Disconnects

Each piece of equipment in a PV system, such as inverters, batteries, and charge controllers, must be able to be disconnected from all sources of power (NEC® 2005, Article 690.15). To comply with NEC® code, disconnects must satisfy the following items:

  • They can be switches or circuit breakers.
  • They need to be accessible.
  • They must not have any exposed live parts.
  • They must plainly indicate whether they are in the opened or closed position.
  • They must be rated for the nominal system voltage and available current (NEC® 2005, Article 690.17).

Circuit breakers designed in the system for overcurrent protection can be used as disconnects. Fuses are not considered disconnects unless they are switched fuses.

The total number of disconnecting devices a PV system can have must be six or fewer switches or circuit breakers to shut off all sources of power (NEC® 2005, Article 690.14). These six disconnects must be grouped together and grouped with other disconnecting means for the system (NEC® 2005, Article 690. 14(C)(5)). Refer to NEC® for proper labeling.

Disconnect

Source: “PHOTOVOLTAICS - Design and Installation Manual” by Solar Energy International.

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