ABSTRACT
The rapid shutdown requirements of the National Electric Code (NEC) first appeared in the 2014 NEC and have changed quite a bit in the 2017 NEC. The rapid shutdown initiation device when in the off position shall indicate that rapid shutdown has been initiated. Where multiple Photovoltaic (PV) systems with rapid shutdown are installed on a single service, the initiation devices shall consist of no more than six switches or circuit breakers in a single enclosure or group of enclosures. Where auxiliary initiation devices are installed, they shall control all PV systems with rapid shutdown on that service. An example of an auxiliary initiation device could be a fire alarm system. Equipment that performs rapid shutdown, other than initiation devices, such as disconnect switches, circuit breakers or control switches, shall be listed for providing rapid shutdown protection. The PV system disconnecting means can be a rapid shutdown initiation device.
