The code refers to installing  AC and DC in separate ducts/channels/conduits etc.

I am yet to see a solar installation where this is the case. 

The question is do you have to separate the AC and DC in long runs only ? 

Can the wiring run in the same duct once it is close to the inverter ? 

If this rule applies what is the required distance between the AC and DC ... especially once in enters the roof space where there is mainly AC cabling. 

Can you run it in the same channel if the DC cable is rated the same as the AC cable ? 

 

Mine is separated. Also, when the panels are being installed, all the DC wires in the trunking will be in metal sprague. 

From what I understand, they can be in the same trunk, but they cannot share it. So if all your DC cabling goes left, and all your AC cabling goes right, it's all fine. The cables should just not be able to come into contact with one another. The other option is to get trunking that has a divider, which is effectively the same as having 2 trunks.

or smaller trunking inside larger trunking

6 hours ago, Tariq said:

or smaller trunking inside larger trunking

This is exactly what I'm doing with my install. Galvanised 126 x 76 trunking can take 4 x 25mm pvc trunking and 1 x 16mm trunking. 1 x AC in, 1 x AC out, 1 x PV string 1, 1 x PV string 2 and then 1 x LAN cable in 16mm. Can expand to 2 x PV string per 25mm in future if needed but for now it will be one string per 25mm marked as String 1 and String 2 on the trunking cover.

9 minutes ago, JoeSlow said:

This is exactly what I'm doing with my install. Galvanised 126 x 76 trunking can take 4 x 25mm pvc trunking and 1 x 16mm trunking. 1 x AC in, 1 x AC out, 1 x PV string 1, 1 x PV string 2 and then 1 x LAN cable in 16mm. Can expand to 2 x PV string per 25mm in future if needed but for now it will be one string per 25mm marked as String 1 and String 2 on the trunking cover.

That sounds like a nightmare. Rather look for trunking with a divider. (Unless you meant 4x25mm conduit, that might work, as long as you have a proper bender)

16 minutes ago, P1000 said:

That sounds like a nightmare. Rather look for trunking with a divider. (Unless you meant 4x25mm conduit, that might work, as long as you have a proper bender)

Why exactly? Its neat squares(the 25mm trunking/conduit?) inside a larger rectangular square each with a cover so just run the wires through the front and snap on the cover as you run the wires down? 

Maybe I'm using the wrong naming conventions here. 😄

This (whats the proper name for it?):

 

Inside this (Albeit just a sample image and not the 76x126mm):

 

1 minute ago, JoeSlow said:

Why exactly? Its neat squares(the 25mm trunking/conduit?) inside a larger rectangular square each with a cover so just run the wires through the front and snap on the cover as you run the wires down? 

Maybe I'm using the wrong naming conventions here. 😄

This (whats the proper name for it?):

 

Inside this (Albeit just a sample image and not the 76x126mm):

 

 

Ok, your namings are correct. It will be possible, but it won't be fun.

6 minutes ago, P1000 said:

Ok, your namings are correct. It will be possible, but it won't be fun.

All good it's a once off. It's looks super neat though🙂

I am thinking sprag/flexible conduit inside the trunking.

 

3 hours ago, isetech said:

I am thinking sprag/flexible conduit inside the trunking

I am also planning to have pvc sprag inside a devider trunking. Where AC and DC wires cross each other the sprag can still keep it seperate. I am also going to mark DC wire ends with a +48VDC or -48VDC or string Voltage as measured.

On 2021/11/26 at 8:35 PM, Gerrie said:

I am also planning to have pvc sprag inside a devider trunking. Where AC and DC wires cross each other the sprag can still keep it seperate. I am also going to mark DC wire ends with a +48VDC or -48VDC or string Voltage as measured.

7.12.7 Additional requirements for photovoltaic (PV) and similar installations that provide a supply as an alternative to the main supply

7.12.7.3 The rated voltage of each circuit shall be clearly indicated at all ends of the circuit.

@isetechLook at Sonop Solar's website for installers for follow the regs to the T, they just double up on trunking.

Regs seem kind of useful so you cant accidentally put AC on DC etc but then i got electricity meter display DC wires coming in the same cable sheath as the mains etc and i assume that is compliant

 

Edited November 17, 20223 yr by Lee2

The real solution is just chase the wall and add conduits from the inverter to the db and inverter to the batteries. We looking at doing that at my dads house.

Where at all possible this is the undoubtedly the cleanest solution over trunking on the wall

I only use metal trunking for DC voltages, except for signaling, like CANBUS, RS-485, etc. AND flexible metal spargg tubing inside the metal trunking for all DC cables, + metal spragg for linking between trunk/combiner box and inverter.

Maybe an overkill, but rather save than sorry.

For AC, I also used steel trunking as well, as I had some leftover, with plastic flex spragg for linking.

So AC & DC separate.

You don't want a DC fire in a plastic vessel. Hopefully the steel vessel will contain the problem a bit longer.

They sell the trunking in a few colours, so hopefully one can match the wall it is mounted on.