f

You are here

600.34, 600.2 Photovoltaic (PV) Powered Sign

New

Change Summary

  • A new definition for Photovoltaic (PV Powered) Sign was added to 600.2 and new provisions for PV powered signs were added to Article 600 at 600.34.
NEC® Text

600.2 Definitions.
Photovoltaic (PV) Powered Sign. A complete sign powered by solar energy consisting of all components and subassemblies for installation either as an off-grid standalone, on-grid interactive, or non-grid interactive system.

600.34 Photovoltaic (PV) Powered Sign. All field wiring of components and subassemblies for an off-grid stand-alone, ongrid interactive, or non-grid interactive PV installation shall be installed in accordance with Article 690, as applicable, 600.34, and the PV powered sign installation instructions.

(A) Equipment. Inverters, motor generators, PV modules, PV panels, ac PV modules, dc combiners, dc-ac converters, and charge controllers intended for use in PV powered sign systems shall be listed for PV application.

(B) Wiring. Wiring from a photovoltaic panel or wiring external to the PV sign body shall be:
(1) Listed, labeled, and suitable for photovoltaic applications
(2) Routed to closely follow the sign body or enclosure
(3) As short as possible and secured at intervals not exceeding 0.91 m (3 ft)
(4) Protected where subject to physical damage

(C) Flexible Cords and Cables. Flexible cords and cables shall comply with Article 400 and be identified as extra hard usage, rated for outdoor use, and water and sunlight resistant.

(D) Grounding. Grounding a PV powered sign shall comply with Article 690, Part V and 600.7.

(E) Disconnecting Means. The disconnecting means for a PV powered sign shall comply with Article 690, Part III and 600.6.

(F) Battery Compartments. Battery compartments shall require a tool to open.

Copyright© 2016 National Fire Protection Association
(See NEC for complete text)

Expert Analysis

The installation rules for a PV system are found in Article 690. Requirements for these PV powered signs located in Article 600, a new 600.34 was added for the 2017 NEC pertaining to field wiring and installations of PV powered signs. A new definition for a Photovoltaic (PV Powered) Sign was added to 600.2 in Article 600. Signs powered by a PV system will require special installation instructions and a new 600.34 will provide these installation instructions in addition to the appropriate application rules of Article 690.

The rules in 600.34 are intended to harmonize with Article 600, Article 690, and the end use of PV powered signs constructed in accordance with UL 48. Self-contained, stand-alone PV powered signs operating at or below Class 2 voltages are considered safe from electrical shock the same as any other Class 2 circuits (see 725.2 for a definition of Class 2 circuits). UL 48 does not require bonding or grounding for self-contained off-grid PV powered signs operating within the limits of Class 2 voltages. A self-contained off-grid PV powered sign having the photovoltaic panel as part of the sign is not required to be grounded or to comply with the bonding requirements [see 600.7(B)(1) Exception and UL 48. 4.4.12.19].

Browse by Application

Related Products