Originally posted by Yoda
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Disconnect switch between solar panels and solar charge controller
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Keith Yoda
I've noticed on some of the circuit breakers listed on Amazon have polarity +, - on the terminals and marked: "Polarity: Please refer to the connection diagram on the product!"
Miniature DIN Rail CBs by Midnite Solar (CBI Electric), Altech, ABB show some of the circuit breakers for DC use should be wired with the correct polarity to break DC current.
Altech Corp: How to wire the Alech L Series polarized DC circuit breaker.
Midnite Solar MNEPV Data Sheet
Midnite Solar CBs http://www.midnitesolar.com/pdfs/breakers_11x17.jpg
ABB Use of MCBs in direct current circuits
https://www.alliedelec.com/product/a...-c50/71602125/
DC Polarized CBs videos:
Polarised Solar DC Circuit Breakers - Reverse Polarity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oaq2cvoPBRk
DC Circuit Breaker Fires - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cup5fMGaE2g
Breakers AC, DC & AC/DC - Solar Safety Part 2 - 12v Solar Shed - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0diAeysxVo
Sizing-Fuses-of-Photovoltaic-Systems-per-NEC-Tech-Topic
Reading through these PDFs makes me like the simplicity of the Jonsson Solar DC Isolator Switch if fusing/CB wouldn't be required for the PV cables depending on series/parallel connections.Last edited by gbkims; 03-29-2021, 12:17 AM.Gene and Kim
2015 Grand Design Reflection 317RST
2017 RAM 3500 CC, LB, 4x2, 6.7L CTD
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Originally posted by gbkims View PostKeith Yoda
I've noticed on some of the circuit breakers listed on Amazon have polarity +, - on the terminals and marked: "Polarity: Please refer to the connection diagram on the product!"
Miniature DIN Rail CBs by Midnite Solar (CBI Electric), Altech, ABB show some of the circuit breakers for DC use should be wired with the correct polarity to break DC current.
Midnite Solar MNEPV Data Sheet
Midnite Solar CBs http://www.midnitesolar.com/pdfs/breakers_11x17.jpg
Altech Corp: How to wire the Alech L Series polarized DC circuit breaker.
ABB Use of MCBs in direct current circuits
https://www.alliedelec.com/product/a...-c50/71602125/
DC Polarized CBs videos:
Breakers AC, DC & AC/DC - Solar Safety Part 2 - 12v Solar Shed - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0diAeysxVo
DC Circuit Breaker Fires - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cup5fMGaE2g
Polarised Solar DC Circuit Breakers - Reverse Polarity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oaq2cvoPBRk
Sizing-Fuses-of-Photovoltaic-Systems-per-NEC-Tech-Topic
Reading through these PDFs makes me like the simplicity of the Jonsson Solar DC Isolator Switch if fusing/CB wouldn't be required for the PV cables depending on series/parallel connections.
I have two of this one coming https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Based on your information above and the small diagram on the front of the breaker I need to make sure the positive from the solar panel is connected to the top positive position marked on the breaker. The positive out to the solar controller comes out the bottom connection directly below the positive marked top position. Negative is installed in a similar manner.
Retgw2
Brian and Gene
I have two of these panels connected in series https://gpelectric.com/products/over...-charging-kit/ so I am only dealing with 9.3 amps and 45 V DC. I guess I could go less of a breaker rating, but these are being used more as an on/off switch than current protection. I probably could have gone with the 16A or 32A version. Thoughts? I think I am OK but could cancel and re order today. if you think best. I thought the 63 amp would be a bit more heavy duty to use as a switch. its also the one recommended here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOXnWXvLXko just different source.2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.
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Originally posted by Yoda View Post
Gene - thanks for the head up onthe polarity issue - I think I understand.
I have two of this one coming https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Based on your information above and the small diagram on the front of the breaker I need to make sure the positive from the solar panel is connected to the top positive position marked on the breaker. The positive out to the solar controller comes out the bottom connection directly below the positive marked top position. Negative is installed in a similar manner.
Retgw2
Brian and Gene
I have two of these panels connected in series https://gpelectric.com/products/over...-charging-kit/ so I am only dealing with 9.3 amps and 45 V DC. I guess I could go less of a breaker rating, but these are being used more as an on/off switch than current protection. I probably could have gone with the 16A or 32A version. Thoughts? I think I am OK but could cancel and re order today. if you think best. I thought the 63 amp would be a bit more heavy duty to use as a switch. its also the one recommended here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOXnWXvLXko just different source.Brian
2017 Silverado 2500 HD diesel
2018 Reflection 230RL
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Originally posted by Yoda View PostI have two of these panels connected in series https://gpelectric.com/products/over...-charging-kit/ so I am only dealing with 9.3 amps and 45 V DC. I guess I could go less of a breaker rating, but these are being used more as an on/off switch than current protection. I probably could have gone with the 16A or 32A version. Thoughts? I think I am OK but could cancel and re order today. if you think best. I thought the 63 amp would be a bit more heavy duty to use as a switch. its also the one recommended here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOXnWXvLXko just different source.
Your 190W panels are in series and the panel's short circuit current Isc is 9.98A which is below what 10 Awg wire ampacity and below the 15A series fuse rating on the panel's spec sheet.
Gene and Kim
2015 Grand Design Reflection 317RST
2017 RAM 3500 CC, LB, 4x2, 6.7L CTD
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Originally posted by Retgw2 View PostI am in no way an electrical engineer so please take this with a grain of salt,but I would definitely double check the rating of the breaker that you linked to in your message in that the seller does not specify that it is VDC rated.
Here is a link to the 63 amp DC rated breaker I ordered:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Brian & Kellie
2020 Grand Design Solitude 310GK-R, FBP, MORryde IS, 1,460w solar and 540ah BBGC3
2020 Ford F-350 Platinum SRW PSD Tremor, 60g TF fuel tank, Hensley BD3-F air bag hitch
Previous setups:
2019 Grand Design Solitude 373FB-R, 2019 Ford F-350 Platinum DRW Powerstroke, Hensley BD5 air bag hitch
2016 Grand Design Reflection 318RST, 2016 GMC 3500 Denali SRW Duramax, Hensley BD3 air bag hitch
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Originally posted by bertschb View Post
Thanks for sharing this information. I added a comment on the Explorist.Life blog about the 50amp breaker he had in his original parts list. I asked if it was DC rated. His reply was that it is DC rated. HOWEVER, when I looked at the parts list again, it now has a 63amp DC rated version of the breaker, not the original 50 amp version. I'm not sure if that's a coincidence or he learned the 50 amp non-DC rated breaker was a bad idea. Either way, I ordered the 63 amp DC rated breaker and will replace my 50 amp breaker when it arrives.
Here is a link to the 63 amp DC rated breaker I ordered:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=12018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.
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...and just to be clear, I'm not slamming Nate at Explorist.Life. He has an amazing blog with detailed parts lists and great wiring diagrams. He also has a whole series of videos on building solar systems that are also very well done. Finally, he's really good about answering questions. He has been a great resource for me while upgrading my solar system. I just think every once in a while he might get some feedback that takes him a slightly different direction. These breakers may be an example of that.Brian & Kellie
2020 Grand Design Solitude 310GK-R, FBP, MORryde IS, 1,460w solar and 540ah BBGC3
2020 Ford F-350 Platinum SRW PSD Tremor, 60g TF fuel tank, Hensley BD3-F air bag hitch
Previous setups:
2019 Grand Design Solitude 373FB-R, 2019 Ford F-350 Platinum DRW Powerstroke, Hensley BD5 air bag hitch
2016 Grand Design Reflection 318RST, 2016 GMC 3500 Denali SRW Duramax, Hensley BD3 air bag hitch
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Unless you are an electrical engineer or electrical designer, it's quite easy to miss some of the specs on components. Even then, it's still a learning experience when starting into a new branch of what you know. I have not watched Nate, but I can only imagine that with all of the things he is doing and trying to teach himself along the way its easy to get pulled into various directions.Joseph
Tow Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
South of Houston Texas
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Originally posted by Jlawles2 View PostUnless you are an electrical engineer or electrical designer, it's quite easy to miss some of the specs on components. Even then, it's still a learning experience when starting into a new branch of what you know.
Brian & Kellie
2020 Grand Design Solitude 310GK-R, FBP, MORryde IS, 1,460w solar and 540ah BBGC3
2020 Ford F-350 Platinum SRW PSD Tremor, 60g TF fuel tank, Hensley BD3-F air bag hitch
Previous setups:
2019 Grand Design Solitude 373FB-R, 2019 Ford F-350 Platinum DRW Powerstroke, Hensley BD5 air bag hitch
2016 Grand Design Reflection 318RST, 2016 GMC 3500 Denali SRW Duramax, Hensley BD3 air bag hitch
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Originally posted by bertschb View Post
I agree - and there are a lot of parts in these solar systems. Just look how many comments we have here in this thread about a simple disconnect switch. We could probably start a long new thread just talking about wiring or lugs.
Now as to wiring and lugs - I had no idea how expensive the the wire, lugs and terminals can be and the different wiring specifications and how to size properly. It adds up quick.
Keith
2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.
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Since we're talking about the disconnect between the solar panels and the charge controller - how likely is it that a circuit breaker would fail? I got my replacement 63amp DC rated breaker and installed it last night. I was all excited to watch my solar system start charging my batteries this morning but nothing happened when the sun came up. I did a little troubleshooting and it looks to me like I've got 83v going into the breaker (measure at the terminals on the top of the breaker) and 5v coming out. I'm not sure why it would be 5v and not zero but then I'm no electrician so...
This is the breaker I'm using:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I've ordered a replacement that should arrive in 1-2 weeks but can these things really fail? It came shipped in a foam envelope with no other protection so it could have got slammed around during shipping.Brian & Kellie
2020 Grand Design Solitude 310GK-R, FBP, MORryde IS, 1,460w solar and 540ah BBGC3
2020 Ford F-350 Platinum SRW PSD Tremor, 60g TF fuel tank, Hensley BD3-F air bag hitch
Previous setups:
2019 Grand Design Solitude 373FB-R, 2019 Ford F-350 Platinum DRW Powerstroke, Hensley BD5 air bag hitch
2016 Grand Design Reflection 318RST, 2016 GMC 3500 Denali SRW Duramax, Hensley BD3 air bag hitch
Comment
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Originally posted by bertschb View PostSince we're talking about the disconnect between the solar panels and the charge controller - how likely is it that a circuit breaker would fail? I got my replacement 63amp DC rated breaker and installed it last night. I was all excited to watch my solar system start charging my batteries this morning but nothing happened when the sun came up. I did a little troubleshooting and it looks to me like I've got 83v going into the breaker (measure at the terminals on the top of the breaker) and 5v coming out. I'm not sure why it would be 5v and not zero but then I'm no electrician so...
This is the breaker I'm using:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I've ordered a replacement that should arrive in 1-2 weeks but can these things really fail? It came shipped in a foam envelope with no other protection so it could have got slammed around during shipping.
Keith
On edit - I wonder if it has something to do with being polarized. There is this NON-polarized one available https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012MWNT06...jaz10cnVl&th=1Last edited by Yoda; 04-07-2021, 11:30 AM.2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.
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I wonder if the breaker is not only polarized, but directional, meaning power needs to flow a certain direction through the breaker.Joseph
Tow Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
South of Houston Texas
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Sorry for the late reply guys. I was out golfing. I measured the voltage again and I was wrong. I have around 80v going into the breaker (which is what I would expect) and then 23mv coming out with the breaker on and around 7mv coming out with the breaker off. The display is too small for my eyes so I missed the mv part. Sorry about that. I have the PV (source) wires coming in through the top of the breaker and the load coming out of the bottom. I read somewhere that this was the preferred way to wire a breaker.Brian & Kellie
2020 Grand Design Solitude 310GK-R, FBP, MORryde IS, 1,460w solar and 540ah BBGC3
2020 Ford F-350 Platinum SRW PSD Tremor, 60g TF fuel tank, Hensley BD3-F air bag hitch
Previous setups:
2019 Grand Design Solitude 373FB-R, 2019 Ford F-350 Platinum DRW Powerstroke, Hensley BD5 air bag hitch
2016 Grand Design Reflection 318RST, 2016 GMC 3500 Denali SRW Duramax, Hensley BD3 air bag hitch
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