TL;DR
A PV disconnect is the labeled switch that isolates a solar array's circuits from the rest of the electrical system so firefighters and electricians can work without backfed power. NEC Article 690 requires disconnecting means for both DC and AC sides, and most utilities additionally demand an exterior, lockable, visible-blade AC switch near the meter that their crews can open.
What it means
A PV disconnect is the labeled switch that isolates a solar array's circuits from the rest of the electrical system so firefighters and electricians can work without backfed power. NEC Article 690 requires disconnecting means for both DC and AC sides, and most utilities additionally demand an exterior, lockable, visible-blade AC switch near the meter that their crews can open. Placards must identify each one, since an array keeps producing voltage whenever the sun is up.
Where it sits in the glossary
PV disconnect is part of the Trade jargon group inside the ProFix Directory glossary. Browse every term in this category from the glossary index.
Why Ohio homeowners should know it
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See also
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