Rapid Shutdown Solar Panels Requirements

Nec 2014 pv rapid shutdown requirements were added to nec 2014 690 12 to improve electrical and fire safety hazards for first responders.

Rapid shutdown solar panels requirements.

It is against metropolitan and municipal fire code for solar systems connected to the grid to stay turned on when the grid is down which demands the need for a rapid shut down mechanism in solar panels. In 2014 it could shut it down to the area up to 10 from the solar array and more than 5 of entering a building. System conductors may remain energized even after the electrical service disconnect has been opened. In all the discussions i see about the issue of rapid shutdown the focus of attention is on the array and mleps.

However this isn t what happens and for good reason. Rapid shutdown is a simple to intall low cost rapid shut down systems designed to work with 2014 as well as 2017 nec from sol ark. Nec 2017 also requires that products designed for rapid shutdown be listed according to a relevant industry test standard such as ul 1741. After nec 2014 took effect equipment suppliers responded one by one with proprietary solutions to help their customers meet array level rapid shutdown requirements.