690.31(G)(3) & (4) Marking and Labeling Required.
Code Change Summary: Changes were made to the marking required on PV power source raceways and enclosures.
A hazard exists if a service electrician, looking for a circuit to tie into, is unaware of DC PV source and output circuits on a building. In the previous NEC®, when DC PV source and output circuits were installed on a building, raceways, cable trays, box covers and conduit bodies with a spare entry containing these conductors had to be marked “Photovoltaic Power Source”.
In the 2014 NEC® the code sections with this language have been renumbered and a few changes were made.
Now, in the 2014 NEC®, the marking and labeling must say “WARNING: PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE”. This applies to:
- Exposed raceways, cable trays, and other wiring methods
- Covers or enclosures of pull boxes and junction boxes
- Conduit bodies in which any of the available conduit openings are unused
This marking requirement was also modified in 690.31(G)(4) to require the labels to be reflective, and all letters capitalized. The height of the letters shall be a minimum height of 3⁄8 in. and be white on a red background.
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).
2011 Code Language:
690.31(E)(3) Marking or Labeling Required. The following wiring methods and enclosures that contain PV power source conductors shall be marked with the wording “Photovoltaic Power Source” by means of permanently affixed labels or other approved permanent marking:
(1) Exposed raceways, cable trays, and other wiring methods
(2) Covers or enclosures of pull boxes and junction boxes
(3) Conduit bodies in which any of the available conduit openings are unused.
690.31(E)(4) Marking and Labeling Methods and Locations. The labels or markings shall be visible after installation. Photovoltaic power circuit labels shall appear on every section of the wiring system that is separated by enclosures, walls, partitions, ceilings, or floors. Spacing between labels or markings, or between a label and a marking, shall not be more than 3 m (10 ft). Labels required by this section shall be suitable for the environment where they are installed.
2014 Code Language:
690.31(G)(3) Marking and Labeling Required. The following wiring methods and enclosures that contain PV power source conductors shall be marked with the wording WARNING: PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE by means of permanently affixed labels or other approved permanent marking:
(1) Exposed raceways, cable trays, and other wiring methods
(2) Covers or enclosures of pull boxes and junction boxes
(3) Conduit bodies in which any of the available conduit openings are unused.
690.31(G)(4) Marking and Labeling Methods and Locations. The labels or markings shall be visible after installation. The labels shall be reflective, and all letters shall be capitalized and shall be a minimum height of 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) in white on a red background. PV power circuit labels shall appear on every section of the wiring system that is separated by enclosures, walls, partitions, ceilings, or floors. Spacing between labels or markings, or between a label and a marking, shall not be more than 3 m (10 ft). Labels required by this section shall be suitable for the environment where they are installed.