Disconnect and Breakers

[peatmoss]

Hi, have a few questions on the Enphase system. I plan to use the Enphase AC combiner box with Envoy next to my main entrance panel. Feeding it with 2 circuits with 6 and 11 modules per circuit. Each circuit has a 20amp breaker in the Enphase box. This will feed a 100 service panel with a single 20amp breaker.

Question is, even though the total max current from the inverters combined is 16 amps is it ok for the combiner box (with 2 x 20amp breakers) to feed the single 20amp main panel breaker? FYI #8 THHN between the two boxes.

Also, can the Enphase combiner box act as an AC disconnect? How about the 20amp breaker in the main panel? Not even sure AC disconnect is even needed, will check with AHJ.

Thanks!

https://enphase.com/sites/default/files/AC-Combiner-Manual-EN-US.pdf

[Ampster]

Is there any reason you are even using a combiner box with breakers to combine two trunks totaling less than 20 Amps? You could just use the Envoy in a box without breakers. The only advantage would be diagnosis but the Envoy should provide that.

[peatmoss]

Yeah the Envoy without the box is only $200 cheaper and I may add more panels someday. From what I can tell the breakers in the Envoy box are to protect the wire from it to the inverters. The breaker in the panel is to protect the wires from it to the Envoy. I'm guessing this setup is fine. Still wondering if a breaker can act as a disconnect.

What about the current sensors for consumption? Can the wires from that go through the same conduit? Seems like a no no since its low voltage. Maybe Enphase has some documentation on that.

[Ampster]

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What about the current sensors for consumption? Can the wires from that go through the same conduit? Seems like a no no since its low voltage. Maybe Enphase has some documentation on that.

I think you are correct, low voltage should be separate. How far are you talking about?

[peatmoss]

Maybe 3 feet. I noticed in the Enphase documents shows the sense wires going through the conduit with the other wires. I guess its ok for a short distance, also these current transformers are on the main conductor anyway. https://enphase.com/sites/default/fi...ef_EN_NA_1.pdf