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Post by bighatnohorse on Aug 7, 2016 6:15:17 GMT -8
I installed the 200 watt system kit from Renogy and would like to install an on/off switch between the PV panels and the controller. It's using 8-gauge wire. The marine type battery switches are overkill. What smaller type of in-line on/off wall mounted are people using? And can it handle an 8-gauge wire? |
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Post by cosmicboss on Aug 16, 2016 12:58:05 GMT -8
I would like to know as well. So far I have gone with a Marinco on/off master switch (part#701) which does seem overkill.
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Post by jsb2000 on Aug 17, 2016 12:47:55 GMT -8
The marine type battery switches are overkill. I would like to know as well. So far I have gone with a Marinco on/off master switch (part#701) which does seem overkill. I use two Blue Sea Systems Model 6006200 switches: One between the solar panels and the controller and the other between the batteries and inverter/controller/other loads. Overkill? Uh, not really, in my opinion. While we're only talking around 17 DC Amps maximum between the panels and the controller...that's potentially 200 Watts of heat along the components. Ever try to disconnect something as hot as 200 Watts? Ever see cheap switch contacts weld together so that you can't disconnect the power flow? I have experienced both. And, yes, I feel that the money spent ($25 per switch) was well spent. With safety where electronics is concerned, there is no such thing as overkill. I'd rather have a switch that can handle 48V @ 300A than visiting the burn unit from trying to disconnect melting wires threating to ignite my house because my $5 DC switch fused in the closed position! As I said in another post on these forums...when someone sees my solar setup and asks, "why in the world do you have a fuse there?" or comments, "that's overkill...it could never get that hot" or similar things, I ask them "Have you ever personally experienced a flooded deep cycle battery explosion?" I have. Fortunately, it was at a Fire Department Academy demonstration/training event and we were well clear of ground zero. But it was impressive. Think giant grenade sending bits of superheated acid and shrapnel flying in all directions at high speed! No way I'm taking any shortcuts with two of those things anywhere near me. |
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Post by cosmicboss on Aug 17, 2016 13:29:39 GMT -8
OK. So it is not overkill.
I cant remember the amp rating on that switch. need to go back and re-check. I am also using fuses to be on the safe side (whatever the component requires). I was also planing on adding a disconnect switch between C.C. and batteries, but you don't mention using that. How come?
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Post by jsb2000 on Aug 17, 2016 14:46:31 GMT -8
OK. So it is not overkill. I cant remember the amp rating on that switch. need to go back and re-check. I am also using fuses to be on the safe side (whatever the component requires). I was also planing on adding a disconnect switch between C.C. and batteries, but you don't mention using that. How come? I do use one and I did mention it: I use two Blue Sea Systems Model 6006200 switches: One between the solar panels and the controller and the other between the batteries and inverter/controller/other loads. |
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Post by frank on Aug 18, 2016 0:52:48 GMT -8
you can also go with the midnite mnedc-quad encloser. its under the renogys tools menu. by using the encloser youll be set up for future expansion.
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Post by Admin on Aug 23, 2016 9:48:00 GMT -8
Hello BighatnoHorse,
We do not carry disconnect switches so i would not be able to recommend one. People have used the MC4 in-line fuse we carry as a disconnect but it is not as easy as others that are designed to be used that way. As JSB mentioned though making sure that the disconnect you go with is quality is important and you can never be too safe. Thanks JSB!
-A.L.
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Post by bighatnohorse on Sept 20, 2016 6:06:57 GMT -8
I installed this one from Amazon. Rated for 24 volt 200 amps. It has a long neck (see image) which can be either good or bad depending on where it has to be mounted. *** The on/off key has to remain in the switch when it's in the "on" position and can only be removed when turned to the "off" position.*** Important to know if one does not want to have it projecting into the work/living space. It appears to be of good quality and works just fine.  |
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Post by spiderbob on Sept 20, 2016 17:18:38 GMT -8
I installed this one from Amazon. Rated for 24 volt 200 amps. It has a long neck (see image) which can be either good or bad depending on where it has to be mounted. *** The on/off key has to remain in the switch when it's in the "on" position and can only be removed when turned to the "off" position.*** Important to know if one does not want to have it projecting into the work/living space. It appears to be of good quality and works just fine. I use two of these identical switches. Actually 4 as I have two complete different systems. |
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