If you’ve had a solar inspection and were told your wiring is “not properly secured” or “in contact with the roof surface,” it’s worth understanding exactly what that means — because this is one of the more common deficiencies found on systems installed by crews that cut corners on wire management, and it’s a genuine fire and roof-damage risk, not just a cosmetic issue.

Why Wire Management Matters

Solar DC wiring is required to be secured off the roof surface, routed cleanly, and protected from abrasion — this isn’t a preference, it’s a code requirement under NEC Article 690 (specifically 690.31 and 690.41, which govern PV wiring methods and system grounding). When cable runs are left resting directly on shingles or tile instead of being clipped to the racking or conduit, several things happen over time.

The Risks of Unsecured Wiring on Your Roof

  • Insulation wear from constant contact: Roof surfaces heat dramatically in direct sun, and the friction from wind movement combined with thermal expansion/contraction wears through cable insulation over years of exposure.
  • Increased arc fault risk: Worn insulation is one of the leading causes of the DC arc faults we cover in Solar Arc Fault Errors: Causes, Risks & What to Do. Wire management issues and arc faults are closely connected — poor routing today often becomes a safety fault later.
  • Roof surface damage: Wires dragging against composition shingle or tile roofing can wear grooves into roofing material, accelerating leaks and roof degradation independent of the electrical risk.
  • Rodent attraction and damage: Loose cable runs are easier targets for rodents than properly clipped and conduit-protected wiring.
  • Water intrusion at panel penetrations: Poorly managed wire runs are often paired with improperly sealed roof penetrations, compounding the risk.

How Proper Wire Management Should Look

Code-compliant PV wiring is secured to the racking system or run through conduit, kept clear of the roof surface, protected at any point where it could abrade against metal or roofing material, and labeled per code at junction points. This is standard practice for licensed solar installers — its absence is one of the clearest signs of a rushed or non-compliant original installation.

How This Gets Fixed

A technician re-routes and secures the affected wiring using proper clips, cable ties rated for outdoor/UV exposure, and conduit where required, inspects for any insulation damage already caused by roof contact, and replaces any compromised sections before re-securing. This is typically addressed as part of a broader system inspection or maintenance visit rather than as an isolated repair, since wire management issues are often found alongside other deferred maintenance items.

Related Reading

Get Your Wiring Inspected and Corrected

ElectriCare’s preventative maintenance service includes a full wire management inspection — identifying unsecured cabling, roof contact points, and abrasion risk before they become a safety issue or a failed inspection finding.

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Sources & Further Reading