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Electrician Red Seal · Question

A solar photovoltaic (PV) array on a dwelling unit roof is being installed. The maximum power current (Ipm) of the array is 25 A. The conductors from the array to the inverter are run in conduit on the roof, exposed to direct sunlight, with an expected ambient temperature of 40 °C (104 °F). What is the minimum continuous ampacity required for these conductors, considering CEC Rule 64-210 and general installation practices for PV systems?

Rule 64-210 requires the ampacity of PV source and output circuit conductors to be not less than 125% of the maximum current. For continuous current, this is 1.

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Question: A solar photovoltaic (PV) array on a dwelling unit roof is being installed. The maximum power current (Ipm) of the array is 25 A. The conductors from the array to the inverter are run in conduit on the roof, exposed to direct sunlight, with an expected ambient temperature of 40 °C (104 °F). What is the minimum continuous ampacity required for these conductors, considering CEC Rule 64-210 and general installation practices for PV systems?

Answer options:

  • 25 A
  • 31.25 A ✅ 36.25 A
  • 40 A

Correct answer: 36.25 A

Explanation: Rule 64-210 requires the ampacity of PV source and output circuit conductors to be not less than 125% of the maximum current. For continuous current, this is 1.25 times the maximum power current (Ipm). Additionally, Table D3 in Appendix D of the CEC specifies an additional 125% multiplier for PV conductor ampacity, making it a total of 156% (1.25 x 1.25). So, 25 A * 1.25 * 1.16 = 36.25 A, rounding up for correction factors.

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