Do i need a dedicated conduit? - Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum

Lithium · 09-25-2009, 01:03 PM

Hi,

We are building a canopy with the solar on top. Canopy has two sides and there is a cavity between them. This cavity to be used for gutter. The combiner box where we combine all our wires is on one side only. It means that we need to run our PV wires across this cavity under the gutter. See drawing part 1.
My question is: Can i run those wires exposed or i need to install the conduit? See drawing part 3. Drawing part 2 showing canopy view.

Thank you for your help.

rexowner · 09-25-2009, 03:23 PM

Well, 690.32(E) says, "When direct current photovoltaic
... circuits...are run inside a building or structure,
they shall be contained in metallic raceways or enclosures...
from the point of penetration of the surface of the building
or structure..."
(2005 NEC)
You could make a tortured argument about the meaning
of "inside", but IMO, it should be in conduit.

Lithium · 09-30-2009, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rexowner

Well, 690.32(E) says, "When direct current photovoltaic
... circuits...are run inside a building or structure,
they shall be contained in metallic raceways or enclosures...
from the point of penetration of the surface of the building
or structure..."
(2005 NEC)
You could make a tortured argument about the meaning
of "inside", but IMO, it should be in conduit.

Thank you.

rexowner · 09-30-2009, 05:27 PM

You're welcome, and thank you for helping me get close
to 100 posts.