690.56(C) Buildings with Rapid Shutdown.
Code Change Summary: The labeling requirements for rapid shutdown systems have been expanded.
Correct labeling for PV systems equipped with rapid shutdown is critical for first responders during the type of emergency that warrants the need to de-energize the PV system. Rapid shutdown labeling in the 2014 NEC® left a lot of gray area. The labeling was required but there was nothing in the NEC® specifying where the label should be located.
In the 2017 NEC®, the labeling requirements have been made more specific and two new labeling illustrations were added.
Now, the language required on the rapid shutdown label is based on whether the rapid shutdown system de-energizes the actual array and the conductors leaving the array or just the conductors leaving the array.
As well, the labeling must include a simple diagram of a building with a roof. The diagram shall have sections in red to signify sections of the PV system that are not shut down when the rapid shutdown switch is operated.
For buildings that have PV systems with both rapid shutdown types, or a PV system with a rapid shutdown type and a PV system with no rapid shutdown, a detailed plan view diagram of the roof shall be provided showing each different PV system and a dotted line around areas that remain energized after the rapid shutdown switch is operated.
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2017 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.
2014 Code Language:
690.56(C) Facilities with Rapid Shutdown. Buildings or structures with both utility service and a PV system, complying with 690.12, shall have a permanent plaque or directory including the following wording:
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM EQUIPPED WITH RAPID SHUTDOWN
The plaque or directory shall be reflective, with all letters capitalized and having a minimum height of 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.), in white on red background.
2017 Code Language:
690.56(C) Buildings with Rapid Shutdown. Buildings with PV systems shall have permanent labels as described in 690.56(C) (1) through (C)(3).
N (1) Rapid Shutdown Type. The type of PV system rapid shutdown shall be labeled as described in 690.56(C)(1)(a) or (1)(b):
(a) For PV systems that shut down the array and conductors leaving the array:
SOLAR PV SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH RAPID SHUTDOWN. TURN RAPID SHUTDOWN SWITCH TO THE “OFF” POSITION TO SHUT DOWN PV SYSTEM AND REDUCE SHOCK HAZARD IN ARRAY.
The title “SOLAR PV SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH RAPID SHUTDOWN” shall utilize capitalized characters with a minimum height of 9.5 mm (3∕8 in.) in black on yellow background, and the remaining characters shall be capitalized with a minimum height of 4.8 mm (3∕16 in.) in black on white background. [See Figure 690.56(C)(1)(a).]
(b) For PV systems that only shut down conductors leaving the array:
SOLAR PV SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH RAPID SHUTDOWN TURN RAPID SHUTDOWN SWITCH TO THE “OFF” POSITION TO SHUT DOWN CONDUCTORS OUTSIDE THE ARRAY. CONDUCTORS IN ARRAY REMAIN ENERGIZED IN SUNLIGHT.
The title “SOLAR PV SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH RAPID SHUTDOWN” shall utilize capitalized characters with a minimum height of 9.5 mm (3∕8 in.) in white on red background, and the remaining characters shall be capitalized with a minimum height of 4.8 mm (3∕16 in.) in black on white background. [See Figure 690.56(C)(1)(b).]
See actual NEC® for remainder of code section.