Alternative to Ground Mount Fence?

[green]

I guess what I'm saying is... are there any exposed electronics in the eyes of an inspector with this system?

Again you would have to check, but in my opinion if a person or more importantly a child can grab those wires, that would be considered exposed wiring. Maybe your local AHJ would accept it if they were contained within conduit.

Green

[inetdog]

So how are we meant to be doing our christmas lights?

Simple: Run underground wire from one or more GFCI-protected circuit breakers to individual rigidly mounted weathertight outlet boxes with in-use weather protection covers and then plug your lights directly into those outlets without using extension cords.

I am not saying that is reasonable, just what is pretty likely to be accepted by any inspector and to meet the actual useage instructions of all of the lights, displays and cords.

Oh, and just for the record, many of the strings of lights which are UL approved for outdoor use are still not allowed to be used "in wet conditions." Figure that one out!

And almost anything you plug in and expose to the rain will end up tripping your GFCI anyway.

[chrissilich]

Which would not be acceptable to an inspector if they had any jurisdiction over it!

So how are we meant to be doing our christmas lights?

[chrissilich]

You need to prevent anyone from being able to access the exposed electronics.

Exactly my point. I haven't researched the other ones, but the Helios ones have only UL listed cables (for whatever that's worth) and the connectors are all a custom type that you screw together with a screwdriver. The trunk cable (as they call it) goes into a junction box, and you use conduit to get it to the house. A child or vandal could come along with a cutting tool, sure, but again, they could do that to my christmas lights right now. Hell, it would be easier to unplug the christmas lights and jam something metal in the outlet. I guess what I'm saying is... are there any exposed electronics in the eyes of an inspector with this system?

Helios's special connector:

http://www.heliossolarworks.com/Portals/132436/docs/solsimple%20install%20manual.pdf

EDIT: sorry for highjacking the thread here guys.

[inetdog]

Anyone know if you need a fence around a system based on AC modules, which use UL listed cables? It seems to me like this would be no more dangerous than leaving an extension cable outside for the christmas lights.

Which would not be acceptable to an inspector if they had any jurisdiction over it!

In addition to the possibility of exposing passers-by (trespassers, even) to dangerous voltages, there is still the issue of damage, accidental or otherwise, to the wiring, thereby creating a dangerous situation.

The only final answer to your question is what you local AHJ will approve. That varies even when the same version of the NEC is used, without local amendments, by different jurisdictions.

[green]

Anyone know if you need a fence around a system based on AC modules, which use UL listed cables? It seems to me like this would be no more dangerous than leaving an extension cable outside for the christmas lights.

You would have to check with your local authorities. I think more than the type of power leaving the array, the problem is the exposed wires and inverters on the back of the panels. You need to prevent anyone from being able to access the exposed electronics.

Green

[chrissilich]

AC modules

Anyone know if you need a fence around a system based on AC modules, which use UL listed cables? It seems to me like this would be no more dangerous than leaving an extension cable outside for the christmas lights.

[Szumlanski]

Florida Glass

Some AHJs done require a fence around the array. In Southwest Florida, in some jurisdictions, a product called "Florida Glass" can be used to either surround the back of the array or to cover the back of the panels. Florida glass is just vinyl laminated fiberglass screen material. It is very tough, and used for privacy on screened enclosures or along the bottom of enclosures where mowers often tear regular screens with blown debris. If that is not acceptable, chicken wire, hog wire, welded wire, or chain link are common steel materials used. Heavy hedges can be used for aesthetic purposes, but this undoubtedly will not pass for protection purposes if your building department requires it.

Jason Szumlanski

[jonson07]

Hi dear today i read this topic it's really nice and informative i would like to share with you something which is that I have an in-ground pool with a square concrete pad around it. I want to get a black aluminum fence around it, and mount it ONTO the concrete at the edge. Is it OK to do this??

Good old fashioned family Service

[green]

Here's a question...

If the yard is completely fenced in do you still need a fence around a ground mounted array? I'm assuming yes.

[mapmaker]

I've been trying to find an alternative to installing an ugly chain link fence around our ground mount installs.

One alternative is to have the panels 8 ft off the ground. That is considered inaccessible. Probably easiest to do with a pole mount.
....mapmaker

[cvinal007]

Alternative for Fencing

that appears to be Snap n rack
The channels can be used as a raceway and they make a cover for it.
Put all the wires in the raceway closest to the junction boxes and use the cover. exit above the 8' mark if possible.

Just another friendly post, in order to download attachments. I'm having the same problem, for I have clients who would very much like to have a ground mount system, but do not want the ugly chain link fence around the array.

[Modelmaker]

In the past, in certain areas, we have been able to get away with simply attaching chicken wire to the back of the array to keep things inaccessible, unsightly...Yes, however it is fairly inexpensive.

[Rbh110]

One solution I haxe seen..

Is similar to what you were suggesting.
A local company uses plastic (vinyl/polymer) lattice fencing -the one with the smallest openings, maybe a bit over 1 inch. The material is a little under 1/4" thick and comes in 4x8' sheets. They simply screw the fencing to the back of the rails with ss screws and washers to help secure and cover the wires/prevent access.

This has passed inspection in a few towns in MA, and MA is big on rules and regulations...

Ymmv.

[eds]

Alternative to fencing

that appears to be Snap n rack
The channels can be used as a raceway and they make a cover for it.
Put all the wires in the raceway closest to the junction boxes and use the cover. exit above the 8' mark if possible.

Just a friendly post, in order to download attachments. I'm having the same problem in trying to keep the electrical inspector happy for a ground mounted system without having to fence it in.