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Electrical Component Inspection Flashcards

7 cards from real NABCEP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Electrical Component Inspection flashcards as text

  1. An inspector observes that the PV system's rapid shutdown (RSD) initiator is located inside the building at the main service panel, but there is no RSD label at the roof access point. What NABCEP/NEC concern does this raise?

    Answer: First responders must be able to identify and operate RSD from outside the building

    NEC 690.12 and fire codes require RSD controls to be labeled and accessible at locations where first responders will need to de-energize the rooftop array.

  2. During an inspection, you find that the equipment grounding conductors for the PV array are sized at 10 AWG copper. The PV source circuit overcurrent protection is 20A. Is this sizing correct per NEC 690.45?

    Answer: Yes, 10 AWG copper is the minimum allowed for a 20A OCPD per NEC Table 250.122

    Per NEC 250.122 (referenced by 690.45), a 20A OCPD requires a minimum 12 AWG copper EGC, so 10 AWG copper exceeds the minimum and is acceptable.

  3. During a PV system inspection, you find that module-level power electronics (MLPE) are installed but the system does not have rapid shutdown capability. The building permit was issued in 2018. What applies?

    Answer: The applicable code at time of permit is the governing requirement

    The applicable edition of the NEC adopted at the time the permit was issued governs the installation; retrofitting to a newer code edition is generally not required unless required by the AHJ.

  4. An inspection of a string inverter reveals that the DC input terminals are labeled 'PV1+' and 'PV1-' but only one string is connected to the inverter. The second input pair is left open. What is the concern?

    Answer: Open DC input terminals may arc if accidentally contacted and present a shock hazard

    Unused DC input terminals on inverters should be covered with appropriate caps to prevent accidental contact with energized conductors or foreign object intrusion.

  5. A technician performing a visual inspection of a rooftop PV array notices several modules have yellowish-brown discoloration spreading from the busbars across the cell surfaces. What condition does this indicate?

    Answer: EVA delamination and potential hot spot formation requiring replacement evaluation

    Yellowish-brown discoloration (browning) spreading from busbars indicates EVA encapsulant degradation and delamination, which increases series resistance and can lead to hot spots and power loss.

  6. When inspecting a battery energy storage system (BESS) connected to a PV system, you find the battery room ventilation fan is wired to a standard 15A GFCI outlet. What is the code concern?

    Answer: Ventilation equipment must be on a dedicated circuit with continuous-duty rating

    Battery ventilation is a life-safety function and must be on a dedicated, reliable circuit; GFCI protection can nuisance-trip and interrupt critical ventilation during hydrogen gas evolution.

  7. During inspection of a DC combiner box, an inspector finds that the positive and negative source circuit conductors from different strings are bundled together with a cable tie. What is the issue with this practice?

    Answer: Bundled conductors require ampacity derating per NEC 310.15(C)

    When multiple current-carrying conductors are bundled together, NEC 310.15(C) requires ampacity correction factors to be applied to account for mutual heating effects.