I have a company that is planning on and is already installing Solar-Operated Centrifugal Surface Pumps for swimming pool applications. The system consists of 2 or more PV modules on the roof, a controller, and a DC pump.

Here's the problem. The solar PV modules are TUV listed and approved by the Florida Solar Energy Center. The pump and controller are manufactured by LORENTZ of Germany and DO NOT have a NRTL listing. However, the FSEC approved the use of these with the solar PV system.

So, I don;t want to approve the installation of the pump and controller without a listing. The installer wants me to accpet the fact hat it has a CE listing and was approved by the FSEC.

What say you...

Thanks...

Bryan - In the end I think you are the AHJ and able to accept the installation. I personally would feel comfortable if the state commission recognizes the system. Truly could go either way but if they have been listed by at least some testing lab why not?

I believe that under current federal law, it requires a SYSTEM listing.

I would not accept it. And then I would provide the contractor with several companies that could field - list the system.

If you don't do that, this "system" may pop up everywhere, like dandelions, and then you will be in a situation where you approved something that really wasn't meant to be approved in that manner. And it will fester, and multiply.

Me, I don't like things that fester and multiply. It needs the right system label on it.

Bryan, I agree with Nick, it needs a listing by an NRTL and we all know CE is not that. I wouldn't accept anything approved by FSEC as they are not a NRTL.

Thanks guys, I agree!

Good Morning Bryan, I agree with Nick and Paul, that equipment needs a NRTL listing, we all know that CE is a self examination, and seen too much that is unsafe,

Thanks for the re-inforcement!

Bryan I agree also...execpt I want to point out one item:

As you can see testing from a NRTL is not required by code....you as the authority may approve equipment or material without a NRTL. Of course we all require NRTL testing so that we don't have to take the responsibility.

Thanks Mike.

My problem is that the system is mostly self-contained. The pump and controller are factory wired leaving only the PV modules and wiring to be field installed and connected.

I have requested the contractor provide positive verification of a NRTL listing and/or provide field evaluation.

Here's a link to the product for your review:

http://www.lorentz.de/offgrid/en/products/surfacepumps/badutop

That's some cool stuff...but...I'm thinking of how the field evaluation can work when bonding for pool pump motors would be required by 680.26 and there is no provision for this type of equipment in that code section?

I understand that per the manufacturers specs there is:


I think I would want more info even if you get a field evaluation. What do you think?