Self install on Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

[Hans Bergman]

I have always done my residential electrical work myself (with permit + inspection). Never had any problems. Now planning a net metering install, and I have some questions specifically with regard to ESA inspection (such as where to locate the rapid shut down box (on the roof?), can I install the inverter inside, and specific wording for placards on the equipment and the panel). Anybody any recent experience and/or photos that they want to share?

[Rob Beckers]

Hi Hans,

The RSD box goes on the roof, or very close to it. Code has a maximum distance (3 feet or 1 meter if I remember right, but it changed over the years). In practice it's easiest to put the RSD box under a bottom-corner panel, clamping it to the same rail the panels sit on.

I can send you a list of placards that are required, and you can have them made here: https://www.lamacoidplates.ca/
The owner is an ex-inspector, so he's also a good resource when it comes to figuring out what's needed etc.

The inverter can indeed go inside. We tried to keep everything outside when we still installed, but code has nothing against going inside. There are additional rules that apply, though going with Teck90 cable between RSD box and inverter takes care of most of that.

I can send you some pictures of installs too.

-RoB-

[Ralph Day]

You dropped out of the fun stuff Rob? Just sourcing? OUr loss.

jRalph

[Rob Beckers]

Yeah, we stopped installing years ago Ralph. Just not enough hours in the day. These days we do designs for home owners and installers, and supply parts all over Canada. Even with just that we can barely keep up.

-RoB-