Mike Holt’s Illustrated Guide to

Directory, Identification, Label, Marking,

Plaque, and Sign Requirements for
SOLAR PV SYSTEMS
Extracted From
Mike Holt’s Illustrated Guide to
Understanding NEC ® Requirements for Solar Photovoltaic Systems

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COPYRIGHT © 2011 Charles Michael Holt 11.29.11
 ARTICLE

690 Solar Photovoltaic

(PV) Systems
Introduction to Article 690—Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
You’ve seen, or maybe own, photocell-powered devices such as night lights, car coolers, and toys. These generally consist of a small solar
panel and a small light or motor. Typically, these run on less than 10V dc and draw only a fraction of an ampere. These kinds of devices are
very different from a system that can power a house or interconnect with a utility to offset a building’s energy consumption.

Consider the sheer size and weight of solar modules for providing electrical power to a building. You’re looking at mechanical and site selec-
tion issues that may require specialized expertise. The value of these modules also means there are security issues to consider, which may
require more than just installing locks. There are also civil and architectural issues to address.

In summary, these installations are complicated and require expertise in several non-electrical areas, which the NEC doesn’t address.

Article 690 focuses on reducing the electrical hazards that may arise from installing and operating a solar photovoltaic system, to the point
where it can be considered safe for property and people. This article consists of eight Parts, but the general requirements of Chapters 1
through 4 apply to these installations, except as specifically modified by Article 690.

Part I. General
690.1 Scope.
Article 690 applies to photovoltaic (PV) electrical energy systems,
array circuit(s), inverter(s), and charge controller(s) for PV systems,
which may be interactive with other electrical power sources (elec-
tric utility) or stand-alone with or without energy storage (batteries).
Figures 690–1 and 690–2

Figure 690–2

690.4 Installation.
(B) Identification and Grouping. PV system conductors, both dc and
ac, can be installed in the same raceways, outlet and junction boxes,
or similar fittings with each other, but must be kept entirely indepen-
dent of non-PV system wiring conductors. Figure 690–22

Figure 690–1

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 Directory, Identification, Label, Marking, Plaque, and Sign Requirements for Solar PV Systems

Ex: Identification of different systems isn’t required where conductor

identification is evident by spacing or arrangement.

(F) Circuit Routing. PV source and output conductors must be

routed along building structural members (beams, rafters, trusses,
and columns) where the location of those structural members can be
determined by observation. The location of PV source and output con-
ductors imbedded in built-up, laminate, or membrane roofing mate-
rials in areas not covered by PV modules and associated equipment
must be clearly marked.

(H) Multiple Inverters. Where multiple utility-interactive inverters are

located remote from each other, a directory is required at each dc PV
system disconnecting means, at each ac disconnecting means, and at
the main service disconnecting means showing the location of all ac
Figure 690–22 and dc PV system disconnecting means in the building/structure.

Ex: A directory isn’t required where all PV system disconnecting

PV system conductors must be identified by separate color coding, means are grouped at the service disconnecting means.
marking tape, tagging, or other approved means and grouped as
follows: 690.5 Ground-Fault Protection. PV systems must have
ground-fault protection to reduce fire hazards. Figure 690–27
(1) PV Source Circuits. Identified at points of termination, connec-
tion, and splices.

(2) PV Output and Inverter Circuits. Identified at points of termina-

tion, connection, and splices.

(3) Multiple Systems. Conductors of each system must be identified

at termination, connection, and splice points. Figure 690–23

Figure 690–27

(C) Labels and Markings. A warning label must be on the utility-

interactive inverter stating the following: Figure 690–28

WARNING ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD—IF A GROUND

Figure 690–23 FAULT IS INDICATED, NORMALLY GROUNDED
CONDUCTORS MAY BE UNGROUNDED AND ENERGIZED

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 Directory, Identification, Label, Marking, Plaque, and Sign Requirements for Solar PV Systems

Figure 690–28 Figure 690–71

(4) A permanent plaque identifying the locations of the service and

Caution: The label must resist the environment for 25 to
inverter ac disconnect(s) must be placed at service and inverter
40 years of system use and be suitable for the environment
ac disconnect(s) locations.
and be installed so as not to void equipment listing [110.3(B)].
When plastic is used, it should not be placed in direct sun-
690.15 PV Equipment Disconnect. PV equipment must
light, unless specifically manufactured as sunlight resistant; a
have a disconnecting means that opens all ungrounded circuit con-
metallic engraved sign would be best.
ductors from all sources of power. Where equipment is energized
from more than one source, such as an inverter supplied by dc cur-
rent input from the array and ac current output to the utility source,
Part II. Circuit Requirements a disconnecting means is required for each and both dc and ac dis-
690.10 Stand-Alone Systems. connects must be grouped together and each permanently marked to
identify their purpose. Figure 690–73
(C) Single 120V Supply. The battery based inverter output is per-
mitted to supply a 120V single-phase, 3-wire, 120/240V distribution
panel marked with the following words or equivalent:

WARNING — SINGLE 120-VOLT SUPPLY DO NOT

CONNECT MULTIWIRE BRANCH CIRCUITS

Part III. Disconnecting Means

690.14 PV System Disconnecting Means.
(C) Requirements for Disconnecting Means. The PV system discon-
nect must open all ungrounded conductors.

(2) Marking. Each PV system disconnect must be permanently

marked to identify it as the PV system disconnect. Figure 690–71

(D) Inverter Disconnects. Where utility-interactive inverters are not Figure 690–73
readily accessible, dc and ac circuit disconnecting means is requires
as follows:

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 Directory, Identification, Label, Marking, Plaque, and Sign Requirements for Solar PV Systems
690.16 Disconnecting Means for Fuses
(B) PV Output Circuit. A disconnecting means must be provided for
PV output circuits. Where the disconnecting means is more than 6 ft
from the fuse, a directory indicating the location of the fuse discon-
nect must be at the fuse location. Figure 690–75
Figure 690–75
Nonload-break fuse pullouts or holders must be marked “Do not open
under load. Figure 690–76
Figure 690–76
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690.17 Disconnect Requirement. Disconnects must be a
manually operable switch or circuit breaker meeting all of the following:
(4)For dc disconnects where line and load terminals will be energized
when the switch is in the open position, a warning sign must be
placed on or adjacent to the disconnect such as: Figure 690–78
Figure 690–78
WARNING—ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD DO NOT TOUCH
TERMINALS—TERMINALS ON BOTH THE LINE AND LOAD
SIDES MAY BE ENERGIZED IN THE OPEN POSITION
Part IV. Wiring Methods
690.31 Wiring Methods.
(E) Circuits Inside Buildings/Structures.
(3) Marking/Labeling. Wiring methods and enclosures containing PV
dc conductors must be marked “Photovoltaic Power Source” by labels
or other approved permanent marking means. Figure 690–87
(4) Marking /Labeling Methods. The marking required by 690.31(E)
(3) must be visible after installation and appear on every section of
the wiring system separated by enclosures, walls, partitions, ceilings,
or floors. Spacing between labels/marking must not be more than 10
ft and labels must be suitable for the environment. Figure 690–88
690.35 Ungrounded Systems. PV power systems are per-
mitted to be ungrounded if they comply with the following:
4
 Directory, Identification, Label, Marking, Plaque, and Sign Requirements for Solar PV Systems

(1) Rated maximum power-point current (Imp x number of combined

paralleled source circuits).

(2) Rated maximum power-point voltage (Vmp x number of modules

in each source circuit).

(3) Maximum system voltage (Voc).

Note: See 690.7(A) for maximum photovoltaic system voltage

calculation.

(4) Short-Circuit Current (Isc x 1.25).

Note: See 690.8(A) for maximum circuit current calculation.

Author’s Comment: The values for maximum power-point cur-

rent (Imp), maximum power-point voltage (Vmp), open circuit
Figure 690–87 voltage (Voc), and short-circuit current (Isc) are indicated on the
manufactures specifications sheet for the modules used for the
system.

(5) Maximum rated output current of the charge controller (if installed)

Example: Determine the DC PV power source information

needed for the PV power source label based on the following:
array consists of twenty-three 200W modules, 11.05 Imp, 18.10
Vmp, 22.60 Voc (at 7°C), and 11.80 Isc. Figure 690–111

(1) Rated Maximum Power-Point Current (Imp)

Imp = Module Rated Imp × Number of Strings in Parallel
Imp = 11.05A × 1
Imp = 11.05A

(2) Rated Maximum Power-Point Voltage (Vmp)

Figure 690–88 Vmp = Module Vmp × Number of Modules per String
Vmp = 18.10V × 23 = 416V
(F) Labeled. The PV power source must be labeled with the following (3) Maximum System Voltage (Voc)
warning at every junction box and termination point: PV Voc = Module Voc × Table 690.7 Correction Factor × #
Modules per String
WARNING—ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD THE DC PV Voc = 22.60 Voc × 1.14 × 23 modules
CONDUCTORS OF THIS PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM PV Voc = 593V
ARE UNGROUNDED AND MAY BE ENERGIZED.
(4) Short-Circuit Current (Isc)
Isc = Module Isc × 1.25 × Number of Strings in Parallel
Isc = (11.80A × 1.25) × 1
Part VI. Marking Isc = 14.75A

690.53 Direct-Current PV Power Source. A permanent

label must be applied by the installer at the PV dc disconnect indicating:

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 Directory, Identification, Label, Marking, Plaque, and Sign Requirements for Solar PV Systems
Figure 690–111
690.54 Interactive System. The point of connection of the PV
system to ac power must be marked with the rated ac output current
and nominal operating ac voltage. Figure 690–112
Figure 690–112
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Example: What’s the rated ac output current for a utility-inter-
active inverter rated 5 kW at 120/240V supplied by twenty-three
dc modules each rated 200W?
Inverter Rated ac Output Current = Inverter kW rating/
Nominal ac Voltage
Inverter Rated ac Output Current = 5,000W/240V
Inverter Rated ac output current = 20.83A at 240V
Author’s Comment: Panelboards containing ac inverter circuit
breakers must be field-marked to indicate the presence of multi-
ple ac power sources [705.12(D)(4)].
690.56 Identification of Power Sources.
(A) Facilities with Stand-Alone Systems. Any building/struc-
ture with a stand-alone PV system (not connected to a utility power)
must have a permanent plaque placed on the exterior of the building/
structure at a readily visible location that is acceptable to the author-
ity having jurisdiction. The plaque must indicate the location of the
stand-alone PV system disconnecting means and that the structure
contains a stand-alone electrical power system.
(B) Facilities with Utility Power and PV System. Buildings/struc-
tures containing both utility power and a PV system must have a per-
manent plaque placed at the service and PV system ac disconnecting
means identifying the location of the other system if not located at the
same location. Figure 690–113
Figure 690–113
6
 ARTICLE

705 Interconnected Electric

Power Production Sources
Introduction to ARTICLE 705—Interconnected Electric Power Production Sources
Anytime there’s more than one source of power production at the same building or structure, safety issues arise. In cases where a power
production source such as a generator is used strictly for standby power, the NEC requires transfer switches and other safety considerations
as covered in Articles 700, 701, or 702 depending on whether the standby power is legally required or optional. When interactive electri-
cal power production sources such as wind powered generators, solar photovoltaic systems, or fuel cells are present, there usually isn’t a
transfer switch. In fact, it can be expected that there will be more than one source of electrical supply connected simultaneously. This can
raise many questions regarding how to maintain a satisfactory level of safety when more than one power source is present.

Article 705 answers these and other questions related to power sources that operate in parallel with a primary source. Typically, a primary
source is the utility supply, but it can be an on-site source instead.

Note: Primary sources of electricity include a utility supply and

Part I. General
705.1 Scope. Article 705 covers the installation of electric power
production sources (photovoltaic, wind, micro-hydro generators, etc)
operating in parallel with a primary source(s) of electricity. Figure
705-1
on-site electric power sources like photovoltaic or wind powered
systems.
705.10 Directory. A permanent plaque or directory denoting
all electric power sources on or in the premises must be installed at
each service equipment location and all interconnected electric power
production sources.

705.12 Point of Connection.

(D) Load Side. Where distribution equipment is capable of supplying
multiple branch circuits or feeders or both, the interconnecting pro-
visions for the utility-interactive inverter(s) must comply with (D)(1)
through (D)(7).

(4) Marking. Panelboards containing ac inverter circuit breakers

must be field-marked to indicate the presence of multiple ac power
sources such as: Figure 705-15

(7) Inverter Output Connection. Where distribution equipment

is capable of supplying multiple branch circuits or feeders, the ac
inverter circuit breaker must be located at the opposite end from the
input feeder supply conductors. Figure 705-18
Figure 705–1

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 Directory, Identification, Label, Marking, Plaque, and Sign Requirements for Solar PV Systems

Where distribution equipment is capable of supplying multiple branch

circuits or feeders, a permanent warning label on panelboard is
required to warn that the inverter output connection circuit breaker
must not be relocated: Figure 705-19

Figure 705–15

Figure 705–19

WARNING—INVERTER OUTPUT CONNECTION

DO NOT RELOCATE CIRCUIT BREAKER

Figure 705–18

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