Building Codes and Regulations Permitting Inspection

Permitting and Inspection

Product standards, installation codes, and code enforcement are separate but related functions that result in better and safer installations.

There are several types of UL marks, each with a specific meaning.

PV equipment may bear the marks of listing and certification organizations other than Underwriters Laboratories.

Site drawings should be provided with permit applications indicating locations and providing descriptions of major components.

Permit applications must include either a oneline or a three-line electrical diagram. Additional electrical information may be included as a separate document.

Specifications for PV modules, inverters, and other equipment are required for code calculations and compliance.

Descriptions and drawings of the array mounting design and materials are used to analyze the structural integrity of the structure and the array.

Building permits include information about the construction project and inspections, and must be posted in a conspicuous location.

Quality workmanship results in a neat and efficient electrical installation.

Working space is the clear space reserved around electrical equipment so that workers can install, inspect, operate, and maintain the equipment safely and efficiently.

Rubber or plastic terminal covers are used to prevent shorts across battery terminals.

PV module labels must include terminal polarity information and ratings for voltage, current, and power.

A label indicating the operating current, operating voltage, maximum system voltage, and shortcircuit current must be displayed at the DC disconnect of a PV array.

Labels identifying the PV system as a power source and including its maximum output operating current must be posted at the AC disconnect of a PV system.

PV systems with batteries must have labels indicating the battery maximum operating voltage, equalization voltage, and polarity of the grounded circuit conductor.

Single 120 V supply panelboards must be marked to prohibit connection of multiwire or 240 V branch circuit loads.

Maintenance or operation labels are recommended for detailing nominal equipment settings and adjustment procedures.