States adopting NEC 2014 one by one

Photo courtesy of Sunlight Solar Systems

Before the end of this year, at least 27 states are expected to adopt the new NEC 2014 rapid shut down 690.12 code. The code’s intentions are valid, with its basic mission to help firefighters shut down solar systems without getting shocked. But the NEC is an installation requirement, not an instruction manual, so there’s confusion concerning how to actually accomplish it.

Another issue is that as of March 2015, UL had not set a standard by which to test components to make sure they meet the code. Most inverter manufacturers hold that their products will most likely meet the UL standard as they expect it to be, and for some states this is good enough. Others fear not using a listed product could lead to inconsistency and actually make projects more dangerous for firefighters to service. Here’s a look at what’s going on in several states around the country.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts was the first adopter of the new code, passing legislation in January 2014 with amendments. The state believed that installing something to push forward the code adoption was better than waiting to install UL-listed equipment; Massachusetts didn’t see listed equipment as very important in the first place. To be safe, the state did release a list of inverters expected to meet UL standards as they were anticipated. Kevin Price, vice president of procurement and operations at Solect Energy, has been able to work with this legislation.

“Technically, there are currently products on the market to allow integrators and installers to meet the NEC 2014 requirements,” Price said. “The challenge is mostly increased cost associated with deploying a solution—added sensors, relays and wiring to string combiners—and the need for training of those installing and reviewing those installations. With all code changes, there is a period of getting familiar with the new requirements; however, the added benefit in safety to property and personnel is well worth the time and expense.”

Solect Energy said it has worked closely with local manufacturers, like Solectria-A Yaskawa Company, to use their inverters and combiners to meet the code. “On the residential side, it’s a matter of using a rapid shutdown-compliant combiner,” Price said. “For commercial rooftop applications, our first choice is using transformerless inverters placed on the roof within 10 ft of the array. If we need to use a central inverter on the ground, then we use an arc-fault-sensing and rapid-shutdown-capable combiner.”

States where 2014 NEC adoption is complete or underway. Source: electricalcodecoalition.org

The code is strictly enforced in Massachusetts, primarily by building and electrical inspectors or authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs). Price said a system will not be allowed to energize and send power to the grid until it meets the code. “The level of inspection does change from region to region, and we see different inspectors focused on different aspects of the code,” he explained. “We have our best results when we reach out to the AHJ early on to clear up any questions and prevent issues with final inspection.”

Utah

On June 11, 2014, the Utah Uniform Building Code Commission recommended the adoption of the 2014 NEC to the state legislature. The legislature will vote on the adoption sometime this summer.

Therefore, Marc Staker, master electrician at Sunlight Solar, reported the code is not being regularly enforced as of yet. “The local building departments and AHJs are not quite up to speed on the changes in the NEC,” he said. “With every design and installation we complete, we try to educate the inspectors on what is new and what to look for.”

Nevertheless, Staker said his team is ready. “We started installing the rapid shutdown hardware on our commercial installations last year to get some experience and decide which method works best for our systems,” he said. “Our electricians and engineers have completed the NEC code update courses and, with some education and on-the-job training, we have a firm understanding of the code updates.”

Colorado

Colorado is one of the toughest states in the U.S. in regards to prompt adoption of new code versions and strict enforcement. The Colorado State Electrical Board did adopt the 2014 NEC without amendments with an effective date of July 1, 2014, but enforcement of 690.12 has since been delayed twice, and, barring additional delays, is currently scheduled for enforcement July 1, 2015.

“We have had to ask for two extensions to delay the date of enforcement due to lack of available listed products,” said Jason Sharpe, general manager at Namasté Solar, adding that UL has been unable to release product compliance standards and manufacturers have been unable to produce listed and tested equipment that would be reliable for 20-year life cycles. “It has been an extremely challenging time in the industry with much confusion, frustration and disagreement among various industry stakeholders.”

Photo courtesy of Josh Valentine, The Atmosphere Conservancy

Sharpe explained his team believes that installing products not listed to a standard can be more dangerous than continuing to install systems according to best practices that have been used for years. “If a firefighter goes to service a system that doesn’t have rapid shutdown, they know how to handle it,” he said. “If they encounter systems that do not have equipment tested to meet one standard, the inconsistency may confuse them even more.”

Sharpe is also concerned the situation will worsen with the next code change. “In particular, the possibility that the code will evolve in 2017 to require 690.12 at the module has significant risk,” he said. “It is likely that this code is being developed too quickly, without proper industry-wide input, and that it will introduce significant cost increases, reduced reliability, reduced competition and questionable impacts on safety relative to the 2014 version.”

In all, many contractors, and even some first responders, agree that 690.12 is a work in progress, a step toward the goal of remotely turning off power close to the point of generation and making a PV system on a building “touch-safe.”

NEC 2014 effective date per state

Solar Power World