HomeMy WebLinkAboutIndustry Bulletin 2017-004 2017 PV Systems
KERRI L. DONIS, CFO, EFO, MSOL
FIRE CHIEF
Theodore F. Semonious, Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal
Prevention and Technical Services Division
(559) 621-4181 FAX (559) 498-4323
Fresno Fire Department 911 H Street Fresno, CA 93721-3082
FIRE INDUSTRY BULLETIN 2017-004
SCOPE
Additional information related to photovoltaic power system (PVPS) plans preparation
and system installation for designers, contractors, engineers, and other stakeholders.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this industry bulletin is to remind and provide commentary to all
applicable stakeholders of the requirements of Fresno Municipal Code (FMC) Sections
10-5065.11.4/.5 related to PVPS’ within the City of Fresno and contract service areas.
These code sections include minimum required elements for plan review and installation
approval.
BACKGROUND
As noted in the California Fire Code (CFC), the fire code official has the authority to
modify code requirements they deem necessary based upon local conditions. These
include both plan submittals and required installation elements for all systems, including
PVPS.
To attempt to minimize some of the most common errors found on plans and field
installations, the Department has prepared this bulletin, and it is the Department’s intent
to continue to help stakeholders reduce the number of plans that have to be returned for
errors or omissions, and to help reduce the number of field inspections for all PVPS
installations.
INFORMATION
The adopted FMC sections (which are duplicated in the contract service area ordinance
adoptions with minor editorial changes that have no regulatory effect) are as follows:
FMC §605.11.4. Disconnect Locations. All photovoltaic solar power system
disconnecting means shall be enclosed in a minimum NEMA 3R box, and
shall be installed on the building's exterior in a readily accessible and
approved location, regardless of the actual number of disconnects
“To protect and put service above all else.”
FIRE INDUSTRY BULLETIN 2017-004
Page 2
required. Disconnects shall be located as close to the power system as
possible to reduce the length of energized wiring.
FMC §605.11.5 Disconnecting Equipment. All photovoltaic solar power
system disconnecting means, including rapid shutdown equipment, shall
be indicating, of an approved size and type, and shall be placed in an
approved position that is plainly visible to approaching fire department
personnel.
The term “indicating” as defined within these sections (only
related to PVPS disconnecting equipment) means that a method of
readily determining if the equipment is energized or not must be
provided.
Providing an “indication” via a lever or dial, does not in and of itself
meet the definition of “indicating” for section 605.11.5.
Numerous PVPS disconnecting equipment systems use a lever or
dial in various positions which designate the status of the
equipment, but these systems must also have some sort of signage
or labeling that indicates what position the level or dial is actually in
(i.e. “On – Off”/”Energized” – “Not Energized”).
Equipment that uses embossed, depressed, or raised lettering on
the housing or equipment which is the same color as the box or
housing does not meet the definition of indicating for this section
and thus is not compliant with the section.
Generally, using an indicating lever or dial and including a sign or
label directly adjacent to it that indicates what position the level or
dial is actually in (i.e. “On – Off”/”Energized” – “Not Energized)
would meet the “indicating” requirement.
Also of note is that all PVPS installed labeling must be of a
contrasting color (i.e. white lettering on a red background) and meet
size, fade resistance, etc. requirements.