National Electrical Code

Jason Fisher, SolarCitySEIA Representative to NFPA 70 Code Making Panel 4

National Electrical Code (NEC) NFPA-70

• Covers the majority of electrical installations

• Not covered – autos, boats, planes, trains, mines, utility-owned generation and T&D

• Covers some utility-owned property (i.e. offices)

• Covers privately-owned generation

Previous NEC VersionsSignificant Impacts on PV:• 2008 Expanded listed PV equip

requirements• 2011 New PV dc Arc Fault Circuit

Protection• 2014 Expanded Arc Fault

Protection and Ground Fault Protection. New Rapid Shutdown

• By Mid 2017 Most of the U.S. is expected be on 2014 version

• CA Adoption Timeline and Major Changes

Revision vs. Adoption

DC AFCP

PV EquipListings Jan 2017

DC GFPRS

• 2017 revision based on >4,000 Public Inputs now published

• Major rewrites to Article 690(PV)• New Articles:

– 691 Large Scale PV– 706 Energy Storage (480

remains)– 710 Stand Alone Systems– 712 DC Microgrids

NEC 2017

NEC Current Revision

Major revisions focusing on clarifications and improved usability

– Revised figures– New and revised definitions– Improved consolidation and organization– New allowances for larger systems

• System voltage calc methods• Max current calc methods

– No AFCP for ground-mounts w/ metallic r/w– Major dc system grounding changes

• No more white wires• Single-pole fusing but 2-pole disconnects• System grounding requirements simplified

Article 690

NEC 2017 Major Changes

Section 690.12 increased from ~130 words in 2014 to ~1100 words in 2017• Purpose – “reduce shock hazard for

emergency responders”• More detail on rapid shutdown switch

including location and new signs• Tighter boundary - within 1’ of Array• Outside the Array time now 30 sec• New inside Array reqs start 1/1/2019 • RS equipment listed for purpose

Rapid Shutdown

NEC 2017 Major Changes

“Large Scale PV” covers systems:• ≥ 5MWac “PV electric supply

stations”• Sole purpose of providing electric

supply• Authorized persons only• Fencing and signage• Medium- or high-voltage

interconnection• Not under exclusive utility control• Not on buildings

New Article 691

NEC 2017 Major Changes

Allows for alternative equipment• Listed or Field labeling• Other equipment tested to relevant

standards or industry practiceAllows for alternative methods

• No AFCP with fire plans• Alternate disconnect locations

Design and as-built documents + stamped IE reports (if requested) serve to support local AHJ approval.

New Article 691

NEC 2017 Major Changes

NEC Next Version - 20202020 Revision Cycle Approx. Dates (see www.nfpa.org)• Public Input by June 28, 2017• First Draft Meeting Dec 2017 • Public Comments on First Draft

May 2018• Second Draft Meeting Nov 2018• NITMAMs before Feb 2019• Membership Meeting June 2019• Appeals before July 2019

2020

SEIA Involvement in NEC Revisions• From 2014 SEIA played a leading

role in developing consensus Public Inputs from the PV industry into the NEC 2017 revision process.

• 8 Task Groups were formed with dozens of industry volunteers

• 84 Public Inputs submitted to NFPA• Inputs provided foundation for

significant 2017 changes and were largely accepted by the CMP

• SEIA is organizing again for 2020

SEIA Involvement in NEC Revisions• From 2014 SEIA played a leading

role in developing consensus Public Inputs from the PV industry into the NEC 2017 revision process.

• 8 Task Groups were formed with dozens of industry volunteers

• 84 Public Inputs submitted to NFPA• Inputs provided foundation for

significant 2017 changes and were largely accepted by CMP

• SEIA is organizing again for 2020

THANKS THANKS LARRY!