“The Evolution of Energy Storage Systems: A Dive into NEC's Take” 

A Peek at ESS 

Energy Storage Systems (ESS) aren't your everyday gadgets. Think of them as the heartbeats of many power-driven operations. Complex and sometimes heavy on the wallet, these systems are always on, day and night, once set up and checked off. But like any other tech wonder, two things are crucial for them: a flawless start and ongoing care. 

As a last step in installation, an Energy Storage System (ESS)
must undergo testing and procedures to verify its initial
performance before being placed in active service.

2023 NEC - What's Changed?

2020 NEC 

Fast forward from 2017, and the 2020 NEC brought about some significant changes. Let's refresh: 

The 2017 NEC lacked a dedicated corner for the maintenance or commissioning of ESS. Back then, Section 706.7 was all about "Disconnecting Means". But come 2020, there was a shuffle. The disconnecting means made its way to Part II, Section 706.15. In its place, Section 706.7 was now the beacon for "Maintenance". This new title championed the cause of all ESS, including those tucked in single or double-family homes. The mandate? Maintain a log of all the mends and switches made to these systems. The cherry on top: all of this had to align with the rulebook provided by the system creators and the industry's big shots. . 

2023 NEC 

In the 2023 NEC, the title for this section was changed to 706.7 Commissioning and Maintenance and now reads: 

(A) Commissioning. ESSs shall be commissioned upon installation. This shall not apply in one- and two-family dwellings. 

Commissioning is defined in Article 100 as The process, procedures, and testing used to set up and verify the initial performance, operational controls, safety systems, and sequence of operation of electrical devices and equipment, prior to it being placed into active service. 

(B) Maintenance. ESSs shall be maintained in proper and safe operating condition. The required maintenance shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements and industry standards. A written record of the system maintenance shall be kept and shall include records of repairs and replacements necessary to maintain the system in proper and safe operating condition. This shall not apply in one- and two-family dwellings. 

The 2023 Code in Action

Zooming out from the NEC specifics, what does this all mean in the real world? 

For those ESS units that call individual or dual-family homes their abode, this new mandate doesn't apply. But when we hop over to the commercial and industrial landscape, it's a different ball game. 

Your typical commercial electrician might nod in agreement here. Be it bringing HVACs to life, firing up generators, or managing those hefty automatic switches, every piece has its own curtain-raiser, a series of tests to ensure it's ready for the main event. Now, with the 2023 changes, ESS joins this exclusive club, waiting for its own green light. 

And for those facilities that house ESS units? Most have their team on standby, ensuring everything's ticking right. While the local inspection units might not always be peeking in, these guidelines lay down the law, making sure that ESS remains the silent, reliable workhorse it's meant to be. 

Sample Video Script

[Opening visual of various advanced ESS units in operation, showing their intricate mechanisms and glowing lights.] 

Scott: "Hey there! Scott here, ready to unravel the fascinating world of Energy Storage Systems, or ESS, and dive deep into what the 2023 NEC has in store for them." 

[Cut to an animation of a simplistic ESS unit, beating like a heart.] 

Scott: "Think of ESS units as the heartbeats of many power-driven operations, always on, day and night, once set up and checked off." 

[Flashback visual: Calendar pages flipping from 2017 to 2020, with a highlighted section '706.7'.] 

Scott: "Let's time travel a bit. Back in 2017, the NEC didn't have a special section dedicated to ESS maintenance or commissioning. But by 2020? Things shifted." 

[Animation shows the 'Disconnecting Means' title moving and being replaced with 'Maintenance'.] 

Scott: "Disconnecting Means took a back seat, and Maintenance of all ESS units, even those in our cozy homes, came to the forefront." 

[Cut to visuals of a logbook with entries of system check-ups, maintenance procedures, and replacements.] 

Scott: "And guess what? They even had to keep a neat log of every mend and switch made!" 

[Animation of the calendar flipping to 2023 with a spotlight on '706.7'.] 

Scott: "Fast forward to 2023, and things evolved once more." 

[Infographic showing the changes, with bold titles 'Commissioning' and 'Maintenance'.] 

Scott: "The focus expanded to not just maintaining, but also commissioning ESS upon installation. And while most rules apply broadly, if you’re in a one- or two-family dwelling, some might just pass you by." 

[Visual: Animation of ESS units being tested, with green check marks lighting up.] 

Scott: "In the commercial zone, it's a new dawn. From HVACs to hefty switches, there's a first-time performance test, ensuring everything's set for the main event. Now, ESS is on that roster." 

[Montage: Busy technicians checking ESS, a facility with a dedicated team monitoring the systems.] 

Scott: "Most facilities housing ESS have their in-house teams, ensuring a smooth ride. And with the 2023 guidelines in hand, it’s all about making sure our reliable ESS stays the champion it's meant to be." 

[Closing visual: ESS units with a background of cityscape transitioning from day to night, symbolizing their constant operation.] 

Scott: "So there you have it! A glimpse into the future of Energy Storage Systems as seen through the lens of NEC 2023. Stay charged, and see you next time!"