Solar Rapid Shutdown
Rapid shutdown is a safety function on solar panels mounted on a building. It lets firefighters quickly bring the solar wiring on and coming off the roof down to a safe level, by turning off one switch. It has been part of the National Electrical Code since the 2014 edition, in Section 690.12.
The switch. On a one- or two-family home, the switch that starts rapid shutdown has to be outside the building, somewhere easy to reach. It can be the main service disconnect, the solar system’s disconnect, or a separate switch that clearly shows whether it is on or off.
The label. A permanent sign tells firefighters the system has rapid shutdown and points them to the switch. In the 2023 edition of the code, which California’s current Electrical Code adopts, the label rules moved into Section 690.12(D).
Solar installed before the rule applied may not have rapid shutdown. That is allowed for the system as it was installed.
Also known as: Rapid shutdownPV rapid shutdownRSDNEC 690.12Rapid shutdown label
Why it matters in Santa Cruz County
If your home already has solar, the inspection checks that the rapid shutdown label is there and readable and that the switch it points to is outside and easy to reach. Systems that predate the rule are not expected to have it.
Sunrise's take
Every solar system we install includes rapid shutdown and the required labels.
Met this term in a quote or inspection report?
A free whole-home inspection turns jargon into a written assessment of your actual house — you keep the report either way.