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PV and the 2020 NEC

Copyright Sean White 2019

By Sean White
Solar Professor
2014 IREC Trainer of the Year
IREC Certified Master Trainer
Electrician and Solar Contractor
NABCEP Certified PV Professional
seanwhitesolar@gmail.com
www.maximumpowerpointtraining.com
A Yellow Dwarf
Star is on the
Cover of the
2020 NEC

4.3 Billion years old


7 billion to go

©Sean White 3
www.maximumpowerpointtraining.com
©Sean White 2019 4
Original Article 690

©Sean White 2019 5


©Sean White 2019 6
Most solar installed in 2019 is based
on the 2014 NEC

©Sean White 7
©Sean White 2019 8
Informational Note: Figure 690.1(a) Identification of
PV Power Source Components

PV Source
Circuit Added No more
Panel!

©Sean White 2019 9


Informational Note: Figure 690.1(a) Identification of
PV System Components
in Common Configurations

Same 2020 & 2017 NEC


©Sean White 2019 10
Informational Note: Figure 690.1(a) Identification of
PV System Components
in Common Configurations

In 2020 NEC, only changed Ac and ac to AC


©Sean White 2019 11
Informational Note: Figure 690.1(a) Identification of
PV System Components
in Common Configurations

Changed
Stand-alone
system loads
to Dedicated
loads in 2020
©Sean White 2019 NEC 12
Informational Note: Figure 690.1(a) Identification of
PV System Components
in Common Configurations

Ch d- a m
St sys ds t ed

a n lo
an te o

ge ne
d
lo dica s
D e lo a
a t
d
©Sean White 2019 13
©Sean White 2019
Same 2020 & 2017 NEC

©Sean White 2019 15


2020 NEC 690.2 Definitions
Changes
• Bipolar Array changed to Bipolar Circuit.

©Sean White 2019 16


2020 NEC 690.2 Definitions
Changes

• Diversion Charge Controller removed from


690.2 Definitions

©Sean White 2019 17


2020 NEC 690.2 Definitions
Changes

• Electrical Production and Distribution


Network
– Removed from 690.2 Definitions

©Sean White 2019 18


2020 NEC 690.2 Definitions
• Electronic Power Converter. A device that
uses power electronics to convert one form of
electrical power into another form of
electrical power.
– Informational Note: Examples of electronic power
converters include, but are not limited to,
inverters, dc-to-dc converters, and electronic
charge controllers. These devices have limited
current capabilities based on the device ratings at
continuous rated power.

©Sean White 2019 19


2020 NEC 690.2 Definitions
Changes
• Functional Grounded PV System changed to
Grounded, Functionally

©Sean White 2019 20


2020 NEC 690.2 Definitions
Changes
• Removed (was in 2017 NEC) from 690.2

21
2020 NEC 690.2 Definitions
Changes
• Monopole Subarray changed to
– Monopole Circuit

22
2020 NEC 690.2 Definitions
Changes

• Multimode Inverter
– Removed from 690.2 Definitions
Solar Panel RIP
• Tired of correcting people about the solar
panel definition?
• Panel has been removed from 690.2
definitions.
• Now you can say solar panel without feeling
guilty!

©Sean White 2019 24


2020 Changes
• Photovoltaic changed to PV in many places,
but not everywhere.

©Sean White 2019 25


2020 NEC 690.2 Definitions
Changes

• Photovoltaic Power Source


– Removed from 690.2
– (very close to PV system DC Circuit)
2020 NEC 690.2 Definitions
Changes

• Removed from 2020 NEC


690.2 Definitions
first put in NEC in 2017
• DC-to-DC Converter. A device installed in the PV source
circuit or PV output circuit that can provide an output
dc voltage and current at a higher or lower value than
the input dc voltage and current. (new in 2014 NEC)

• DC-to-DC Converter Output Circuit.


• Circuit conductors between the dc-to-dc converter(s)
and the inverter or dc utilization equipment.

• DC-to-DC Converter Source Circuit.


• Circuits between dc-to-dc converters and from dc-to-dc
converters to the common connection point(s) of the
dc system.

©Sean White 2019 28


2020 NEC 690.2 Definitions
• Removed from 690.2 in 2020!
–Multimode Inverter
–Panel
–Inverter

©Sean White 2019 32


2020 NEC Article 100 Definitions
PV Relevant Definitions
Moved from 690
• DC-to-DC Converter. A device that can provide an
output dc voltage and current at a higher or lower
value than the input dc voltage and current. (moved
from 690)
• Generating Capacity, Inverter. The sum of parallel-
connected inverter maximum continuous output
power at 40°C in watts or kilowatts.
• Interactive System. An electric power production
system that is operating in parallel with and capable of
delivering energy to an electric primary source supply
system.
• Inverter. Equipment that changes dc to ac.
©Sean White 2019 34
2020 NEC Article 100 Definitions
PV Relevant Definitions
Moved from 690
• Inverter. Equipment that changes dc to ac.
• Inverter Input Circuit. Conductors connected
to the dc input of an inverter.
• Inverter Output Circuit. Conductors
connected to the ac output of an inverter.
• Inverter, Multimode. Equipment having the
capabilities of both the interactive inverter
and the stand-alone inverter.
©Sean White 2019 35
2020 NEC Article 100 Definitions
• Island Mode. The operational mode for stand-alone
power production equipment or an isolated microgrid,
or for a multimode inverter or an interconnected
microgrid that is disconnected from an electric power
production and distribution network or other primary
power source.
• Power Production Equipment. The generating source
and all associated distribution equipment to the source
disconnecting means that generates electricity from a
source other than a utility supplied service.
• Stand-Alone System. A system that is capable of
supplying power independent of an electric power
production and distribution network.
©Sean White 2019 36
690.4 General Requirements
• (A) Photovoltaic Systems (we can have them)
• (B) Equipment (lists PV and inverters and stuff)
• (C) Qualified Personnel (you)
• (D) Multiple PV Systems (directory if located
apart)
• (E) Locations Not Permitted (Bathrooms)
• (F) NEW in 2020 Electronic Power Converters
Mounted in Not Readily Accessible Locations
©Sean White 2019 37
690.4 General Requirements
• (F) NEW in 2020 Electronic Power Converters
Mounted in Not Readily Accessible Locations

©Sean White 2019 38


2014 NEC 690.5(C)
Eliminated in 2017

WARNING ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD


IF A GROUND FAULT IS INDICATED
NORMALLY GROUNDED CONDUCTORS MAY
BE UNGROUNDED AND ENERGIZED

©Sean White 2019 39


690.7 Maximum Voltage

• On one- and two-family dwellings 600 volts


• Other buildings 1000 volts
• Equipment in the dc portion of PV systems
not on or in buildings that is listed and
labeled and rated with a maximum voltage of
1500V or less need not comply with Article
490. (NEW IN 2017 and kept in 2020 NEC)

©Sean White 2019 40


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©Sean White 2019 42
Max Voltage NEC 690.7(A)(1)
Coefficient Calculation Method
(A) Photovoltaic Source and Output Circuits.
In a dc PV source circuit or output circuit, the
maximum voltage for that circuit shall be
calculated in accordance with one of the following
methods:
(1) The sum of the PV module rated open-circuit voltage of the series
connected modules corrected for the lowest expected ambient
temperature using the open-circuit voltage temperature coefficients
in accordance with the instructions included in the listing or labeling
of the module.
Same method as 2014 NEC
43
©Sean White 2019
Max Voltage NEC 690.7(A)(2)
Table 690.7(A) Method
(A) Photovoltaic Source and Output Circuits.
In a dc PV source circuit or output circuit, the
maximum voltage for that circuit shall be
calculated in accordance with one of the following
methods:
(2) For crystalline and multicrystalline silicon modules, the sum of the
PV module rated open-circuit voltage of the series connected
modules corrected for the lowest expected ambient temperature
using the correction factor provided in Table 690.7(A)

©Sean White 2019 44


2017 and 2020 NEC

©Sean White 2019 45


Max Voltage 690.7(A)(3)
100kW+ PE Method
(A) Photovoltaic Source and Output Circuits.
In a dc PV source circuit or output circuit, the maximum
voltage for that circuit shall be calculated in accordance
with one of the following methods:
(3) For PV systems with a generating capacity of 100 kW or greater,
an industry standard method shall be permitted to be used under in
a documented and stamped PV system design performed by a
licensed professional electrical engineer.
Informational Note: One industry standard method for calculating
maximum voltage of a PV system is published by Sandia National
Laboratories, reference SAND 2004-3535, Photovoltaic Array
Performance Model. ©Sean White 2019 46
©Sean White 2019 47
IRRADIANCE VS. TEMPERATURE

©Sean White 2019 49


2020 & 2017 690.7(B) Max Voltage for
dc to dc converter
source and output circuits
single dc-to-dc converter.
(B) Dc-to-Dc Converter Source and Output Circuits. In a dc-to-dc
converter source and output circuit, the maximum voltage shall
be calculated in accordance with 690.7(B)(1) or (2).

(1) For circuits connected to the output of a


single dc-to-dc converter. The maximum voltage
shall be the maximum rated voltage output of
the dc-to-dc converter.
©Sean White 2019 51
690.7(B) Voltage for dc to dc converter
source and output circuits
series-connected dc-to-dc converters
(B) Dc-to-Dc Converter Source and Output Circuits. In a dc-to-
dc converter source and output circuit, the maximum voltage
shall be calculated in accordance with 690.7(B)(1) or (2).
(2) For circuits connected to the output of two or more series-
connected dc-to-dc converters. The maximum voltage shall be
determined in accordance with the instructions included in
the listing or labeling of the dc-to-dc converter. If these
instructions do not state the rated voltage of series-connected
converters, the maximum voltage shall be the sum of the
maximum rated voltage output of the dc-to-dc converters in
series.

©Sean White 2019 53


Maximum
System Voltage
for Power
Optimizer from
Manufacturer

©Sean White 2019 54


©Sean White
55
www.maximumpowerpointtraining.com
Not required in 2017 and after NEC for label
©Sean White
56
www.maximumpowerpointtraining.com
Not required in 2017 and after NEC for label
©Sean White
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www.maximumpowerpointtraining.com
©Sean White
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www.maximumpowerpointtraining.com
AMERICAN ELECTRICIANS’ HANDBOOK
7th Edition 1953 McGraw-Hill
MEASURING, TESTING, AND INSTRUMENTS
154. Electricians often test circuits for the presence of
voltage by touching the conductors with the fingers. This
method is safe where the voltage does not exceed 250
and is often very convenient for locating a blown-out fuse
or for ascertaining whether or not a circuit is alive. Some
men can endure the electric shock that results without
discomfort whereas others cannot. Therefore, the
method is not feasible in some cases. Which are the
outside wires and which is the neutral wire of a 115/230-
volt, three-wire system can be determined in this way by
noting the intensity of the shock that results by touching
different pairs of wires with fingers. Use the method with
caution and be certain that the voltage of the circuit does
not exceed 250 before touching the conductors.
©Sean White 2019 59
155. The presence of low voltages can be determined by
tasting. The method is feasible only where the pressure is but a
few volts and hence is used only in bell and signal work. Where
the voltage is very low, the bared ends of the conductors
constituting the two sides of the circuit are held a short distance
apart on the tongue. If voltage is present a peculiar mildly
burning sensation result, which will never be forgotten after one
has experienced it. The taste is due to the electrolytic
decomposition of the liquids on the tongue which produces a
salt having a taste. With voltages of 4 or 5 volts, due to as many
cells of a battery, it is best to test for the presence of voltage by
holding one of the bared conductors in the hand and touching
the other to the tongue. Where a terminal of the battery is
grounded, often a taste can be detected by standing on moist
ground and touching a conductor from the other battery
terminal to the tongue. Care should be exercised to prevent the
two conductor ends from touching each other at the tongue, for
if they do a spark can result ©Sean
thatWhite
may 2019 burn. 60
2020 NEC 690.7(C)

©Sean White 2019 61


2017 NEC 690.7(C)
Bipolar Voltage
Bipolar Source and Output Circuits. For 2-wire dc
circuits connected to bipolar PV arrays, the
maximum voltage shall be the highest voltage
between the 2-wire circuit conductors where one
conductor of the 2-wire circuit is connected to the
functional ground reference (center tap). To
prevent overvoltage in the event of a ground-fault
or arc-fault, the array shall be isolated from the
ground reference and isolated into two 2-wire
circuits.
1500V bipolar system can be 3000V!!

©Sean White 2019 62


©Sean White 2019 63
2020 690.8 Circuit Sizing and Current

• 690.8(A) max currents calculated with


690.8(A)(1) or 690.8(A)(2)
• 690.8(A)(1) is PV System Circuits
• 690.8(A)(2) is Circuits Connected to the Input
of Electronic Power Converters

©Sean White 2019 64


2020 NEC 690.8(A)(1)
PV System Circuits
Calculated in accordance with (a) through (e)
• (a) PV Source Circuits
• (b) PV Output Circuits
• (c) DC-to-DC Converter Source Circuits
• (d) DC-to-DC Converter Output Circuits
• (e) Inverter Output Circuit Current

©Sean White 2019 65


2017 NEC 690.8 Circuit Sizing and Current

• 690.8(A)(1)(a)(1) Photovoltaic Source Circuit Currents. The


maximum current shall be calculated by either of the following
methods:

(a) The sum of parallel-connected


module rated short-circuit currents
multiplied by 125 percent.

(suggestion ignore the word parallel)


©Sean White 2019 66
PV Source Circuit or PV output Circuit?

690.8(A)(1)(a)(1)
The sum of parallel-connected PV module rated short
circuit-currents multiplied by 125 percent.

©Sean White 2019 67


NEC 690.8 Circuit Sizing and Current
• 690.8(A)(1)(a)(2) Photovoltaic Source Circuit Currents. The
maximum current shall be calculated by either of the following
methods:
(2) For PV systems with a generating capacity of 100 kW or greater,
an industry standard method shall be permitted in a documented
and stamped PV system design, performed by a licensed
professional electrical engineer. This calculated maximum current
value shall be based on the highest 3-hour current average
resulting from the simulated local irradiance on the PV array
accounting for elevation and orientation. The calculated maximum
current value used by this method shall not be less than 70 percent
of the value calculated using 690.8(A)(1)(a)(1).
• Informational Note: One industry standard method for calculating maximum current of a PV
system, is published by Sandia National Laboratories, reference SAND 2004-3535,
Photovoltaic Array Performance Model. This model is used by the System Advisor Model
simulation program provided by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
©Sean White 2019 68
PE = Professional Engineer

©Sean White 2019 69


70% of 690.8(A)(1)(a)(1)

Isc x 1.25 x 0.7 = Isc x 0.875

New 0.875 number!!

©Sean White 2019 70


©Sean White 2019 71
New in 2020 NEC!

Repeated for emphasis like “location, location, location”


©Sean White 2019 72
©Sean White 2019 73
2020 NEC 690.8 (A)(1)(b)
Circuit Sizing and Current

(b) Photovoltaic Output Circuit Currents. The maximum


current shall be the sum of parallel source circuit
maximum currents as calculated in 690.8(A)(1)(a)(1)

©Sean White 2019 74


2020 NEC 690.8 (A)(1)(c)
Circuit Sizing and Current

(c) DC-to-DC Converter Source Circuit Current. The


maximum current shall be the dc-to-dc converter
continuous output current rating.

©Sean White 2019 75


2020 NEC 690.8 (A)(1)(d)
Circuit Sizing and Current

(d) DC-to-DC Converter Output Circuit Current. The


maximum current shall be the sum of the parallel
connected dc-to-dc converter source circuits.

©Sean White 2019 76


2020 NEC 690.8 (A)(1)(e)
Circuit Sizing and Current

(e) Inverter Output Circuit Current. The inverter


continuous output current

©Sean White 2019 77


2017 NEC 690.8 (A)(1)(b)
Circuit Sizing and Current
Same as 2014 NEC
Stand Alone moved in 2020
(b) Photovoltaic Output Circuit Currents. The maximum
current shall be the sum of parallel source circuit
maximum currents as calculated in 690.8(A)(1)
(3) Inverter Output Circuit Current. The maximum current
shall be the inverter continuous output current rating.
(4) Stand-Alone Inverter Input Circuit Current. The
maximum current shall be the stand-alone continuous
inverter input current rating when the inverter is
producing rated power at the lowest input voltage.

©Sean White 2019 78


Stand Alone Inverter Input Current
(Battery or Charge Controller to Inverter)
• Inverter Power Input = Inverter Power Output/Efficiency
• 5kW/0.9 = 5.56kW input
• Inverter low input voltage = 11.9V
• 5560W/11.9V = 467A

©Sean White 2019 79


Solar Edge 15A per circuit

©Sean White
80
www.maximumpowerpointtraining.com
DC-to-DC Converter Source Circuit Current

©Sean White 2019 81


2020 NEC
• 690.8(A)(2) Circuits Connected to the Input of
Electronic Power Converters
– Where a circuit is protected with an overcurrent
device not exceeding the conductor ampacity, the
maximum current shall be permitted to be the
rated input current of the electronic power
converter input to which it is connected.

©Sean White 2019 82


2020 NEC 690.8(B) Circuit Sizing and Current
690.8(B) Conductor Ampacity. PV system currents shall be considered
to be continuous. Circuit conductors shall be sized to carry not
less than the larger of 690.8(B)(1) or (2) or where protected by a
listed adjustable electronic overcurrent protective device as per
690.9(B)(3), not less than the current in 690.8(B)(3). (Crossed out
removed in 2020 NEC).

(1) One hundred and twenty-five percent


of the maximum currents calculated in
690.8(A) before the application of
adjustment and correction factors.
Exception: Circuits containing an assembly, together with its overcurrent device(s), that is listed
for continuous operation at 100 percent of its rating shall be permitted to be used at 100 percent
of its rating.
©Sean White 2019 83
2017 NEC 690.8(B)(2) Circuit Sizing and Current
Same as 2014 NEC

(2) The maximum currents calculated


690.8(B)
in 690.8(A) after the application of
adjustment and correction factors.

©Sean White 2019 84


Multiple pathways, not stacked

Max Circuit Current

rooftop
Direct buried ground
mount or rooftop

©Sean White 2019 85


Common PV wire sizing mistakes
• We do not have to apply conditions of use to
156% of Isc
• We do not have to apply terminal
temperature limits to conditions of use
• We do not have to apply 156% to anything
that is not a PV direct connected circuit
– Not to ac, power optimizers, batteries, etc.

©Sean White 2019 86


• 310.15(C)(1) applies if over 24”

©Sean White 2019 87


310.15(A)(2) Selection of Ampacity
• When different ampacity for different parts of
a conductor, you use the lowest ampacity
unless the section of low ampacity is less than
10 feet or 10%, whichever is less.

©Sean White 2019 88


690.8(C) Systems With Multiple
Direct-Current Voltages

©Sean White 2019 89


690.8(D)

©Sean White 2019 90


©Sean White 2019 91
2020 NEC 690.9(A)(1)

©Sean White 2019 93


2020 NEC 690.9(A)(2)

This is why the fuses are at the combiner and not the module.
©Sean White 2019 94
2020 NEC 690.9(A)(3)(4)

©Sean White 2019 96


2020 NEC 690.9(B)
in addition to 2017 NEC info
• Electronic devices that are listed to prevent
backfeed current in PV system dc circuits shall
be permitted to prevent overcurrent of
conductors on the PV array side of the device.
– Informational Note: Some electronic devices
prevent backfeed current, which in some cases is
the only source of overcurrent in PV system dc
circuits.

©Sean White 2019 97


2020 NEC 690.9(B)
They removed labeled from listed and labeled

98
©Sean White 2019
690.9(C)

©Sean White 2019 99


Combiner fuses,
not always required
Typically 2 strings or less
• If short circuits of all available sources do not
exceed the ampacity of the conductor or the
max series fuse rating, then you do not need a
fuse
– Available currents are from the number of strings
minus 1, since the shorted string will not back-
feed itself.

©Sean White 2019 107


©Sean White 2019 109
OCPD Ratings
• OCPDs should be 125% of maximum currents
• That is Isc x 1.56 for PV connected circuits
• Round up to next fuse size

©Sean White 2019 110


2020 NEC
690.9(D) Power Transformers
• Overcurrent protection for a transformer with a
source(s) on each side shall be provided in
accordance with 450.3 by considering first one
side of the transformer, then the other side of the
transformer, as the primary.
• Exception: A power transformer with a current
rating on the side connected toward the
interactive inverter output, not less than the
rated continuous output current of the inverter,
shall be permitted without overcurrent protection
from the inverter.

©Sean White 2019 111


2017 NEC 690.10

• 690.10 Stand-Alone Systems. The


wiring system connected to a stand-
alone system shall be installed in
accordance with Article 710.15

©Sean White 2019 112


If you burn your lip
off, you will quit
smoking & it will save
your life.

©Sean White 2019 113


©Sean White 2019 114
2017 690.11 DC arc-fault protection

• 80V between any 2 conductors

• Exception: Ground mount in metal raceway,


mc cable, enclosed metal cable trays or
underground then not required on PV and dc-
to-dc converter output circuits

• Red = 2020 NEC


©Sean White 2019 116
©Sean White 2019 119
DC AFCI and 2017 NEC 691
• Article 691
– Large-Scale PV Electric Power Production Facility
• Must have generating capacity (ac at 40C) of at least
5000kW (5MW)
– 691.10 Arc-Fault Mitigation
• PV systems that do not comply with 690.11 shall include
details of fire mitigation plans to address dc arc-faults in
the documentation required in 691.6
– 691.6 Engineered Design
• Provided on request of AHJ.
• Shall be stamped by licensed professional electrical
engineer ©Sean White 2019 121
691.10 Arc-Fault Mitigation
• Fire Mitigation Plans
– Include specific details for fire fighting within the PV
plant.
– Include access in and around the PV plant for fire
department equipment.
– May provide on-site suppression capabilities including
extinguishers at each inverter pad and tanker trucks
with fire hoses for early response.
– May include personnel on site during operating hours
that can see fires as they get started.
– “Hot Work” practices followed for cutting and welding
within the facility. ©Sean White 2019 122
Rapid Shutdown Showdown

690.12
©Sean White 2019 123
Image: solarprofessional.com

©Sean White 2019 124


690.56(C) Facilities with Rapid
2014 NEC Shutdown
• Buildings with PV and utility and complying
with 690.12 Rapid Shutdown
(2014 NEC) have to have a sign that says:

• Rapid shutdown Sign should have reflective


lettering, white on red background with
letters at least 3/8 inches

©Sean White 2019 125


2014 NEC
Rapid shutdown requirements
• Applies to ac and dc
• 5 feet of conductor from array inside building
• 10 feet from array outside of building
• No more than 30V and 240VA
• Within 10 seconds TIA 30 sec 8/16
• Equipment listed and identified

©Sean White 2019 126


2014 NEC
What 690.12 was looking for
• Electronics under modules
– Microinverters
– Power optimizers
• String inverters on the roof
• Remote contactor disconnects
• Other ideas?

©Sean White 2019 127


©Sean White 2019 128
©Sean White 2019 129
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©Sean White 2019 131
2017 NEC 690.12
• 690.12 Rapid Shutdown of PV Systems on
Buildings. PV system circuits installed on or in
buildings shall include a rapid shutdown function
to reduce shock hazard for emergency
responders in accordance with 690.12(A)
through (D).

• Exception: Ground mounted PV system circuits


that enter buildings, of which the sole purpose is
to house PV system equipment, are not required
to comply with 690.12.

©Sean White 2019 132


2017 NEC 690.12
(A) Controlled Conductors. Requirements for
controlled conductors shall apply to PV circuits
supplied by the PV system.

Batteries are now Energy Storage Systems and in


article 706

©Sean White 2019 133


2017 NEC 690.12
1 foot from array now

• 690.12(B) Controlled Limits. The use of the


term, array boundary, in this section is defined
as 305 mm (1 ft) from the array in all
directions.

©Sean White 2019 134


2017 NEC 690.12
1 foot from array now

• 690.12(B)
• Controlled conductors outside the array
boundary shall comply with 690.12 (B) (1)
• Inside the array boundary shall comply with
690.12 (B) (2).

©Sean White 2019 135


2017 NEC 690.12
30V and 30 seconds
Outside array boundary
• 690.12(B)(1) Outside the array boundary.
Controlled conductors located outside the
boundary or more than 1 m (3 ft) from the point
of entry inside a building shall be limited to not
more than 30 volts within 30 seconds of rapid
shutdown initiation.

• Voltage shall be measured between any two


conductors and between any conductor and
ground. ©Sean White 2019 136
2017 & 2020 NEC 690.12
80V and 30 seconds
Inside Array Boundary
• 690.12(B)(2) Inside the array boundary. The
PV system shall comply with (a), (b), or (c):
a) A Listed/labeled Rapid Shutdown Array or 2020
Hazard Control System
b) B 80V within 30 seconds (module level)
c) C Non-exposed (BIPV people put this here)

2020 NEC changed a), b) & c) to (1), (2) & (3)


©Sean White 2019 137
2020 vs. 2017 RSD (not a lot of change)
• 2020 690.12(B)(2)(1) refers to a listed hazard
control system.

©Sean White 2019 138


2020 NEC
690.12(B)(2)(1)Hazard Control System
Inside the Array Boundary

©Sean White 2019 139


Listed and Labeled vs.
Listed and Identified
• Listed and labeled rapid shutdown like 2017
NEC, means specific for use as rapid shutdown
• Listed and Identified like 2014 NEC means it
can be any contactor that works for those
conditions, but not made just for rapid
shutdown.
• 2020 NEC just says Listed

©Sean White 2019 141


2020 NEC 690.12
Inside array (3) way
690.12(B)(2)(3)
• (c) PV arrays with no exposed wiring methods, no
exposed conductive parts, and installed more than 2.5m
(8 ft) from exposed grounded conductive parts or
ground.

©Sean White 2019 146


NEC Art. 100

©Sean White 2019 147


2020 NEC 690.12(C)

2 0 ty p
20 o
NE
C
©Sean White 2019 148
2017 NEC 690.12
690.12(C)
• 690.12(C) Initiation Device.

• For one-family and two-family


dwellings, an initiation device(s) shall
be located at a readily accessible
location outside the building.

©Sean White 2019 150


2017 NEC 690.12(C)(3)

Where multiple PV systems are


installed with rapid shutdown
functions on a single service, the
initiation device(s) shall consist of not
more than six switches

©Sean White 2019 154


2017 NEC 690.12(C)(3)

These initiation device(s) shall initiate the


rapid shutdown of all PV systems with rapid
shutdown functions on that service. Where
auxiliary initiation devices are installed, these
auxiliary devices shall control all PV systems
with rapid shutdown functions on that service.

©Sean White 2019 155


2017 NEC 690.12(D)
(D) Equipment.

Equipment that performs the rapid shutdown


functions, other than initiation devices such
as listed disconnect switches, circuit breakers,
or control switches, shall be listed and
labeled for providing rapid shutdown
protection.
©Sean White 2019 156
2017 NEC 690.12(D)
(D) Equipment.

Informational Note: Inverter input circuit


conductors can remain energized for up to 5
minutes with inverters not listed for rapid
shutdown

©Sean White 2019 157


2020 (and 2017) NEC Figure
690.56(C)
Rapid Shutdown that shuts down array

©Sean White 2019 159


2017 NEC Only 690.56(C)(1)(b)
Removed in 2020 NEC (what about 690.12(B)(2)(3)?

©Sean White 2019 161


690.56(C)(1)

©Sean White 2019 162


690.13 PV System
Disconnecting Means
• Means shall be provided to disconnect PV systems
from all wiring systems.
– (A) Location: Shall be installed in readily accessible
location. If accessible to unqualified person shall be locked
or require a tool to open.
Readily accessible = “capable of being reached quickly for
operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to
whom ready access is requisite to actions such as to use tools
(other than keys), to climb over or under or remove
obstacles, or to resort to portable ladders and so forth.”

Red=2020 NEC

©Sean White 2019 166


690.13 PV System
Disconnecting Means
• Means shall be provided to disconnect PV
systems from all wiring systems.
– (B) Marking:
• Shall indicate on or off
• Say PV SYSTEM DISCONNECT
• If relevant: ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD. TERMINALS ON
THE LINE AND LOAD SIDE MAY BE ENERGIZED IN THE
OPEN POSITION

©Sean White 2019 167


2017 690.13(D) Maximum
number of disconnects
• 6 disconnects max
• Building already has 6 max service disconnects
• 6 + 6 = 12
• Maybe unfair for PV on large multi-unit
buildings

• 2020 NEC changed to 690.13(C)

©Sean White 2019 169


2020 NEC 690.13(D)
• 2020 NEC 690.13(D) Ratings.
– The PV system disconnecting means shall have
ratings sufficient for the maximum circuit
current, available fault current and voltage that is
available.
– This was 690.13(E) in 2017 NEC.

©Sean White 2019 170


2020 NEC 690.13(E)
• Type of disconnect
• (1) A manually operable switch or circuit breaker
• (2) A connector meeting the requirements of
690.33(D)(1) or (D)(3)
• (3) A pull-out switch with the required interrupting
rating
• (4) A remote-controlled switch or circuit breaker that is
operable locally and opens automatically when control
power is interrupted
• (5) A device listed or approved for the intended
application

©Sean White 2019 171


2020 NEC 690.15 changed to
Disconnecting Means for Isolating PV Equipment
from 2017 NEC 690.15 Disconnection of Photovoltaic
Equipment.

©Sean White 2019 172


2017 NEC 690.15
690.15 Disconnection of Photovoltaic Equipment.

Where the maximum circuit current is


greater than 30 amperes for the output
circuit of a dc combiner or the input circuit
of a charge controller or inverter, an
equipment disconnecting means shall be
provided for isolation.
2020 NEC adds Where disconnecting means of equipment operating
above 30 volts are readily accessible to unqualified persons, any
enclosure door or hinged cover that exposes live parts when open
shall be locked or require a tool©Sean
to White
open.
2019 174
Rest of World Style

©Sean White 2019 177


2017 NEC 690.15(B)

• An isolating device shall be rated to open the


maximum circuit current under load or be
marked

• “Do Not Disconnect Under Load” or


• “Not for Current Interrupting”

©Sean White 2019 182


2017 NEC 690.15(C) = 2020 NEC 690.15(B)
Order of things in this section changed in 2020
• Isolating Device. An isolating device shall not be
required to simultaneously disconnect all current
carrying conductors of a circuit. The isolating
device shall be one of the following:
1) A mating connector meeting the requirements of
690.33 and listed and identified for use with specific
equipment
2) A finger safe fuse holder
3) An isolating switch that requires a tool to place in off
position open
4) An isolating device listed
©Sean Whitefor
2019 the intended application
183
2020 NEC 690.15(C)
• Equipment Disconnecting Means. An
equipment disconnecting means shall
simultaneously disconnect all current carrying
conductors that are not solidly grounded of
the circuit to which it is connected.
• If not within line of sight or 10 feet, shall be
capable of being locked.

©Sean White 2019 184


690.15(C) informational note

©Sean White 2019 185


2017 NEC 690.31
(wiring) Methods Permitted
690.31(A) Wiring Systems
Where PV source and output circuits operating at
voltages greater than 30 volts are installed in
readily accessible locations, circuit conductors shall
be guarded or installed in Type MC cable or in
raceway.

Table 690.31(A) (moved from 690.31(E) which was


for flexible chords and cables.
2020 NEC-Table is now 690.31(A)(a) and is for 105
and 125C rated wire.
Metal raceway requirement is still in 690.31(G)
©Sean White 2019 187
2020 NEC Table 690.31(A)(a)
extension of 310.15(B)(2)(a)

©Sean White 2019 188


2020 NEC Table 690.31(A)(b)
extension of 310.15(B)(16)

189
©Sean White 2019
2017 & 2020 NEC 690.31
(wiring) Methods Permitted
690.31(B)(1) Identification.
PV system circuit conductors shall be identified at
all accessible points of termination, connection, and
splices. The means of identification shall be
permitted by separate color coding, marking tape,
tagging, or other approved means. Only solidly
grounded PV system circuit conductors, in
accordance with 690.41(A)(5), shall be marked in
accordance with Section 200.6
This means no white grounded conductor for GFDI
grounded inverters.
©Sean White 2019 190
2017 NEC 690.31
(wiring) Methods Permitted
• 690.31(C)(1) Single-Conductor Cable.
• General. Single-conductor cable Type USE-2, and
single-conductor cable listed and identified as
PV wire shall be permitted in exposed outdoor
locations in PV source circuits for PV module
interconnections within the PV array. PV wire
shall be installed in accordance with
338.10(B)(4)(b) and 334.30.
• 2020 NEC adds RHW-2 wire
• Secured every 24 inches
• PV wire can be used wherever RHW-2 can be
used
• No longer required to use PV wire for
ungrounded inverters. ©Sean USE-2
White 2019 is ok for 2017 191
RHW-2
• You can find the properties of RHW-2 in:
– Table 310.104(A) Conductor Applications and
Insulations Rated 600 Volts

• USE-2 by itself cannot be run indoors, but if


dual listed as RHW-2 it can go indoors as long
as it is in conduit.

©Sean White 2019 192


2017 NEC 690.31
(wiring) Methods Permitted
• 690.31(C)(2) Cable Trays. PV source circuits
and PV output circuits using single-conductor
cable listed and labeled as PV wire of all sizes
with or without a Cable Tray marking/rating
shall be permitted in cable trays installed in
outdoor locations provided the cables are
supported at intervals not to exceed 30cm (12
in.) and secured at intervals not to exceed
1.4m (4.5’). DG cable may be used (2020)

©Sean White 2019 193


©Sean White 2019 194
©Sean White 2019 195
Cable Trays
NEC Article 392

©Sean White 2019 196


2017 690.31(G)(3) Marking and Labeling for dc source and output circuits

Changes: 690.31(D)(2) in 2020 NEC


no reflective requirement and changed wording.
• PV power source conductors must be marked with
the wording:
• Can say in 2020:
– PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE or
– SOLAR PV DC CIRCUIT

• Instead of 2017:
– WARNING PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE (2017)

• At exposed raceways, covers, enclosures, etc.


• Labels at least every 10 feet.
• 3/8” white on red (new requirement)
©Sean White 2019
199
©Sean White 2019 200
2017 NEC 690.33
Connectors
2020 NEC Changed to Mating Connectors
(A) Configuration. The connectors shall be polarized and shall have a
configuration that is noninterchangeable with receptacles in other
electrical systems on the premises.
(B) Guarding. The connectors shall be constructed and installed so as
to guard against inadvertent contact with live parts by persons.
(C) Type. The connectors shall be of the latching or locking type.
Connectors that are readily accessible and that are used in circuits
operating at over 30 volts dc or 15 volts ac shall require a tool for
opening.
(D) Grounding Member. The grounding member shall be the first to
make and the last to break contact with the mating connector.
(E) Interruption of Circuit. Connectors shall be either (1) or (2):
(1) Be rated for interrupting current without hazard to the operator.
(2) Be a type that requires the use of a tool to open and marked “Do
Not Disconnect Under Load” or “Not for Current Interrupting.”

©Sean White 2019 202


Finger Safe Fuse Holder is a non-load
break disconnect/isolating device

©Sean White 2019 204


2014 NEC 690.35(F) Marking of
Ungrounded PV Power Source
Eliminated in 2017 NEC
• The following label must be at all boxes and
devices where conductors may be exposed
during service:

©Sean White 2019 206


Pre 2017 NEC Terms used for inverters
formerly known as ungrounded
inverters:

• Transformerless
• TL is often used by inverter manufacturers
• Ungrounded (NEC 2014 term)
• Non-Isolated- Correct term

©Sean White 2019 207


2020 & 2017 NEC 690.41
System Grounding
(A) PV System Grounding Configurations.
One or more of the following system grounding configurations shall
be employed:

(1) 2-wire PV arrays with one functional grounded conductor.


(2) Bipolar PV arrays according to 690.7(C) with a functional ground
reference (center tap) .
(3) PV arrays not isolated from the grounded inverter output
circuit.
(4) Ungrounded PV arrays.
(5) Solidly grounded PV arrays as permitted in 690.41(B) Exception.
(6) PV systems that use other methods that accomplish equivalent
system protection in accordance with 250.4 (A) with equipment
listed and identified for the use.
©Sean White 2019 208
Fuse Grounded

©Sean White 2019 209


Non-Isolated Inverter Showing Ground Fault Pathway

©Sean White 2019 210


©Sean White 2019 211
BIPOLAR Inverter

©Sean White 2019 212


Solidly Grounded

©Sean White 2019 213


690.41(B) Ground Fault Protection
• 2017 NEC GFP required.
– Except arrays without no more than two source
circuits not on buildings
• 2020 NEC GFP required for circuits over 30V or
8A. (2017 exception still applies).

©Sean White 2019 214


690.43 Equipment Grounding

©Sean White 2019 215


2020 NEC 490.43(D)
Bonding over 250V
• 250.97 shall only apply to solidly grounded PV
systems over 250V
– 250.97 Bonding over 250V
• Continuity of raceways and cables with metal sheaths
shall comply with 250.92(B) except (B)(1)
– 250.92(B) Methods of Bonding at the Service
• Bonding jumpers around impaired connections
– Reducing washers or oversized concentric or eccentric
knockouts.

©Sean White 2019 216


2017 NEC 690.45
Size of Equipment Grounding Conductor
690.45 Size of Equipment Grounding Conductors.
Equipment grounding conductors for PV source and PV
output circuits shall be sized in accordance with
250.122. Where no overcurrent protective device is
used in the circuit, an assumed overcurrent device
rated in accordance with 690.9(B) shall be used when
applying Table 250.122.

In 2014 NEC when OCPD not required we based EGC


size on Isc x 1.25 for source circuits, now in the 2017 &
2020 NEC we will base it on Isc x 1.56 and round up for
“assumed OCPD size”
©Sean White 2019 217
Table 250.122 Equipment Grounding
Conductor Sizing

Overcurrent Copper EGC


Device Size Minimum Size
15A 14
20A 12
60A 10
100A 8
©Sean White 2019 218
2017 NEC 690.46 (removed in 2020 NEC)
Array Equipment Grounding Conductors
• 690.46 Array Equipment Grounding Conductors.
For PV modules, equipment grounding conductors
smaller than 6 AWG shall comply with 250.120(C).

• 250.120(C)
• Where not routed with circuit conductors, shall be
protected from physical damage in raceway or
cable armor unless in hollow spaces of building or
structure.
– I would say an array is a structure
©Sean White 2019 219
©Sean White 2019 221
2017 NEC 690.47
Grounding Electrode System
• 690.47(A) Informational Note: Most PV systems
installed in the past decade are actually
functional grounded systems rather than solidly
grounded systems as defined in this Code. For
functional grounded PV systems with an
interactive inverter output, the ac equipment
grounding conductor is connected to associated
grounded ac distribution equipment. This
connection may be adequate as the connection to
ground for ground-fault protection and
equipment grounding of the PV array.
©Sean White 2019 222
690.47(B)

©Sean White 2019 223


Step Potential

©Sean White 2019 225


2014 NEC 690.53 DC disconnect Label
• Max power-point current
– Imp x number of source circuits Blue text dumped in
2017 NEC
• Max power-point voltage
– Vmp x number of modules in series per source circuit
• Max system voltage
– Calculated cold temperature corrected voltage
– Many installations have this wrong. It is not correct to
put the inverter maximum input voltage here.
• Max circuit current 2020 NEC got rid of this
– Isc x 1.25 x number of source circuits
– Common mistake here is to use 1.56
©Sean White 2019 226
2017 NEC 690.53
DC PV Power Source
• 690.53 Direct-Current Photovoltaic Power Source. A permanent
label for the dc PV power source indicating items (1) through (3)
shall be provided by the installer at dc PV system disconnecting
means and at each dc equipment disconnecting means required
by 690.15. Where a disconnecting means has more than one dc
PV power source, the values in 690.53(1) through (3) shall be
specified for each source.
– (1) Maximum voltage.
– Informational Note to (1): See 690.7 for maximum voltage.
– (2) Maximum-circuit current.
– Informational Note to (2): See 690.8(A) for calculation of maximum
circuit current.
– (3) Maximum rated output current of the charge controller or dc-to-dc
converter (if installed).

• Imp and Vmp no longer required.


©Sean White 2019 227
2020 NEC 690.53
DC PV Circuits
• Max Voltage according to 690.7 is all that is
required.
• Required at one of the following places
1. Dc PV system disconnecting means
2. PV system electronic power conversion equipment
3. Distribution equipment associated with the PV
system
• Max Circuit current, Imp and Vmp no longer
required.
©Sean White 2019 228
2020

©Sean White 2019 229


2017 NEC 690.55
ESS connections

• 690.55 Photovoltaic Systems Connected to Energy


Storage Systems. The PV system output circuit
conductors shall be marked to indicate the
polarity where connected to energy storage
systems

©Sean White 2019 230


690.72 Self-Regulated Charge Control
• Only Battery part still left in 690 is……

• PV source circuit current and voltage matched


to batteries
• Max charge for an hour cannot exceed 3% of
battery capacity

©Sean White 2019 238


NEC Article 691
Large-Scale PV Electric Supply Stations

• 5MW and above system size


• Purpose to supply utility
• Informational note references NESC

©Sean White 2019 239


©Sean White 2019 240
NEC 691.6
Engineered Design

• Upon request must supply engineered design


and drawings indicating when and when not
complying with 690.

©Sean White 2019 241


NEC 691.7
Conformance of Construction to
Engineered Design
• Developer must document that construction
complies with engineered design
• Must supply engineering verification
construction complied with design and
engineering upon request

©Sean White 2019 242


NEC 691
Areas Where 691 will likely
differ from 690
• 691.8 Dc voltage calculations
• 691.9 PV equipment disconnects
• 691.10 Arc fault protection
• 691.11 Grounding of fences

©Sean White 2019 243


Interconnected Electric Power
Production Sources

705 ©Sean White 2019 244


2017 NEC 705.2
Definitions
• Microgrid Interconnect Device (MID). A device
that allows a microgrid system to separate from
and reconnect to a primary power source.
• Microgrid System. A premises wiring system that
has generation, energy storage, and load(s), or
any combination thereof, that includes the ability
to disconnect from and parallel with the primary
source.
• Informational Note: The application of Article 705
to microgrid systems is limited by the exclusions
in 90.2(B)(5) related to electric utilities.
©Sean White 2019 245
Supply Side Connections
2017 NEC 705.12(A)
2020 NEC 705.11
• 2017: The sum of the OCPDs shall not exceed
the rating of the service
• 2020 705.11(A) Output Rating: The sum of the
power source continuous current output on a
service shall not exceed the ampacity of the
service conductors.
– (other than those controlled by 705.13)

©Sean White 2019 247


Supply Side Connections
2020 NEC 705.11
• (B) Conductors
– The power source output circuit conductors
from the service conductors to the first
overcurrent protection device shall be sized
in accordance with 705.28 (next page) and in
no case sized smaller than 6 AWG
copper or 4 AWG Aluminum. These
conductors shall be installed in accordance
with 230.30 or 230.43. (Article 230 is
services)
©Sean White 2019 248
2020 NEC 705.28
Circuit Sizing and Current
(common sense, nothing new)
(A) Calculation of Maximum Circuit Current.
Max current for the circuit shall be the continuous output
current rating of the power production equipment.
(B) Conductor Ampacity.
Sized to carry not less than the largest of the following:
•The maximum currents in 705.28(A) multiplied by 125
percent without adjustment or correction factors
•The maximum currents in 705.28(A) with adjustment
and correction factors
•Where connected to feeders, if smaller than the feeder
conductors, the ampacity as calculated in 240.21(B)
based on the over-current device protecting the feeder

©Sean White 2019 249


2020 NEC 705.28
Circuit Sizing and Current
(C) Neutral Conductors. The ampacity of the neutral
conductors shall be permitted to be sized in accordance
with either 705.28(C)(1) or (C)(2).
(1) Neutral Conductor for Single Phase, 2-Wire
Power Source Output.
Ampacity of a neutral conductor to which a single-phase
line-to-neutral power source is connected shall not be
smaller than the ampacity in 705.28(B).
(2) Neutral Conductor for Instrumentation,
Voltage, Detection or Phase Detection.
A power production equipment neutral conductor used
solely for instrumentation, voltage detection, or phase
detection shall be permitted to be sized in accordance
with 250.102.
Note: Enphase got rid of neutral

©Sean White 2019 250


Supply Side Connections
2020 NEC 705.11(C)
Overcurrent protection
– Outside the building connections:
• OCPD in readily accessible location
– Inside the building
• OCPD located distance from point of connection dwellings
– 10 feet
• OCPD located distance other than dwellings
– 16.5 feet
– 71 feet if cable limiters located within 16.5 feet of connection

©Sean White 2019 252


Supply Side Connections
2020 NEC 705.11(D)
Bonding and Grounding
– In accordance with 250.92(B)
– Supply side bonding jumper sized by 250.102
– If power production equipment requires a grounded
conductor
• No connection shall be made between the supply side
bonding jumper and the grounded conductor at the
disconnecting means.

©Sean White 2019 253


2020 NEC 705.12
Load Side Source Connections
• (A) Dedicated Overcurrent and Disconnect
• (B) Bus or Conductor Amp Rating
– (1) Feeders
– (2) Taps
– (3) Busbars
• (C) Marking
• (D) Suitable for Backfeed
• (E) Fastening
©Sean White 2019 254
Feeder easy typical definition:

• The conductors that feed the subpanel or


branch circuit OCPD.
• Example: Feeder going from the main service
panel to a subpanel.

©Sean White 2019 261


705.12(B)(1) Feeders
• If we are connecting 2 power sources to a
feeder, there will be a place on the feeder
subject to the currents of both sources added
together. We must make sure that we protect
the feeder. There are 2 ways that we can
protect the feeder.

©Sean White 2019 263


705.12(D)(2)(1)
2 sources on 1 feeder

©Sean White 2019 264


705.12(B)(1)
265
©Sean White 2019 705.12(B)(1)(a)
©Sean White 2019 266
705.12(B)(1)(b)
OCPD Solution

• Install an OCPD on the feeder that will protect


it
• OCPD safer at the source of overcurrents
• Placement at subpanel is less expensive

©Sean White 2019 267


268
©Sean White 2019 705.12(B)(1)(b)
269
©Sean White 2019
705.12(B)(2)Taps
• Taps are connections to feeders that are not
completely protected by OCPD
• Many experts wonder why taps are allowed at
all. Answer: short circuits, not overcurrents

Danger: Feeder taps can have ampacity that is


a lot less than the OCPD at the source of the
feeder from which they are tapped.
©Sean White 2019 270
Taps

©Sean White 2019 272


Taps

©Sean White 2019 273


705.12(B)(3) Busbars
2020 NEC just changed numbering
• 705.12(B)(3)(1) Not exceeding the busbar
ampacity
• 705.12(B)(3)(2) The 120% Rule (exceeding the
busbar ampacity)
• 705.12(B)(3)(3) Solar + Load Breaker Method
• 705.12(B)(3)(4) Center fed 120% rule
• 705.12(B)(3)(5) Engineering supervision
• 705.12(B)(3)(6) Lugs connected to feed-
through conductors
©Sean White 2019 274
705.12(B)(3)(1) Not exceeding the
busbar ampacity
• Put solar anywhere on busbar as long as

Busbar ≥ Main breaker + (solar x 1.25)

• If you do not exceed the busbar, then you can


put solar anywhere on the busbar
• 100% rule

©Sean White 2019 275


100% Rule

©Sean White 2019 276


100% rule

©Sean White 2019 277


705.12(B)(3)(2) The 120% Rule
(exceeding the busbar ampacity)

(Busbar x 1.2) ≥ Main + (Solar x 1.25)

• Change in 2014 NEC is using the inverter


current x 1.25 rather than using the inverter
breaker size in calculations.

©Sean White 2019 278


120 % Rule

©Sean White 2019 279


120% rule

©Sean White 2019 280


120% rule fast on calculator

Bus x 1.2 =
- Main =
X .8 =

Then you have inverter current


Multiply by ac voltage to get power

©Sean White 2019 282


The Sum Rule
New in the 2014 NEC
705.12(B)(3)(3)
Solar + Load method
• Add up all of the breakers in the panelboard,
excluding the main supply breaker
• If the breakers are less than the busbar, then you
are good
• Need label
• Use solar breaker size in calculations, not inverter
x 1.25

©Sean White 2019 284


Sum Rule: Solar + Load ≤ Main

©Sean White 2019


285
705.12(B)(3)(3)

©Sean White 2019 286


NEC 705.12(B)(3)(4)
Center Fed Busbars 120% Rule
• (d) A connection at either end, but not both
ends, of a center-fed panelboard in dwellings
shall be permitted where the sum of 125
percent of the power source(s) output circuit
current and the rating of the overcurrent
device protecting the busbar does not exceed
120 percent of the current rating of the
busbar.
©Sean White 2019 287
NEC 705.12(B)(3)(5)
multiple-ampacity busbars

©Sean White 2019 288


©Sean White 2019 289
2020 NEC
705.13 Power Control Systems
• PCS can control the output of power
production sources, ESS or other equipment.
• PCS can limit current on conductors
• Any load side connection that is not
monitored by PCS shall comply with 705.12
• Can provide overcurrent protection by PCS or
OCPD
• Access to PCS settings only by qualified
personnel
©Sean White 2019 290
Adjustable Trip Circuit Breakers
705.13(E) Access to Settings (PCS)
Access only to qualified personnel and in accordance with:
240.6(C) Restricted Access Adjustable-Trip Circuit Breakers.
https://electrical-engineering-portal.com/6-adjustable-tripping-settings-circuit-breaker

©Sean White 2019 294


©Sean White 2019 295
https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/lightsource-bp-makes-solar-pay-at-night
2017 NEC 705 Part IV
Microgrid Systems
705.170 Microgrid Interconnect Devices. Microgrid
interconnect devices shall comply with the following:
(1) Be required for any connection between a microgrid
system and a primary power source.
(2) Be listed and labeled or field labeled for the
application.
(3) Have sufficient number of overcurrent devices located
to provide overcurrent protection from all sources.
Informational Note: MID functionality may be
incorporated in an interactive or multimode inverter,
energy storage system, or similar device identified for
interactive operation.
©Sean White 2019 296
706 Energy Storage Systems
• 706.1 Scope
– 3.6MJ (1kWh) or greater
– Interactive or stand-alone

– Informational note: a battery storing energy is not


necessarily an energy storage system. An ESS can
be comprised of batteries storing energy.

©Sean White 2019 297


706.2 Definition

©Sean White 2019 298


706.2 Definition

©Sean White 2019 299


2020 NEC 706.20(B)

©Sean White 2019 300


480 Storage Batteries

©Sean White 2019 301


©Sean White 2019 302
©Sean White 2019 303
Formerly 310.15(B)(2)(a)

©Sean White 2019 304


Formerly 310.15(B)(3)(a)

©Sean White 2019 305


Formerly 310.15(B)(16)

©Sean White 2019 306


Formerly 310.15(B)(17)

©Sean White 2019 307


Article 710 Stand-Alone Systems
• Replaces 690.10 Stand-Alone Systems
• 120/240V panelboards ok with 120V inverters
– Must have sticker that says no multiwire branch
circuits

©Sean White 2019 308


Article 712 Direct Current Microgrids
712.2 Definitions
• Direct Current Microgrid (DC Microgrid). A direct
current microgrid is a power distribution system
consisting of more than one interconnected dc
power sources, supplying dc-dc converters(s), dc
loads(s), and/or ac loads(s) powered by dc-ac
inverters(s). A dc microgrid is typically not directly
connected to an ac primary source of electricity,
but some dc microgrids interconnect via one or
more dc-ac bidirectional converters or dc–ac
inverters.

©Sean White 2019 309


Article 712 Direct Current Microgrids
712.2 Definitions
• Grounded Two-Wire DC System. A system that
has a solid connection or reference-ground
between one of the current carrying conductors
and the equipment grounding system.
• Grounded Three-Wire DC System. A system with
a solid connection or reference-ground between
the center point of a bipolar dc power source and
the equipment grounding system.

©Sean White 2019 310


Article 712 Direct Current Microgrids
712.2 Definitions
• Reference-Grounded DC System. A system
that is not solidly grounded but has a low-
resistance electrical reference that maintains
voltage to ground in normal operation.
• Resistively Grounded. A system with a high-
resistance connection between the current
carrying conductors and the equipment
grounding system.

©Sean White 2019 312


Article 712 Direct Current Microgrids
712.2 Definitions
• Primary DC Source. A source that supplies the
majority of the dc load in a dc microgrid.
• Ungrounded DC System. A system that has no
direct or resistive connection between the
current carrying conductors and the
equipment grounding system.

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Article 712 Direct Current Microgrids
Part II. Circuit Requirements
712.25 Identification of Circuit Conductors
(A) Ungrounded circuit conductors in dc microgrids
shall be identified according to the requirements of
210.5(C)(2) for branch circuits and 215.12(C)(2) for
feeders.
(B) Ungrounded conductors of 6 AWG or smaller
shall be permitted to be identified by polarity at all
termination, connection, and splice points by
marking tape, tagging, or other approved means.
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