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Friday, December 8, 2023

Question:

Hello Charlie, regarding NEC 706.15(E) / NEC 480.7(C) Disconnection of Battery Series Battery Circuits. I was wondering if you had any items of reference for what a “non-load-break bolted, or plug-in disconnect” would be as to satisfy the code requirement. Would a non-fused safety switch satisfy this requirement or does the disconnecting means need to match the ampacity of the overcurrent protection? Is a twist-lock cord acceptable? I have tried contacting the battery manufacturer but didn’t receive an answer other than contact the local AHJ. Please let me know if you can answer this question, or possibly provide another reference I can contact. Thanks, Cameron P

A

Answer:

Hello Cameron and thank you for your submission. The NEC® in general will not provide a specific product or equipment design type, as the NEC® is not intended as a design specification manual. Section 706.15(E)(1)-(4) provides the requirements for disconnection means for batteries that are separate from the energy storage system and subject to field servicing. The disconnecting means device used to accomplish this is up to the designer and/or the installer. Whatever device is selected it must comply with not only the requirements specified in Section 706.15(E)(1)-(4), but any applicable general requirements like ratings and sizing in accordance with Chapters 1-4 of the NEC® as well.

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SUBMIT YOUR CODE QUESTION: Click here to submit a question to for inclusion in an upcoming edition of the Code Question of the Day, or email codequestion@necanet.org. 

CHARLIE TROUT: Charles M. Trout, better known as Charlie, was a nationally known NEC® expert and author. He served on several NEC® technical committees and is past chairman of CMP-12. In 2006 Charlie was awarded the prestigious Coggeshall Award for outstanding contributions to the electrical contracting industry, codes and standards development, and technical training. Even though Charlie passed away in October of 2015, his work continues in spirit. NECA continues to maintain this question forum for its many subscribers in memory and recognition of all his significant contributions to making the NEC what it is today.

NECA STANDARDS: NECA publishes the National Electrical Installation Standards™ (NEIS™), a series of ANSI-approved performance and quality standards for electrical construction. NEIS can be purchased in the NECA Store in three formats: a printed or  PDF download of a standard or, as an  annual subscription service.

NECA SAFETY PRODUCTS & PUBLICATIONS: NECA produces electrical safety publications and products for the industry including jobsite safety guides, handbooks and resource kits. View a full listing of available resources and products »

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Unless the question requests a response based on a specific edition, all answers are based on the latest edition of NFPA 70® National Electrical Code®.

This correspondence is not a formal interpretation of the NEC® and any responses expressed to the questions are opinions and do not necessarily represent the official position of NECA, NFPA, the NEC Correlating Committee any Code-making panel or other electrical technical committee. In addition, this correspondence is neither intended, nor should it be relied upon, to provide professional consultation or services. 

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