690 – Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

690.2 – Definition of Grounded, Functionally

Change at a Glance:

The previous definition for “Functional Grounded PV System” was revised to “Grounded, Functionally.” Informational Note also revised to clarify the operational purposes for functionally grounding a system.

690.2 Definitions. [Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems]

Functional Grounded, Functionally PV System. A PV system that has an electrical ground reference to ground for operational purposes that is not solidly grounded.
Informational Note: A functional functionally grounded PV system is often connected to ground through a fuse, circuit breaker, resistance device, non-isolated grounded ac circuit, or an electronic means internal to an inverter or charge controller that is part of a listed provides ground-fault protection system. Conductors in these systems that are normally at ground potential may have voltage to ground during fault conditions. Examples of operational purposes for functionally grounded systems include ground-fault detection and performance- related issues for some power sources.

690.4(B) – Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems Equipment

Change at a Glance:

Revision clarifies that if the listed PV equipment is not listed for the application then it must be field evaluated by a NRTL and have a field label applied if it passes the evaluation.

690.4 General Requirements. [Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems]

(B) Equipment. Inverters, motor generators, PV modules, PV panels, ac modules and ac module systems, dc combiners, dc-to-dc converters, rapid shutdown equipment, dc circuit controllers, and charge controllers intended for use in PV systems shall be listed or field labeled be evaluated for the PV application and have a field label applied.

690.8(A) – Maximum Current for Specific PV Circuits

Change at a Glance:

Reorganization provides improvement to the understanding of the requirements for PV circuit sizing and current.

690.8 Circuit Sizing and Current. [Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems]

690.8 Circuit Sizing and Current.

(A) Calculation of Maximum Circuit Current. The maximum current for the specific circuit shall be calculated in accordance with one of the methods in 690.8(A)(1) through (A)(6) (A)(2).
Informational Note: Where the requirements of 690.8(A)(1) and (B)(1) are both applied, the resulting multiplication factor is 156 percent.
(1) Photovoltaic Source Circuit Currents PV System Circuits. The maximum current shall be calculated by one of the following methods: in accordance with 690.8(A)(1)(a) through (A)(1)(e).
(a) Photovoltaic Source Circuit Currents. The maximum current shall be as calculated in either of the following:
(1) The maximum current shall be the sum of parallel-connected the short-circuit current ratings of the PV module–rated short-circuit currents modules connected in parallel multiplied by 125 percent
(2) For PV systems with a an inverter generating capacity of 100 kW or greater, a documented and stamped PV system design, using an industry standard method and maximum current calculation provided by a licensed professional electrical engineer, shall be permitted. The calculated maximum current value shall be based on the highest 3-hour current average resulting from the simulated local irradiance on the PV array accounting for elevation and orientation. The current value used by this method shall not be less than 70 percent of the value calculated using 690.8(A)(1)(a)(1).
Informational Note: One industry standard method for calculating maximum current of a PV system is available from Sandia National Laboratories, reference SAND 2004-3535, Photovoltaic Array Performance Model. This model is used by the System Advisor Model simulation program provided by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
(b) Photovoltaic Output Circuit Currents. The maximum current shall be the sum of parallel source circuit maximum currents as calculated in 690.8(A)(1)(a). [was 690.8(A)(2)]
(c) DC-to-DC Converter Source Circuit Current. The maximum current shall be the dc-to-dc converter continuous output current rating. [was 690.8(A)(5)]
(d) DC-to-DC Converter Output Circuit Current. The maximum current shall be the sum of parallel connected dc-to-dc converter source circuit currents as calculated in 690.8(A)(5) 690.8(A) (1)(c). [was 690.8(A)(6)]
(e) Inverter Output Circuit Current. The maximum current shall be the inverter continuous output current rating. [was 690.8(A)(3)]
(2) Circuits Connected to the Input of Electronic Power Converters. Where a circuit is protected with an overcurrent device not exceeding the conductor ampacity, the maximum current shall be permitted to be the rated input current of the electronic power converter input to which it is connected.

690.9(A) – Overcurrent Protection in Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

Change at a Glance:

Overcurrent Protection: Revision reorganizes 690.9(A) to eliminate exception. Three List Items are made for unique and different protection scenarios.

690.9 Overcurrent Protection. [Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems]

(A) Circuits and Equipment. PV system dc circuit and inverter output conductors and equipment shall be protected against overcurrent. Overcurrent protective devices shall not be required for circuits with sufficient ampacity for the highest available current. Circuits connected to current limited supplies (e.g., PV modules, dc-to-dc converters, interactive inverter output circuits) and also connected to sources having higher current availability (e.g., parallel strings of modules, utility power) shall be protected at the higher current source connection. Circuits sized in accordance with 690.8(A)(2) are required to be protected against overcurrent with overcurrent protective devices. Each circuit shall be protected from overcurrent in accordance with 690.9(A)(1), (A)(2), or (A)(3).
(1) Circuits Where Overcurrent Protection Not Required. Overcurrent protective devices shall not be required where both of the following conditions are met:
(1) The conductors have sufficient ampacity for the maximum circuit current.
(2) The short-circuit currents from all sources do not exceed the ampacity of the conductors and maximum overcurrent protective device size rating specified for the PV module or dc-to-dc electronic power converter.
(1) The conductors have sufficient ampacity for the maximum circuit current.
(2) The short-circuit currents from all sources do not exceed the ampacity of the conductors and maximum overcurrent protective device size rating specified for the PV module or dc-to-dc electronic power converter.
Exception: An overcurrent device shall not be required for PV modules or PV source circuit or dc-to-dc converters source circuit conductors sized in accordance with 690.8(B) where one of the following applies:
(1) There are no external sources such as parallel-connected source circuits, batteries, or backfeed from inverters.
(2) The short-circuit currents from all sources do not exceed the ampacity of the conductors and the maximum overcurrent protective device size rating specified for the PV module or dc-to-dc converter.

(2) Circuits Where Overcurrent Protection is Required on One End. A circuit conductor connected at one end to a current-limited supply, where the conductor is rated for the maximum circuit current from that supply, and also connected to sources having an available maximum circuit current greater than the ampacity of the conductor, shall be protected from overcurrent at the point of connection to the higher current source.
Informational Note: Photovoltaic system dc circuits and electronic power converter outputs powered by these circuits are current limited circuits and in some cases do not that only need overcurrent protection. when connected in parallel Where these circuits are connected to higher current sources, such as parallel-connected PV system dc circuits, energy storage systems, or a utility service, the overcurrent device is often installed at the higher current source end of the circuit conductor.

(3) Other Circuits. Circuits that do not comply with 690.9(A)(1) or (A)(2) shall be protected with one of the following methods:
(1) Conductors not greater than 3 m (10 ft) in length and not in buildings, protected from overcurrent on one end
(2) Conductors not greater than 3 m (10 ft) in length and in buildings, protected from overcurrent on one end and in a raceway or metal clad cable
(3) Conductors protected from overcurrent on both ends
(4) Conductors not installed on or in buildings are permitted to be protected from overcurrent on one end of the circuit where the circuit complies with all of the following conditions:
(a) The conductors are installed in metal raceways or metal-clad cables, or installed in enclosed metal cable trays, or underground, or where directly entering pad-mounted enclosures.
(b) The conductors for each circuit terminate on one end at a single circuit breaker or a single set of fuses that limit the current to the ampacity of the conductors.
(c) The overcurrent device for the conductors is an integral part of a disconnecting means or shall be located within 3 m (10 ft) of conductor length of the disconnecting means.
(d) The disconnecting means for the conductors is installed outside of a building, or at a readily accessible location nearest the point of entrance of the conductors inside of a building, including installations complying with 230.6.

690.12 – Rapid Shutdown of PV Systems

Change at a Glance:

The requirements for a Rapid Shutdown of PV systems received extensive revision again this Code cycle. A new product standard has been developed by UL so that hazardous energy levels within a PV array can be reduced when firefighters or other emergency response personnel are required to enter the array area to mitigate emergency conditions.

690.12 Rapid Shutdown of PV Systems on Buildings. [Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems]

PV system circuits installed on or in buildings shall include a rapid shutdown function to reduce shock hazard for emergency responders fire fighters in accordance with 690.12(A) through (D).
Exception: Ground-mounted PV system circuits that enter buildings, of which the sole purpose is to house PV system equipment, shall not be required to comply with 690.12.

(A) Controlled Conductors. Requirements for controlled conductors shall apply to PV circuits supplied by the PV system. the following:
(1) PV system dc circuits
(2) Inverter output circuits originating from inverters located within the array boundary
Informational Note: The rapid shutdown function reduces the risk of electrical shock that dc circuits in a PV system could pose for firefighters. The ac output conductors from PV systems that include inverters will either be de-energized after shutdown initiation or will remain energized by other sources such as a utility service. To prevent PV arrays with attached inverters from having energized ac conductors within the PV array(s), those circuits are also specifically controlled after shutdown initiation.

(B) Controlled Limits. The use of the term array boundary in this section is defined as 305 mm (1 ft) from the array in all directions. Controlled conductors outside the array boundary shall comply with 690.12(B)(1) and inside the array boundary shall comply with 690.12(B)(2).
(1) Outside the Array Boundary. Controlled conductors located outside the boundary or more than 1 m (3 ft) from the point of entry inside a building shall be limited to not more than 30 volts within 30 seconds of rapid shutdown initiation. Voltage shall be measured between any two conductors and between any conductor and ground.
(2) Inside the Array Boundary. The PV system shall comply with one of the following:
(1) The A PV array hazard control system listed or field labeled as a rapid shutdown PV array for the purpose Such a PV array shall be installed and used in accordance with the instructions included with the the rapid shutdown PV array listing or field labeling. Where a hazard control system requires initiation to transition to a controlled state, the rapid shutdown initiation device required in 690.12(C) shall perform this initiation.
Informational Note: A listed or field-labeled hazard rapid shutdown PV control system array is evaluated as an assembly or system as defined in the installation instructions to reduce but not eliminate risk of electric shock hazard within a damaged PV array during fire-fighting procedures. These rapid shutdown PV arrays are designed to reduce shock hazards by methods such as limiting access to energized components, reducing the voltage difference between energized components, limiting the electric current that might flow in an electrical circuit involving personnel with increased resistance of the conductive circuit, or by a combination of such methods. is comprised of either an individual piece of equipment that fulfills the necessary functions or multiple pieces of equipment coordinated to perform the functions as described in the installation instructions to reduce the risk of electric shock hazard within a damaged PV array for fire fighters. See UL 3741, Photovoltaic Hazard Control.
(2) Controlled conductors located inside the boundary or not more than 1 m (3 ft) from the point of penetration of the surface of the building shall be limited to not more than 80 volts within 30 seconds of rapid shutdown initiation. Voltage shall be measured between any two conductors and between any conductor and ground.
(3) PV arrays with shall have no exposed wiring methods, no exposed or conductive parts and be installed more than 2.5 m (8 ft) from exposed grounded conductive parts or ground shall not be required to comply with 690.12(B)(2). The requirement of 690.12(B)(2) shall become effective January 1, 2019.

(C) Initiation Device. The initiation device(s) shall initiate the rapid shutdown function of the PV system. The device’s “off ” position shall indicate that the rapid shutdown function has been initiated for all PV systems connected to that device. For one-family and two-family dwellings, an initiation device(s) shall be located at a readily accessible location outside the building.

(C) Initiation Device. The initiation device(s) shall initiate the rapid shutdown function of the PV system. The device “off ” position shall indicate that the rapid shutdown function has been initiated for all PV systems connected to that device. For one-family and two-family dwellings, an initiation device(s) shall be located at a readily accessible location outside the building.
For a single PV system, the rapid shutdown initiation device(s) shall occur by the operation of any single initiation device. Devices shall consist of at least one or more of the following:
(1) Service disconnecting means
(2) PV system disconnecting means
(3) Readily accessible switch that plainly indicates whether it is in the “off ” or “on” position
Informational Note: One Examples of why where an initiation device that complies with 690.12(C) (3) would be used is where a PV system is connected to an optional standby system that remains energized upon loss of utility voltage or standalone system.
Where multiple PV systems are installed with rapid shutdown functions on a single service, the initiation device(s) shall consist of not more than six switches or six sets of circuit breakers, or a combination of not more than six switches and sets of circuit breakers, mounted in a single enclosure, or in a group of separate enclosures. These initiation device(s) shall initiate the rapid shutdown of all PV systems with rapid shutdown functions on that service. Where auxiliary initiation devices are installed, these auxiliary devices shall control all PV systems with rapid shutdown functions on that service.
(D) Equipment. Equipment that performs the rapid shutdown functions, other than initiation devices such as listed disconnect switches, circuit breakers, or control switches, shall be listed for providing rapid shutdown protection.
Informational Note: Inverter input circuit conductors often remain energized for up to 5 minutes with inverters not listed for rapid shutdown.

690.13(A) – Photovoltaic System Disconnecting Means

Change at a Glance:

New requirement calls for any PV disconnect enclosure with a door or hinged cover that exposes live parts when open to be locked or require a tool to open where a disconnecting means of systems above 30 volts are readily accessible to unqualified persons.

690.13 Photovoltaic System Disconnecting Means.

(A) Location. The PV system disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location. Where disconnecting means of systems above 30 volts are readily accessible to unqualified persons, any enclosure door or hinged cover that exposes live parts when open shall be locked or require a tool to open.
Informational Note: PV systems installed in accordance with 690.12 address the concerns related to energized conductors entering a building.

(C) Suitable for Use. If the PV system is connected to the supply side of the service disconnecting means as permitted in 230.82(6), the PV system disconnecting means shall be listed as suitable for use as service equipment.

690.13(E) – Types of Disconnects for Photovoltaic Systems

Change at a Glance:

Previous List Items under “Type of Disconnect” has been removed and the revision summarizes the type of disconnects that may be used as a PV system disconnect. Lockability requirements of 110.25 are included.

690.13 Photovoltaic System Disconnecting Means.

(F) (E) Type of Disconnect.
(1) Simultaneous Disconnection. The PV system disconnecting means shall simultaneously disconnect the PV system conductors of the circuit from all conductors of other wiring systems. The PV system disconnecting means shall be an externally operable general-use switch or circuit breaker, or other approved means. A dc PV system disconnecting means shall be marked for use in PV systems or be suitable for backfeed operation that are not solidly grounded from all conductors of other wiring systems. The PV system disconnecting means or its remote operating device or the enclosure providing access to the disconnecting means shall be capable of being locked in accordance with 110.25. The PV system disconnecting means shall be one of the following:
(1) A manually operable switch or circuit breaker
(2) A connector meeting the requirements of 690.33(D)(1) or (D)(3)
(3) A pull-out switch with the required interrupting rating
(4) A remote‐controlled switch or circuit breaker that is operable locally and opens automatically when control power is interrupted
(5) A device listed or approved for the intended application
Informational Note: Circuit breakers marked “line” and “load” may not be suitable for backfeed or reverse current.
(2) Devices Marked “Line” and “Load.” Devices marked with “line” and “load” shall not be permitted for backfeed or reverse current.
(3) DC-Rated Enclosed Switches, Open-Type Switches, and Low-Voltage Power Circuit Breakers. DC-rated, enclosed switches, open-type switches, and low-voltage power circuit breakers shall be permitted for backfeed operation.

690.15 – Disconnecting Means for Photovoltaic Equipment

Change at a Glance:

The requirements for disconnecting means for isolating PV equipment of PV systems received extensive revision to emphasis isolation of equipment from energized conductors.

690.15 Disconnection of Disconnecting Means for Photovoltaic Equipment.

Isolating devices Disconnecting means of the type required in 690.15(D) shall be provided to isolate disconnect PV modules, ac PV modules, fuses, dc-to- dc converters, inverters, and charge controllers from all conductors that are not solidly grounded. An equipment disconnecting means or a PV system disconnecting means shall be permitted in place of an isolating device. Where the maximum circuit current is greater than 30 amperes for the output circuit of a dc combiner or the input circuit of a charge controller or inverter, an equipment disconnecting means shall be provided for isolation. Where a charge controller or inverter has multiple input circuits, a single equipment disconnecting means shall be permitted to isolate the equipment from the input circuits.
Informational Note: The purpose of these isolating devices is the safe and convenient replacement or service of specific PV system equipment without exposure to energized conductors.

(A) Location. Isolating devices or equipment disconnecting means shall be installed in circuits connected to equipment at a location within the equipment, or within sight and within 3 m (10 ft) of the equipment. An equipment disconnecting means shall be permitted to be remote from the equipment where the equipment disconnecting means can be remotely operated from within 3 m (10 ft) of the equipment. Where disconnecting means of equipment operating above 30 volts are readily accessible to unqualified persons, any enclosure door or hinged cover that exposes live parts when open shall be locked or require a tool to open.

(B) Interrupting Rating. An equipment disconnecting means shall have an interrupting rating sufficient for the maximum short-circuit current and voltage that is available at the terminals of the equipment. An isolating device shall not be required to have an interrupting rating.

(B)(C) Isolating Device. An isolating device shall not be required to have an interrupting rating. Where an isolating device shall be is not rated to open the maximum circuit current under load or be for interrupting the circuit current, it shall be marked “Do Not Disconnect Under Load” or “Not for Current Interrupting.” An isolating device shall not be required to simultaneously disconnect all current-carrying conductors of a circuit. The isolating device shall be one of the following:
(1) A mating connector meeting the requirements of 690.33 and listed and identified for use with specific equipment
(2) A finger safe fuse holder
(3) An isolating switch that requires a tool to place the device in the to open (off) position
(4) An isolating device listed for the intended application

(C) (D) Equipment Disconnecting Means. Equipment disconnecting means shall have ratings sufficient for the maximum circuit current, available fault current, and voltage that is available at the terminals. An equipment disconnecting means shall simultaneously disconnect all current carrying conductors that are not solidly grounded of to the circuit to which it is connected. An Equipment disconnecting means shall be externally operable without exposing the operator to contact with energized parts, and shall indicate whether in the open (off) or closed (on) position. and shall be lockable Where not within sight and within 3 m (10 ft) of the equipment, the disconnecting means or its remote operating device or enclosure providing access to the disconnecting means shall be capable of being locked in accordance with 110.25. An Equipment disconnecting means shall be one of the following devices: of the same type as required in 690.13(E).
(1) A manually operable switch or circuit breaker
(2) A connector meeting the requirements of 690.33(E)(1)
(3) A load break fused pull out switch
(4) A remote-controlled circuit breaker that is that is operable locally and opens automatically when control power is Interrupted
For Equipment disconnecting means, other than those complying with 690.33, where the shall be marked in accordance with the warning in 690.13(B) if the line and load terminals can be energized in the open position, the device shall be marked in accordance with the warning in 690.13(B).
Informational Note: A common installation practice is to terminate PV source-side dc conductors in the same manner that utility source-side ac conductors are generally connected on the line side of a disconnecting means. This practice is more likely to de-energize load-side terminals, blades, and fuses when the disconnect is in the open position and no energized sources are connected to the load side of the disconnect.

(D) Type of Disconnecting Means. Where disconnects are required to isolate equipment, the disconnecting means shall be one of the following applicable types:
(1) An equipment disconnecting means in accordance with 690.15(C) shall be required to isolate dc circuits with a maximum circuit current over 30 amperes.
(2) An isolating device in accordance with 690.15(B) shall be permitted for circuits other than those covered by 690.15(D)(1).

690.31 – Wiring Methods for PV Installations

Change at a Glance:

Wiring methods for PV installations were previously located in various areas. Revisions to 690.31 organized PV wiring methods into one section. Installation and listing requirements for a new Distributed Generation (Type DG) cable were introduced.

690.31 Wiring Methods Permitted [Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems]

(A) Wiring Systems.
Table 690.31(A)(a) Correction Factors
Table 690.31(A)(b) Ampacities of Insulated Conductors Rated Up To and Including 2000 Volts, 105°C Through 125°C (221°F Through 257°F), Not More Than Three Current-Carrying Conductors in Raceway, Cable, or Earth (Directly Buried), Based on Ambient Temperature of 30°C (86°F)

(B) Identification and Grouping.
(1) Identification.
(2) Grouping.

(C) Cables.
(1) Single-Conductor Cable.
(2) Cable Tray.
(3) Multiconductor Jacked Cables.
(4) Flexible Cords and Cables Connected to Tracking PV Arrays.
(5) Flexible, Fine-Stranded Cables.
(6) Small-Conductor Cables.

(D) Photovoltaic System Direct-Current Circuits on or in a Building Buildings.
(1) Embedded in Building Surfaces.
(1) Flexible Wiring Methods.
(2) Marking and Labeling Required.
(4) Marking and Labeling Methods and Locations.

(E) Bipolar Photovoltaic Systems.

(F) Wiring Methods and Mounting Systems.

(H) Flexible, Fine-Stranded Cables.

(See NEC for complete Code text)

690.33(C) – Mating Connectors for Photovoltaic PV Systems

Change at a Glance:

Mating connectors not of the identical type and brand are required to be “listed and identified for intermatability,” as described in the manufacturer’s instructions.

690.33 Mating Connectors. [Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems]

Mating connectors, other than those connectors covered by 690.32, shall comply with 690.33(A) through (E) (D).

(A) Configuration. The mating connectors shall be polarized and shall have a configuration that is noninterchangeable with receptacles in other electrical systems on the premises.

(B) Guarding. The mating connectors shall be constructed and installed so as to guard against inadvertent contact with live parts by persons.

(C) Type. The mating connectors shall be of the latching or locking type. Mating connectors that are readily accessible and that are used in circuits operating at over 30 volts dc or 15 volts ac shall require a tool for opening. Where mating connectors are not of the identical type and brand, they shall be listed and identified for intermatability, as described in the manufacturer’s instructions.

(D) Grounding Member. The grounding member shall be the first to make and the last to break contact with the mating connector.

(E) (D) Interruption of Circuit. Mating connectors shall be either (1) or (2) one of the following:
(1) Be Rated for interrupting current without hazard to the operator
(2) Be A type that requires the use of a tool to open and marked “Do Not Disconnect Under Load” or “Not for Current Interrupting”
(3) Supplied as part of listed equipment and used in accordance with instructions provided with the listed connected equipment
Informational Note: Some listed equipment, such as microinverters, are evaluated to make use of mating connectors as disconnect devices even though the mating connectors are marked as “Do Not Disconnect Under Load” or “Not for Current Interrupting.”

690.41(B) – PV System dc Circuits Exceeding 30 Volts or 8 Amperes

Change at a Glance:

PV system dc circuits (not just the arrays) that exceed 30 volts or 8 amperes are now required to be provided with dc ground-fault protection.

690.41 System Grounding [Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems]

(B) Ground-Fault Protection. DC PV system arrays dc circuits that exceed 30 volts or 8 amperes shall be provided with dc ground-fault protection meeting the requirements of 690.41(B)(1) and (2) to reduce fire hazards.
Exception: PV arrays Solidly grounded PV source circuits with not more than two PV source circuits and with all PV system dc circuits modules in parallel and not on or in buildings shall be permitted without ground-fault protection where solidly grounded.
Informational Note: Not all inverters, charge controllers, or dc-to-dc converters include groundfault protection. Equipment that does not have ground-fault protection often includes the following statement in the manual: “Warning: This unit is not provided with a GFDI device.”

(1) Ground-Fault Detection. The ground-fault protective protection device or system shall detect ground fault(s) in the PV array system dc current– carrying circuit conductors and components, including any functional grounded conductors, and be listed for providing PV ground-fault protection. For dc-to-dc converters not listed as providing ground-fault protection, where required, listed ground fault protection equipment identified for the combination of the dc-to-dc converter and ground-fault protection device shall be installed to protect the circuit.
Informational Note: Some dc-to-dc converters without integral ground-fault protection on their input (source) side can prevent other ground-fault protection equipment from properly functioning on portions of PV system dc circuits.

(2) Isolating Faulted Circuits. The faulted circuits shall be isolated controlled by one of the following methods:
(1) The current-carrying conductors of the faulted circuit shall be automatically disconnected.
(2) The inverter or charge controller device providing ground-fault protection fed by the faulted circuit shall automatically cease to supply power to output circuits and isolate interrupt the faulted PV system dc circuits from the ground reference in a functional functionally grounded system.

(3) Indication of Faults. Ground-fault protection equipment shall provide indication of ground faults at a readily accessible location.
Informational Note: Examples of indication include, but are not limited to, the following: remote indicator light, display, monitor, signal to a monitored alarm system, or receipt of notification by web-based services.

690.51, 690.52, 690.53 – Marking of Modules and AC Modules

Change at a Glance:

Information outlined at previous 690.51, 690.52, and 690.53 that is required as part of the listing requirement of this equipment has been deleted as it is being provided on the device by the manufacturer.

Part VI. Marking [Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems]

690.51 Modules and AC Modules. Modules and ac modules shall be marked in accordance with their listing. identification of terminals or leads as to polarity, maximum overcurrent device rating for module protection, and with the following ratings:
(1) Open-circuit voltage
(2) Operating voltage
(3) Maximum permissible system voltage
(4) Operating current
(5) Short-circuit current
(6) Maximum power

690.52 Alternating-Current Photovoltaic Modules. Alternating-current modules shall be marked with identification of terminals or leads and with identification of the following ratings:
(1) Nominal operating ac voltage
(2) Nominal operating ac frequency
(3) Maximum ac power
(4) Maximum ac current
(5) Maximum overcurrent device rating for ac module protection

690.53 Direct-Current Photovoltaic Power Source DC PV Circuits. A permanent readily visible label for the dc PV power source indicating the information specified in (1) through (3) shall be provided by the installer at dc PV system disconnecting means and at each dc equipment disconnecting means required by 690.15. Where a disconnecting means has more than one dc PV power source, the values in 690.53(1) through (3) shall be specified for each source. indicating the highest maximum dc voltage in a PV system, calculated in accordance with 690.7, shall be provided by the installer at one of the following locations:
(1) Maximum voltage DC PV system disconnecting means
Informational Note to (1): See 690.7 for voltage.
(2) Maximum circuit current PV system electronic power conversion equipment
Informational Note to (2): See 690.8(A) for calculation of maximum circuit current.
(3) Maximum rated output current of the charge controller or dc-to-dc converter (if installed) Distribution equipment associated with the PV system

690.56(C) – Identification of Power Sources

Change at a Glance:

Several changes were made to 690.56(C) to address the updated requirements in 690.12. The title of the remaining figure has been changed to identify this figure as an informational note figure to clarify that the label as shown is merely an example of a rapid shutdown system label.

690.56 Identification of Power Sources. [Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems]

(C) Buildings with Rapid Shutdown. Buildings with PV systems shall have permanent labels as described in 690.56(C) (1) through (C)(3). located at each service equipment location to which the PV systems are connected or at an approved readily visible location and shall indicate the location of rapid shutdown initiation devices. The label shall include a simple diagram of a building with a roof and shall include the following words:
(1) Rapid Shutdown Type. The type of PV system rapid shutdown shall be labeled as described in 690.56(C)(1)(a) or (1)(b):
(a) For PV systems that shut down the array and conductors leaving the array:

SOLAR PV SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH RAPID SHUTDOWN. TURN RAPID SHUTDOWN SWITCH TO THE “OFF” POSITION TO SHUT DOWN PV SYSTEM AND REDUCE SHOCK HAZARD IN ARRAY.

The title “SOLAR PV SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH RAPID SHUTDOWN” shall utilize capitalized characters with a minimum height of 9.5 mm (3∕8 in.) in black on yellow background, and the remaining characters shall be capitalized with a minimum height of 4.8 mm (3∕16 in.) in black on white background. [See Figure 690.56(C)(1)(a).]
Informational Note: See Informational Note Figure 690.56(C).
Figure Informational Note Figure 690.56(C) Label for Roof-Mounted PV Systems with Rapid Shutdown.

[See NEC and illustration provided for Figure Informational Note Figure 690.56(C)]

FIGURE 690.56(C)(1)(a) Label for PV Systems that Shut Down the Array and the Conductors Leaving the Array.
(b) For PV systems that only shut down conductors leaving the array:

SOLAR PV SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH RAPID SHUTDOWN TURN RAPID SHUTDOWN SWITCH TO THE “OFF” POSITION TO SHUT DOWN CONDUCTORS OUTSIDE THE ARRAY. CONDUCTORS IN ARRAY REMAIN ENERGIZED IN SUNLIGHT.

The title “SOLAR PV SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH RAPID SHUTDOWN” shall utilize capitalized characters with a minimum height of 9.5 mm (3∕8 in.) in white on red background, and the remaining characters shall be capitalized with a minimum height of 4.8 mm (3∕16 in.) in black on white background. [See Figure 690.56(C)(1)(b).] The labels in 690.56(C)(1)(a) and (b) shall include a simple diagram of a building with a roof. The diagram shall have sections in red to signify sections of the PV system that are not shut down when the rapid shutdown switch is operated.
The rapid shutdown label in 690.56(C)(1) shall be located on or no more than 1 m (3 ft) from the service disconnecting means to which the PV systems are connected and shall indicate the location of all identified rapid shutdown switches if not at the same location.
(1) (2) Buildings with More Than One Rapid Shutdown Type. For buildings that have PV systems with both more than one rapid shutdown types or a PV systems with a no rapid shutdown type and a PV system with no rapid shutdown, a detailed plan view diagram of the roof shall be provided showing each different PV system and with a dotted line around areas that remain energized after the rapid shutdown switch is operated initiated.
(2) (3) Rapid Shutdown Switch. A rapid shutdown switch shall have a label that includes the following wording located on or no more than 1 m (3 ft) from the switch that includes the following wording:

RAPID SHUTDOWN SWITCH FOR SOLAR PV SYSTEM

The label shall be reflective, with all letters capitalized and having a minimum height of 9.5 mm (3∕8 in.), in white on red background. FIGURE 690.56(C)(1)(b) Label for PV Systems that Shut Down the Conductors Leaving the Array Only.