CODES REFRENCES (SUMMARY & KEY POINTS)

Summary of Article 690 from the National Electrical Code (NEC) related to Solar
Photovoltaic (PV) Systems:
1. Scope:
o Article 690 applies to solar PV systems, excluding those covered by Article 691.
o It covers the array circuit(s), inverter(s), and controller(s) for solar PV systems.
o These systems may be interactive with other power sources or stand-alone,
connected to energy storage systems (such as batteries), and may have AC or
DC output for utilization.
2. Definitions:
o Alternating-Current (AC) Module: A complete unit consisting of solar cells,
optics, inverter, and other components designed to generate AC power when
exposed to sunlight.
o Array: A mechanically integrated assembly of modules or panels with support
structure, foundation, tracker, and other components to form a DC or AC
power-producing unit.
o Bipolar Photovoltaic Array: A DC PV array with two outputs having opposite
polarity to a common reference point or center tap.
o DC-to-DC Converter: A device that provides an output DC voltage and
current at a higher or lower value than the input.
o DC-to-DC Converter Output Circuit: Conductors between the DC-to-DC
converter and the inverter or DC utilization equipment.
o DC-to-DC Converter Source Circuit: Circuits between DC-to-DC converters
and the common connection point(s) of the DC system.
o Direct-Current (DC) Combiner: A device used as a PV source and output
circuits to combine multiple DC circuit inputs into one output.
o Diversion Charge Controller: Regulates battery charging by diverting power
to loads or an interconnected utility service.
o Functional Grounded PV System: A PV system with an electrical reference
to ground that is not solidly grounded.
o Generating Capacity: Sum of parallel-connected inverter maximum
continuous output power.
3. General Requirements:
o Components (inverters, modules, etc.) must be listed or evaluated for the
application.
o Multiple PV systems are allowed in a building.
o PV system equipment cannot be installed in a bathroom.
o Electronic power converters (inverters, DC-to-DC converters) need not be
readily accessible.
o PV equipment on water bodies must be suitable and allow for expected
movement.
o Article 690 does not apply to the PV source circuit conductors of an AC module.
4. Grounding and Bonding:
o Grounding connects to the earth, while bonding connects to a low-impedance
metallic path.
o Grounding provides an alternate path for large transients (e.g., lightning).

Remember, even complex PV systems share these fundamental components and adhere to
safety guidelines outlined in Article 690
o And more1.

NEC 690.4(D) allows for the installation of multiple photovoltaic (PV) systems on or in a
single building or structure. If these PV systems are located remotely from each other, a
directory must be provided at each PV system disconnecting means, in accordance with
NEC 705.101
NEC 705.10
It focuses on the identification of power sources for interconnected electric power
production systems, such as photovoltaic (PV) systems. Here are the key points:
1. Permanent Plaques or Directories: These must be installed at each service
equipment location or at an approved, readily visible location. They should provide
the following information:
o The location of each power source disconnecting means for the building or
structure.
o Emergency telephone numbers of any off-site entities servicing the power
source systems.
o The wording “CAUTION: MULTIPLE SOURCES OF POWER” 12.
2. Compliance with Marking Requirements: The markings must comply with NEC
110.21(B), which covers the general requirements for labeling and marking 1.
3. Alignment with Fire Code: The 2023 NEC updates align the labeling requirements
with those of the Fire Code (NFPA 1), ensuring consistency in safety and emergency
response protocols1.

NEC 338.10(B)(4)(A) pertains to the installation of Service-Entrance (SE) cables for

interior wiring. Here are the key points:
1. Interior Installations: SE cables used for interior wiring must comply with the
installation requirements of Part II of Article 334, excluding 334.80 12.
2. Thermal Insulation: When SE cables are installed in thermal insulation, the
ampacity must be based on the 60°C (140°F) conductor temperature rating 2. This is
to ensure safe operation and prevent overheating.
3. Ampacity Adjustments: The maximum conductor temperature rating can be used
for ampacity adjustment and correction purposes, provided the final derated
ampacity does not exceed that for a 60°C rated conductor 2.

NEC 690.31(H)(2) outlines specific requirements for the installation of DC cables in

photovoltaic (PV) systems. Here are the key points:
1. Wiring Methods: DC cables must be installed using wiring methods that are suitable
for the environment and conditions they will be exposed to. This includes using
materials that are resistant to sunlight and weather 1.
2. Protection from Physical Damage: When flexible metal conduit (FMC) or Type MC
cable is used, it must be protected from physical damage. This can be achieved by
installing guard strips or other protective measures 1.
3. Marking and Labeling: All wiring methods and enclosures containing PV system DC
circuit conductors must be clearly marked with a warning label indicating
"PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE"1.

These measures ensure the safety and reliability of the PV system by protecting the DC
cables from environmental and physical damage, and by providing clear identification for
maintenance and emergency personnel.

key points from NEC Table 300.5

Wiring Method Minimum Cover
Requirement
Direct Burial Cables or Conductors 24 inches
Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) or Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC) 6 inches
under 2-inch-thick concrete slab
Nonmetallic Raceways Listed for Direct Burial 18 inches
Residential Branch Circuits Rated 120 Volts or Less with GFCI 12 inches
Protection
Circuits for Control of Irrigation and Landscape Lighting (30 volts 6 inches
or less)
KEY POINTS NEC 690.45
It focuses on the sizing of equipment grounding conductors for photovoltaic (PV) source and
output circuits. Here are the key points:
1. Sizing Based on Overcurrent Devices: Equipment grounding conductors must be
sized according to NEC Table 250.122, which is based on the rating of the overcurrent
device protecting the circuit12.
2. NEC Table 250.122
Rating or Setting of Minimum Size of Equipment Grounding Conductor
Automatic (AWG or kcmil)
Overcurrent Device
(Amperes)
15 14 (Copper), 12 (Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum)
20 12 (Copper), 10 (Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum)
60 10 (Copper), 8 (Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum)
100 8 (Copper), 6 (Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum)
200 6 (Copper), 4 (Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum)
300 4 (Copper), 2 (Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum)
400 3 (Copper), 1 (Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum)
500 2 (Copper), 1/0 (Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum)
600 1 (Copper), 2/0 (Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum)
800 1/0 (Copper), 3/0 (Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum)
1000 2/0 (Copper), 4/0 (Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum)
1200 3/0 (Copper), 250 kcmil (Aluminum or Copper-Clad
Aluminum)
1600 4/0 (Copper), 350 kcmil (Aluminum or Copper-Clad
Aluminum)
2000 250 kcmil (Copper), 400 kcmil (Aluminum or Copper-Clad
Aluminum)
2500 350 kcmil (Copper), 600 kcmil (Aluminum or Copper-Clad
Aluminum)
3000 400 kcmil (Copper), 600 kcmil (Aluminum or Copper-Clad
Aluminum)
4000 500 kcmil (Copper), 750 kcmil (Aluminum or Copper-Clad
Aluminum)
5000 700 kcmil (Copper), 1250 kcmil (Aluminum or Copper-Clad
Aluminum)
6000 800 kcmil (Copper), 1250 kcmil (Aluminum or Copper-Clad
Aluminum)

3. Assumed Overcurrent Device: If no overcurrent protective device is used, an

assumed device rated at the PV maximum circuit current should be used for sizing 13.
4. Minimum Size: The equipment grounding conductor cannot be smaller than 14
AWG13.
5. Voltage Drop Considerations: Increases in conductor size to address voltage drop
are not required13.

KEY POINTS OF NEC 690.47, 250.50, AND 250.53 REGARDING GROUNDING

CONDUCTOR
Code Description Key Requirements
Section
NEC Grounding - Buildings or Structures Supporting a PV Array:
690.47 Electrode System Must have a grounding electrode system installed per Part
for PV Systems III of Article 250.
- PV Array Equipment Grounding Conductors: Must be
connected to the grounding electrode system of the
building or structure.
- Additional Grounding Electrodes: Permitted but not
required.
-Grounding Electrode Conductor Sizing: Must follow
250.166 for DC systems and 250.66 for AC systems 12.
NEC Grounding - Bonding of Grounding Electrodes: All grounding
250.50 Electrode System electrodes described in 250.52(A)(1) through (A)(7) present
at each building or structure must be bonded together to
form the grounding electrode system.
- Types of Electrodes: Includes metal underground water
pipes, concrete-encased electrodes, ground rings, etc.
- Installation: Must ensure all available electrodes are
used and bonded34.
NEC Installation of - Rod, Pipe, and Plate Electrodes: Must meet specific
250.53 Grounding installation requirements, including burial depth and
Electrode moisture level considerations.
Systems - Supplemental Electrode: Required if a single rod, pipe,
or plate electrode does not achieve a resistance to ground
of 25 ohms or less.
- Spacing and Bonding: Electrodes must be spaced at
least 6 feet apart and bonded together56.

NEC 250.166 outlines the requirements for sizing the grounding electrode conductor for
direct-current (DC) systems. Here is a summary of the key points:
1. General Requirements:
o The size of the grounding electrode conductor for a DC system must be
determined based on the maximum current-carrying capacity of the system 12.
2. Specific Sizing Criteria:
o 250.166(A): For DC systems, the grounding electrode conductor must not be
smaller than the values specified in Table 250.66, which is used for AC
systems12.
o Here is NEC Table 250.66, which specifies the minimum size of grounding
electrode conductors for alternating-current (AC) systems based on the size of
the largest ungrounded conductor or equivalent area for parallel conductors:
Size of Largest Ungrounded Minimum Size of Grounding
Conductor or Equivalent Area Electrode Conductor
for Parallel Conductors (AWG/kcmil)
(AWG/kcmil)
2 or smaller 8 (Copper) / 6 (Aluminum)
1 or 1/0 6 (Copper) / 4 (Aluminum)
2/0 or 3/0 4 (Copper) / 2 (Aluminum)
Over 3/0 through 350 kcmil 2 (Copper) / 1/0 (Aluminum)
Over 350 kcmil through 600 1/0 (Copper) / 3/0 (Aluminum)
kcmil
Over 600 kcmil through 1100 2/0 (Copper) / 4/0 (Aluminum)
kcmil
Over 1100 kcmil 3/0 (Copper) / 250 kcmil
(Aluminum)

o 250.166(B): If the DC system includes a separately derived system, the

grounding electrode conductor must be sized according to the largest
ungrounded conductor of the derived system 12.
 3. Exceptions:
o 250.166 ( C): For DC systems with a maximum current of 100 amperes or
less, the grounding electrode conductor can be sized according to the
requirements for AC systems in Table 250.6612.
o 250.166(D): For DC systems with a maximum current of more than 100
amperes but less than 200 amperes, the grounding electrode conductor must
be at least 1/0 AWG copper or 3/0 AWG aluminum 12.
o 250.166(E): For DC systems with a maximum current of 200 amperes or
more, the grounding electrode conductor must be at least 2/0 AWG copper or
4/0 AWG aluminum12.

NEC 110.11 addresses the protection of electrical equipment from deteriorating agents.
1. Environmental Protection: Electrical conductors and equipment must not be
located in damp or wet locations, or where they are exposed to gases, fumes, vapors,
liquids, or other agents that can deteriorate the equipment, unless they are
specifically identified for such environments 12.
2. Temperature Exposure: Equipment must also be protected from excessive
temperatures that could cause deterioration 12.
3. Protection During Construction: Equipment not identified for outdoor use, or only
for indoor use, must be protected from weather damage during construction 13.

NEC 110.3(B) - Installation and Use

1. Listed and Labeled Equipment: Electrical equipment must be installed and used
according to the instructions included in its listing or labeling 2.
2. Manufacturer’s Instructions: The installation and use must follow the
manufacturer’s instructions provided with the equipment 2.
3. Forms of Instructions: Instructions can be provided in various forms, such as
printed materials, QR codes, or online resources 2.
NEC 110.14 covers the requirements for electrical connections.

1. Dissimilar Metals: Electrical connections involving dissimilar metals (e.g., copper

and aluminum) must use connectors identified for the specific combination of metals
to prevent corrosion and ensure a reliable connection 12.
2. Connection Methods: Conductors must be connected using pressure connectors,
solder lugs, or splices to flexible leads. Wire-binding screws or studs and nuts with
upturned lugs are permitted for 10 AWG or smaller conductors 12.
3. Splicing: Conductors must be spliced using devices identified for the purpose or by
brazing, welding, or soldering. Soldered splices must be mechanically and electrically
secure before soldering12.
4. Temperature Ratings: The temperature rating of conductors must not exceed the
lowest temperature rating of any connected termination, conductor, or device 3.
NEC 110.14(A) - Terminals
1. Connection Methods: Conductors must be connected to terminal parts using
pressure connectors (including set-screw types), solder lugs, or splices to flexible
leads. Wire-binding screws or studs and nuts with upturned lugs are permitted for 10
AWG or smaller conductors1.
2. Dissimilar Metals: Connections involving dissimilar metals (e.g., copper and
aluminum) must use connectors identified for the specific combination of metals to
prevent corrosion and ensure a reliable connection 1.
3. Identification: Terminals for more than one conductor and terminals used to connect
aluminum must be identified for such use 1.

KEY POINTS FOR NEC 690.4(B) AND NEC 314.28(E):

NEC 690.4(B) - Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
1. Installation: PV systems must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions and the NEC.
 2. Qualified Personnel: Installation must be performed by qualified personnel to
ensure safety and compliance.
3. Identification: All equipment must be identified for use in PV systems and must be
listed and labeled accordingly1.
NEC 314.28(E) - Pull and Junction Boxes
1. Size Requirements: Pull and junction boxes for conductors 4 AWG or larger must
meet specific size requirements to provide adequate space for the conductors 2.
2. Dimensions: The minimum dimensions of these boxes must comply with the
provisions outlined in NEC 314.28(A)(1) through (A)(3) 2. Which outlines the
requirements for the dimensions of pull and junction boxes for conductors of 4 AWG
or larger. Here are the key points:
NEC 314.28(A)(1) - Straight Pulls
 Minimum Distance: For straight pulls, the distance between each raceway entry
inside the box and the opposite wall of the box must be at least eight times the
trade size of the largest raceway12.
NEC 314.28(A)(2) - Angle Pulls, U Pulls, and Splices
 Angle Pulls: For angle pulls, the distance between the raceway entry and the
opposite wall of the box must be at least six times the trade size of the largest
raceway12.
 U Pulls and Splices: For U pulls and splices, the distance between the raceway
entry and the opposite wall of the box must also be at least six times the trade
size of the largest raceway12.
 Additional Entries: If there are additional entries on the same wall, the distance
must be increased by the sum of the diameters of all other raceway entries on that
wall12.
NEC 314.28(A)(3) - Smaller Dimensions
 Exceptions: Conduit bodies with dimensions less than those required by 314.28(A)
(1) and (A)(2) are permitted under specific conditions 3.
3. Accessibility: Boxes must be installed in a manner that allows for easy access for
maintenance and inspection2.

NEC 690.33(E) addresses the requirements for photovoltaic (PV) connectors. Here are the
key points:
1. Interminability: Connectors used in PV systems must be of the identical type and
brand. If connectors are not of the same type and brand, they must be listed and
identified for interminability as described in the manufacturer’s instructions 12.
2. Safety and Performance: This requirement ensures that the connectors are
compatible, reducing the risk of failure, which can lead to safety hazards such as
fires12.
3. Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the
proper use and installation of connectors to ensure compliance and safety 12.

NEC 215.10 addresses the requirements for ground-fault protection of equipment.

1. Applicability: This section applies to each feeder disconnect rated 1000 amperes or
more, installed on solidly grounded wye electrical systems of more than 150 volts to
ground but not exceeding 600 volts phase-to-phase 12.
2. Ground-Fault Protection: Such disconnects must be provided with ground-fault
protection of equipment in accordance with NEC 230.95 12.

NEC 230.95 focuses on the ground-fault protection of equipment. Here are the
key points:
1. Applicability: This section applies to solidly grounded wye electrical services
of more than 150 volts to ground but not exceeding 600 volts phase-to-phase
for each service disconnect rated 1000 amperes or more 12.
2. Ground-Fault Protection: Such services must have ground-fault protection to
protect equipment from the effects of ground faults 12.
3. Performance Testing: The ground-fault protection system must be
performance tested when first installed on site. This testing must be conducted
 by a qualified person using a primary current injection test, and a written
record of the test must be made available to the authority having jurisdiction
(AHJ)34.
3. Exceptions:
o Continuous Industrial Processes: Ground-fault protection is not required if
a nonorderly shutdown of a continuous industrial process would introduce
additional or increased hazards12.
o Supply Side Protection: If ground-fault protection is provided on the supply
side of the feeder and on the load side of any transformer supplying the
feeder, additional protection is not required 12.
o Temporary Feeders: Temporary feeders used to connect a generator to a
facility for repair, maintenance, or emergencies are exempt from this
requirement12.

NEC 690.11 focuses on arc-fault circuit protection for photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Here are the key points:
1. Applicability: This section applies to PV systems with DC circuits operating at 80
volts DC or greater between any two conductors 12.
2. Arc-Fault Protection: These systems must be equipped with a listed PV arc-fault
circuit interrupter or other system components listed to provide equivalent
protection12.
3. Detection and Interruption: The arc-fault protection system must detect and
interrupt arcing faults resulting from a failure in the intended continuity of a
conductor, connection, module, or other system component 12.
4. Manual Restart: After an arc-fault is detected and the system is disabled, it must
provide a visual indication of the fault and require a manual restart to resume
operation12.
5. Exceptions: For PV systems not installed on or in buildings, PV output circuits and
dc-to-dc converter output circuits that are direct buried or installed in metallic
raceways are permitted without arc-fault circuit protection.

IFC 1204.4 outlines specific parameters for ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) systems to
ensure safety and accessibility. Here are the key points:
1. Clearance Requirements: A clear, brush-free area of 10 feet (3048 mm) is required
around ground-mounted PV arrays to reduce fire hazards 12.
2. Setback Requirements: Setback requirements do not apply to ground-mounted,
free-standing PV arrays12.
3. Accessibility: The installation must ensure that there is adequate space for
maintenance and emergency access12.

NEC 705.12
Key Points Explained
1. Electric Power Production Source:
- This refers to any source of electrical power, such as solar panels, wind turbines, or
generators.
2. **Supply Side of the Service Disconnecting Means**:
- The supply side is the part of the electrical system that is upstream of the main service
disconnect. This is where the utility power enters the building before it reaches the main
breaker or disconnect.
3. **Overcurrent Protection Devices (OCPDs)**:
- OCPDs are devices like circuit breakers or fuses that protect the electrical system from
overcurrent conditions, which can cause overheating and potential fire hazards.
4. **Sum of the Ratings of All OCPDs**:
- This refers to the combined amperage ratings of all the overcurrent protection devices
connected to the power production sources. For example, if you have multiple solar
inverters each protected by a 20-amp breaker, the sum of these breakers' ratings would be
considered.
5. **Rating of the Service**:
- The service rating is the maximum current that the service equipment (like the main
panel and service conductors) can safely handle. This is typically specified by the utility and
is based on the capacity of the service conductors and the main breaker.
Detailed Explanation
- **Connection to the Supply Side**:
NEC 705.12 allows an electric power production source to be connected to the supply side
of the service disconnecting means. This means you can connect your power source (like a
solar PV system) directly to the incoming utility power before it reaches the main service
disconnect.
- **Sum of OCPD Ratings**:
The total amperage rating of all the overcurrent protection devices (OCPDs) connected to
these power production sources must not exceed the rating of the service. For instance, if
your service is rated for 200 amps, the combined ratings of all the breakers protecting your
power sources must not exceed 200 amps.
- **Service Conductors Ampacity**:
Service conductors are the wires that carry electricity from the utility to your main service
panel. These conductors are rated for a certain ampacity, which is usually the same as the
service rating. For example, if your service is rated for 200 amps, the service conductors are
also rated to handle 200 amps.
-Practical Implications
- **Safety and Compliance**:
Ensuring that the sum of the OCPD ratings does not exceed the service rating is crucial for
safety. It prevents overloading the service conductors and main panel, which could lead to
overheating and potential fire hazards.
- **System Design**:
When designing a system with multiple power sources, you need to carefully calculate the
total OCPD ratings to ensure they do not exceed the service rating. This might involve
selecting appropriately sized breakers and ensuring that the total connected load is within
safe limits.
SUMMARY OF NEC 705.12:

Parameter Description

Load-Side Output of interconnected power source can be connected to the

Connections load side of the service disconnecting means.

Dedicated
Each source interconnection must be made at a dedicated circuit
Overcurrent and
breaker or fusible disconnecting means.
Disconnect

Bus or Sum of 125% of the power source(s) output circuit current and
Conductor the rating of the overcurrent device protecting the busbar must
Ampere Rating not exceed the ampacity of the busbar.

Where two sources are located at opposite ends of a busbar, the

sum of 125% of the power source(s) output circuit current and
120% Rule
the rating of the overcurrent device protecting the busbar must
not exceed 120% of the ampacity of the busbar.

Marking and Distribution equipment must be marked to indicate the presence

Parameter Description

of all power sources, and a permanent warning label must be

Labeling
applied adjacent to the back-fed breaker.