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  • #31
    Originally posted by Yoda View Post
    Not sure if you need the 63amp version of not but those look correct to me for the proper DC rating.
    Brian
    2017 Silverado 2500 HD diesel
    2018 Reflection 230RL

    Comment


    • #32
      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/
      Click image for larger version  Name:	ABB S 200 M UC - Used of MCBs in Direct Current Circuits.jpg Views:	0 Size:	119.9 KB ID:	47997

      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.
      Attached Files
      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

      Comment


      • #33
        Originally posted by gbkims View Post
        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.

        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/
        Click image for larger version Name:	ABB S 200 M UC - Used of MCBs in Direct Current Circuits.jpg Views:	0 Size:	119.9 KB ID:	47997

        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.
        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.
        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.

        Comment


        • #34
          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.
          Since you are not looking for the breaker to provide over flow current protection then the 63 amp version would do what you are expecting.
          Brian
          2017 Silverado 2500 HD diesel
          2018 Reflection 230RL

          Comment


          • #35
            Originally posted by Yoda View Post
            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.
            I'd agree the disconnect CB you're getting for the panels to MPPT controller will work.
            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

            Comment


            • #36
              Originally posted by Retgw2 View Post
              I 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.
              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=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

              Comment


              • #37
                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=1
                I also noticed in one of his videos he may have not paid attention to polarity. He has two side by side and each was wired reverse of the other.
                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.

                Comment


                • #38
                  ...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

                  Comment


                  • #39
                    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

                    Comment


                    • #40
                      Originally posted by Jlawles2 View Post
                      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 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.
                      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


                      • #41
                        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.
                        Not picking on Nate either. Learned a lot of good information

                        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.

                        Comment


                        • #42
                          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


                          • #43
                            Originally posted by bertschb View Post
                            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 are you saying the when it its ON you only get 5 volts through, or when it is OFF 5 volts still get through?. Strange it is acting that way. Not much inside to fail.. I ordered mine from a different source, so still waiting. Supposed to get on the 16th.
                            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=1
                            Last 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.

                            Comment


                            • #44
                              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

                              Comment


                              • #45
                                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

                                Comment

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