National Electrical Code

NEC Requirements for Fuel Cell Systems

April 7, 2020

Key points of Art. 692 to keep in mind

Article 692 of the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) provides the requirements for installing fuel cell systems. At less than two pages, this Article is short compared to the Articles covering wind and solar. If we consider wind and solar “primary” energy sources, fuel cells would be “secondary” because the fuel (typically hydrogen) is chemically generated rather than collected from nature. Fuel cells are typically delivered as units.

Some key points:

The fuel cell nameplate provides its rated current [Sec. 692.8(A)].
The ampacity of the feeder circuit conductors to the premises wiring can't be less than the nameplate rated current or the rating of the fuel cell OCPD(s), whichever is greater [Sec. 692.8(B)].
If OCPDs sufficient to protect the circuit conductors that supply the load are provided, the fuel cell needs no additional OCPDs [Sec. 692.9(A)].
The system must have a means of disconnecting all current-carrying conductors from all other conductors in a building [Sec. 692.13].
Because a fuel cell is a power source, it is grounded. Be sure the grounding complies with Sec. 692.41.
Use a separate equipment grounding conductor (EGC) [Sec. 692.44] sized per Sec. 250.122 [Sec. 692.45].

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.