“Rapid shutdown” of PV systems on buildings ensures that the PV system can be quickly shut down before first responders begin neutralizing a fire and venting the roof. Cutting into a roof with PV circuits below the surface can create a shock hazard for the fire personnel.

Rapid shutdown has not always been required in the NEC^®. Some buildings have an existing PV system that was installed before the rules on rapid shutdown ever existed. In the event that additional PV modules are added to a building with an existing PV system, Oregon has a solution. See amended code language below:

690.12 Rapid Shutdown of PV Systems on Buildings.

PV system circuits installed on or in buildings shall include a rapid shutdown function to reduce shock hazard for emergency responders in accordance with 690.12(A) through (D). Where an addition to an existing system(s) on or in a building is installed, a rapid shutdown function shall be provided for the existing system(s) on or in the building. The provisions of 690.12(B)(2) shall not apply to the existing system(s).

Oregon amendments to the 2023 NEC^® are located in “Table 1-E” of the Oregon Electrical Specialty Code (OESC) which can be seen using the following link or the OESC PDF file located near the bottom of the screen: 2023 OESC