National Electrical Installation Standards

Standards as High as Your Own

 
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Friday, November 10, 2023

Question:

Hello Charlie, is the equipment grounding conductor used for bonding solar racking, that is ultimately connected to the service grounding electrode conductor required to be continuous, without splices for its entire length, for an ungrounded microinverter rooftop solar PV system?  If so, which code section calls this out. Thank you! David Johnson
A

Answer:

Hi David, thanks for participating in the CQD. The Equipment Grounding Conductor is not required to be continuous without splices, but it must be sized and installed in accordance with Section 690.43, 690.45, and Part VII of Article 250.

The Grounding Electrode System/Conductor required for a PV system structure is required to be installed in accordance with Part III of Article 250, which includes Section 250.64(C) which requires the Grounding Electrode Conductor to be continuous without splice.

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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.

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