While that maybe true does not make it legal. Like speeding as long as you do not get caught you get away with it. Not all areas require permits and inspection. Mostly rural areas do not have the funds and manpower. Cities are different. In cities there is enough construction to pay for the system and even make money. In rural areas no one really cares if you burn your house down because you are ignorant of electrical codes. In cities you are a threat to your neighbors and first respondents.
Voltage does not matter. In fact low voltage systems are for more dangerous because of the current involved. High current terminations require skill and special equipment to do properly. Only thing that changes once you go below 50 volts AC or DC is the requirement to use a Grounded System. Otherwise there is no difference from a permit POV.
One last thing the Employment Prevention Agency and Fire Departments can get involved when batteries come into play. The issue with lead acid batteries is acid, and if you have more than 500 pounds. Under EPCRA Sections 311 and 312 you are required to apply for a Permit and Inspections by your local FD once a year. That comes with a lot of strings attached like spill containment system, tracking the batteries from cradle to grave, barriers, warning signs, and disaster cleanup plans. If you have a spill or leak at any point including shipping, you are responsible. The FD will inspect once a year to make sure compliance is in order. Additionally it also tells the FD if your house catches on fire, they will sit back and watch it burn down.
If you think lithium is any better, you are sadly mistaken. You cannot extinguish a lithium battery fire, and lithium batteries are extremely dangerous. So dangerous they cannot be shipped on planes and ships. Lithium batteries have a nasty habit of catching on fire disconnected not doing anything.
Voltage does not matter. In fact low voltage systems are for more dangerous because of the current involved. High current terminations require skill and special equipment to do properly. Only thing that changes once you go below 50 volts AC or DC is the requirement to use a Grounded System. Otherwise there is no difference from a permit POV.
One last thing the Employment Prevention Agency and Fire Departments can get involved when batteries come into play. The issue with lead acid batteries is acid, and if you have more than 500 pounds. Under EPCRA Sections 311 and 312 you are required to apply for a Permit and Inspections by your local FD once a year. That comes with a lot of strings attached like spill containment system, tracking the batteries from cradle to grave, barriers, warning signs, and disaster cleanup plans. If you have a spill or leak at any point including shipping, you are responsible. The FD will inspect once a year to make sure compliance is in order. Additionally it also tells the FD if your house catches on fire, they will sit back and watch it burn down.
If you think lithium is any better, you are sadly mistaken. You cannot extinguish a lithium battery fire, and lithium batteries are extremely dangerous. So dangerous they cannot be shipped on planes and ships. Lithium batteries have a nasty habit of catching on fire disconnected not doing anything.
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