According to the February 2016 edition of Electrical Currents, a newsletter from the office of the chief electrical inspector for the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, two NEC safety requirements for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems will take effect this July. After a delay of two years, which gave manufacturers time to “develop and produce listed equipment for implementation” of the requirements in NEC 90.4, the following are scheduled for implementation on July 1, 2016:
• NEC 690.11 Arc-Fault Circuit Protection (Direct Current)
• NEC 690.12 Rapid Shutdown of PV Systems on Buildings
A third requirement for Wire Harness and Exposed Cable Arc-Fault Protection in NEC 705.12(D)(6), which, according to this report, is likely to be removed from the 2017 edition of the NEC, is delayed until further notice.
“All solar photovoltaic (PV) installations made in conjunction with electrical work permits obtained on or after July 1, 2016 must comply with NEC 690.11 and NEC 690.12.” To comment, on the implementation of these requirements, email Rod Mutch at [email protected].
