays, it may be difficult to deter-
mine the system’s rated voltage and current. These ratings,
along with the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current,
690.50 Equipment Bonding Jumpers are necessary to size the remainder of the system compo-
Equipment bonding jumpers, if used, shall comply with nents, as specified elsewhere in Article 690. Generally, the
250.120(C). marking described in 690.53 is required to be provided by
the installer. The rated values for the PV power source can
VI. Marking be calculated by adding voltage ratings of series-connected
modules and adding current ratings of parallel-connected
690.51 Modules
modules or PV source circuits.
Modules shall be marked with identification of terminals or Some charge controllers have higher rated output cur-
leads as to polarity, maximum overcurrent device rating for rents than the input currents from the PV array. They reduce
module protection, and with the following ratings:

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Article 690
connected electrical production and distribution network

the input voltage from the PV array while increasing the out- upon loss of voltage in that system and shall remain in that
put to the battery. state until the electrical production and distribution network
With respect to the informational note, a deliberate in- voltage has been restored.
crease in the level of irradiance by reflectors or the like can A normally interactive solar photovoltaic system shall
cause the power source to operate at levels above those rec- be permitted to operate as a stand-alone system to supply
ommended by the manufacturer. See 110.3. loads that have been disconnected from electrical production
and distribution network sources.
690.54 Interactive System Point of
Interconnection The requirement of 690.61 prevents energizing of otherwise
All interactive system(s) points of interconnection with de-energized system conductors or output conductors of
other sources shall be marked at an accessible location at the other off-site sources (e.g., an electrical utility) and is in-
disconnecting means as a power source and with the rated ac tended to prevent electric shock. This feature normally is
output current and the nominal operating ac voltage. provided as part of the utility-interactive inverter.
690.55 Photovoltaic Power Systems Employing

●
Energy Storage
690.63 Unbalanced Interconnections
Photovoltaic power systems employing energy storage shall
also be marked with the maximum operating voltage, in- Unbalanced connections shall be in accordance with
cluding any equalization voltage and the polarity of the 705.100.
grounded circuit conductor. ●
690.56 Identification of Power Sources 690.64 Point of Connection

(A) Facilities with Stand-Alone Systems. Any structure Point of connection shall be in accordance with 705.12.
or building with a photovoltaic power system that is not con-
nected to a utility service source and is a stand-alone system PV systems interconnected with other power production
shall have a permanent plaque or directory installed on the systems are also subject to the requirements of Article 705,
exterior of the building or structure at a readily visible loca- including 705.12.
tion acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. The
plaque or directory shall indicate the location of system dis-
●
connecting means and that the structure contains a stand-
alone electrical power system.
VIII. Storage Batteries
(B) Facilities with Utility Services and PV Systems. 690.71 Installation
Buildings or structures with both utility service and a photo-
(A) General. Storage batteries in a solar photovoltaic sys-
voltaic system shall have a permanent plaque or directory
tem shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of
providing the location of the service disconnecting means
Article 480. The interconnected battery cells shall be consid-
and the photovoltaic system disconnecting means if not lo-
ered grounded where the photovoltaic power source is in-
cated at the same location.
stalled in accordance with 690.41.
VII. Connection to Other Sources (B) Dwellings.
690.57 Load Disconnect (1) Operating Voltage. Storage batteries for dwellings
A load disconnect that has multiple sources of power shall shall have the cells connected so as to operate at less than 50
disconnect all sources when in the off position. volts nominal. Lead-acid storage batteries for dwellings
shall have no more than twenty-four 2-volt cells connected
690.60 Identified Interactive Equipment in series (48-volts nominal).
Only inverters and ac modules listed and identified as inter- Exception: Where live parts are not accessible during rou-
active shall be permitted in interactive systems. tine battery maintenance, a battery system voltage in accor-
dance with 690.7 shall be permitted.
690.61 Loss of Interactive System Power
An inverter or an ac module in an interactive solar photovol- (2) Guarding of Live Parts. Live parts of battery sys-
taic system shall automatically de-energize its output to the tems for dwellings shall be guarded to prevent accidental

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contact by persons or objects, regardless of voltage or battery electrical system for maintenance. This disconnecting
tery type. means shall not disconnect the grounded circuit conductor(s)
for the remainder of the photovoltaic electrical system. A
Informational Note: Batteries in solar photovoltaic systems
are subject to extensive charge–discharge cycles and typi- non–load-break-rated switch shall be permitted to be used as
cally require frequent maintenance, such as checking elec- the disconnecting means.
trolyte and cleaning connections.
(G) Battery Systems of More Than 48 Volts. On photo-
voltaic systems where the battery system consists of more
At any voltage, a primary safety concern in battery systems than twenty-four 2-volt cells connected in series (more than
is that a fault (e.g., a metal tool dropped onto a terminal) 48 volts, nominal), the battery system shall be permitted to
might cause a fire or an explosion. Guarded, as defined in operate with ungrounded conductors, provided the following
Article 100, describes the best method to reduce this hazard. conditions are met:
(1) The photovoltaic array source and output circuits shall
(C) Current Limiting. A listed, current-limiting, overcur- comply with 690.41.
rent device shall be installed in each circuit adjacent to the (2) The dc and ac load circuits shall be solidly grounded.
batteries where the available short-circuit current from a bat- (3) All main ungrounded battery input/output circuit con-
tery or battery bank exceeds the interrupting or withstand ductors shall be provided with switched disconnects
ratings of other equipment in that circuit. The installation of and overcurrent protection.
current-limiting fuses shall comply with 690.16. (4) A ground-fault detector and indicator shall be installed
to monitor for ground faults in the battery bank.
(D) Battery Nonconductive Cases and Conductive
Racks. Flooded, vented, lead-acid batteries with more than 690.72 Charge Control
twenty-four 2-volt cells connected in series (48 volts, nomi- (A) General. Equipment shall be provided to control the
nal) shall not use conductive cases or shall not be installed in charging process of the battery. Charge control shall not be
conductive cases. Conductive racks used to support the non- required where the design of the photovoltaic source circuit
conductive cases shall be permitted where no rack material is matched to the voltage rating and charge current require-
is located within 150 mm (6 in.) of the tops of the noncon- ments of the interconnected battery cells and the maximum
ductive cases. charging current multiplied by 1 hour is less than 3 percent
This requirement shall not apply to any type of valve- of the rated battery capacity expressed in ampere-hours or as
regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery or any other types of recommended by the battery manufacturer.
sealed batteries that may require steel cases for proper op- All adjusting means for control of the charging process
eration. shall be accessible only to qualified persons.
Informational Note: Certain battery types such as valve-
regulated lead acid or nickel cadmium can experience ther-
Grounded metal trays and cases or containers (as normally mal failure when overcharged.
required by 250.110) in flooded, lead-acid battery systems
operating over 48 volts, nominal, have been shown to be a (B) Diversion Charge Controller.
contributing factor in ground faults. Nonconductive racks,
(1) Sole Means of Regulating Charging. A photovoltaic
trays, and cases minimize this problem.
power system employing a diversion charge controller as the
sole means of regulating the charging of a battery shall be
equipped with a second independent means to prevent over-
(E) Disconnection of Series Battery Circuits. Battery cir-
charging of the battery.
cuits subject to field servicing, where more than twenty-four
2-volt cells are connected in series (48 volts, nominal), shall
(2) Circuits with Direct-Current Diversion Charge Con-
have provisions to disconnect the series-connected strings
troller and Diversion Load. Circuits containing a dc diver-
into segments of 24 cells or less for maintenance by quali-
sion charge controller and a dc diversion load shall comply
fied persons. Non–load-break bolted or plug-in disconnects
with the following:
shall be permitted.
(1) The current rating of the diversion load shall be less than
(F) Battery Maintenance Disconnecting Means. Battery or equal to the current rating of the diversion load charge
installations, where there are more than twenty-four 2-volt controller. The voltage rating of the diversion load shall
cells connected in series (48 volts, nominal), shall have a be greater than the maximum battery voltage. The power
disconnecting means, accessible only to qualified persons, rating of the diversion load shall be at least 150 percent of
that disconnects the grounded circuit conductor(s) in the bat- the power rating of the photovoltaic array.

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Article 692
● Fuel Cell Systems 690.85
Flexible, fine-stranded cables shall be terminated only

Diversion loads are typically rated by the current that they with terminals, lugs, devices, or connectors in accordance
will draw at some rated voltage. If the rated current of the with 110.14(A).
diversion load exceeds the current rating of the diversion
load controller, the controller may not function properly.
Battery plates and terminals are sometimes constructed of
relatively soft lead and lead alloys encased in plastics that
(2) The conductor ampacity and the rating of the overcur- are sealed with asphalt. Large-size, low-stranding stiff cop-
rent device for this circuit shall be at least 150 percent per conductors attached to these components may cause
of the maximum current rating of the diversion charge them to be distorted. The use of flexible cables (see Article
controller. 400) may reduce the possibility of such distortions. Listed
cables with the appropriate physical and chemical-resistant
If any portion of a diversion charge control system fails, the properties should be used. Welding and “battery” cables are
batteries may be overcharged and can create a potentially haz- not allowed or described in the Code for this use. Flexible
ardous condition. Requiring a second, independent charge “building wire”–type cables (Chapter 3) are also available
control method (usually a series regulator) and robust diver- and suitable for this use. Terminals intended for connection
sion controller circuits will minimize the potential problems. of stranded conductors using other than Class B and C
stranding are required to be listed and marked for this use.
Flexible, fine-stranded battery connection cables cannot be
(3) PV Systems Using Utility-Interactive Inverters. Pho- connected to terminals identified for use with conductors
tovoltaic power systems using utility-interactive inverters to using the larger strands of conductors using Class B and C
control battery state-of-charge by diverting excess power stranding. See the commentary on 690.31(F).
into the utility system shall comply with (1) and (2):
(1) These systems shall not be required to comply with
IX. Systems over 600 Volts
690.72(B)(2). The charge regulation circuits used shall
comply with the requirements of 690.8. 690.80 General
(2) These systems shall have a second, independent means Solar photovoltaic systems with a maximum system voltage
of controlling the battery charging process for use when over 600 volts dc shall comply with Article 490 and other
the utility is not present or when the primary charge requirements applicable to installations rated over 600 volts.
controller fails or is disabled.
690.85 Definitions
(C) Buck/Boost Direct-Current Converters. When buck/
For the purposes of Part IX of this article, the voltages used
boost charge controllers and other dc power converters that
to determine cable and equipment ratings are as follows.
increase or decrease the output current or output voltage with
respect to the input current or input voltage are installed, the Battery Circuits. In battery circuits, the highest voltage
requirements shall comply with 690.72(C)(1) and (C)(2). experienced under charging or equalizing conditions.
(1) The ampacity of the conductors in output circuits shall Photovoltaic Circuits. In dc photovoltaic source circuits and
be based on the maximum rated continuous output cur- photovoltaic output circuits, the maximum system voltage.
rent of the charge controller or converter for the selected
output voltage range.
(2) The voltage rating of the output circuits shall be based ARTICLE 692
on the maximum voltage output of the charge controller Fuel Cell Systems
or converter for the selected output voltage range.
Contents
690.74 Battery Interconnections
I. General
(A) Flexible Cables. Flexible cables, as identified in Article 692.1 Scope
400, in sizes 2/0 AWG and larger shall be permitted within 692.2 Definitions
the battery enclosure from battery terminals to a nearby 692.3 Other Articles
junction box where they shall be connected to an approved 692.4 Installation
wiring method. Flexible battery cables shall also be permit- (A) Fuel Cell System
ted between batteries and cells within the battery enclosure. (B) Identification
Such cables shall be listed for hard-service use and identi- (C) System Installation
fied as moisture resistant.

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National Electrical Code Handbook 2011 1099

II. Circuit Requirements 690.33 Connectors

1100 2011 National Electrical Code Handbook

Photovoltaic source circuits

I. General Dedicated branch circuit

National Electrical Code Handbook 2011 1101

Photovoltaic source circuits Inverter input circuit

Main supply equipment

Diversion Charge Controller. Equipment that regulates

Hybrid System. A system comprised of multiple power

1102 2011 National Electrical Code Handbook

National Electrical Code Handbook 2011 1103

EXHIBIT 690.3 Simplified cir-

movable cover(s), the ac and dc conductors of each system

1104 2011 National Electrical Code Handbook

EXHIBIT 690.4 Simplified cir-

Equipment grounding Main disconnects

Section 690.4(D) requires equipment used in PV systems to

National Electrical Code Handbook 2011 1105

EXHIBIT 690.5 Simplified cir-

Equipment grounding Current-limiting fuse

Surge arrester Overcurrent device may

(H) Multiple Inverters. A PV system shall be permitted to

1106 2011 National Electrical Code Handbook

EXHIBIT 690.6 Simplified cir-

Equipment grounding conductor

National Electrical Code Handbook 2011 1107

(C) Labels and Markings. A warning label shall appear

1108 2011 National Electrical Code Handbook

National Electrical Code Handbook 2011 1109

(2) Each circuit is connected to a separate subarray.

1110 2011 National Electrical Code Handbook

Exception: Circuits containing an assembly, together with

National Electrical Code Handbook 2011 1111

1112 2011 National Electrical Code Handbook

cured in accordance with 408.36(D). Circuit breakers that

(D) Energy Storage or Backup Power System Require-

National Electrical Code Handbook 2011 1113

part of an arc-fault detection/interruption system required

Informational Note: The grounded conductor may have a

690.14 Additional Provisions

These requirements generally prohibit long runs of PV

1114 2011 National Electrical Code Handbook

Where all terminals of the disconnecting means may be

National Electrical Code Handbook 2011 1115

WARNING Informational Note: Photovoltaic modules operate at ele-

Most PV modules are designed for a direct series connection

1116 2011 National Electrical Code Handbook

TABLE 690.31(C) Correction Factors

Temperature Rating of Conductor

30 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 86

(D) Small-Conductor Cables. Single-conductor cables

National Electrical Code Handbook 2011 1117

1118 2011 National Electrical Code Handbook

fault protection device or system that complies with (1)

National Electrical Code Handbook 2011 1119

ted to bond the exposed metallic frames of PV modules to

690.43 Equipment Grounding

1120 2011 National Electrical Code Handbook

National Electrical Code Handbook 2011 1121

(1) Open-circuit voltage

1122 2011 National Electrical Code Handbook