NABCEP NABCEP PV System Inspector 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a PV system inspection conducted by an AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)?
- To verify the system meets financial payback projections
- To confirm the installation complies with applicable codes, standards, and approved plans (Correct answer)
- To test the system's maximum power output
- To approve the utility billing rate
Correct answer: To confirm the installation complies with applicable codes, standards, and approved plans
AHJ inspections verify code compliance, safety, and conformance with the approved permit drawings before the system is authorized to operate.
Question 2: During a final PV system inspection, an inspector finds that the disconnect label reads 'AC Disconnect' but serves as both the AC disconnect and the rapid shutdown initiator. What should the inspector do?
- Accept it because it still functions correctly
- Require correct labeling per NEC 690.13 and 690.12 identifying all functions of the disconnect (Correct answer)
- Reject the entire installation
- Require a separate disconnect for rapid shutdown only
Correct answer: Require correct labeling per NEC 690.13 and 690.12 identifying all functions of the disconnect
NEC requires clear, accurate labeling on all disconnecting means to ensure safety personnel understand each device's function; a device serving multiple roles must be labeled for all of them.
Question 3: An inspector observes PV modules installed on a roof without any visible rapid shutdown equipment. The system is on a building in a jurisdiction that has adopted NEC 2017 or later. Is this a code violation?
- No, rapid shutdown is optional for residential systems
- Yes, NEC 690.12 requires rapid shutdown for PV systems on buildings under NEC 2017 and later (Correct answer)
- No, if the inverter is outside the building
- Yes, but only for commercial buildings over 3 stories
Correct answer: Yes, NEC 690.12 requires rapid shutdown for PV systems on buildings under NEC 2017 and later
NEC 690.12 (2017 and later) requires rapid shutdown for all PV systems installed on buildings, regardless of occupancy type, to protect emergency responders.
Question 4: What is the inspector's role when a PV system installation does not match the approved permit drawings?
- Approve if the system looks safe visually
- Fail the inspection and require the installer to either correct the installation or submit revised drawings for approval (Correct answer)
- Approve with a verbal warning only
- Immediately condemn the entire building
Correct answer: Fail the inspection and require the installer to either correct the installation or submit revised drawings for approval
Any significant deviation from approved plans requires either correcting the installation or submitting revised plans for approval, because inspections are based on the approved documents.
Question 5: Which NEC code section governs the required markings and labels on PV system DC conduit and junction boxes?
- NEC 690.4
- NEC 690.31(G) (Correct answer)
- NEC 690.12
- NEC 705.12
Correct answer: NEC 690.31(G)
NEC 690.31(G) requires warning labels on all PV system DC conduit, raceways, cables, and enclosures exposed to the environment to warn of live DC conductors.
Question 6: An inspector finds that PV module mounting hardware is not listed for the specific roof type (e.g., tile roof). What action is appropriate?
- Approve if the modules appear structurally secure
- Fail the inspection and require listed hardware appropriate for the roof type (Correct answer)
- Approve with a note in the file
- Pass the structural portion and fail only the electrical portion
Correct answer: Fail the inspection and require listed hardware appropriate for the roof type
Mounting hardware must be listed and labeled for the specific application; unlisted hardware lacks verified strength, corrosion resistance, and fire rating for the roof type.
NABCEP NABCEP PV System Inspector 1
What is the primary purpose of a PV system inspection conducted by an AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)?