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Post by spiderbob on May 23, 2015 6:31:45 GMT -8
OK, so I was told to fuse the tray cable and I have, but now I hear that the cable from the solar to the CC should be fused, is this true? And if so, what size fuse. And why?
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Post by jsb2000 on May 23, 2015 15:16:40 GMT -8
OK, so I was told to fuse the tray cable and I have, but now I hear that the cable from the solar to the CC should be fused, is this true? And if so, what size fuse. And why? In general, it's always better to put a fuse in than not to put one in. My reasoning goes like this: If enough current flows through that circuit to heat it up to a dangerous temperature, how will you break the circuit? Now, it's one thing to think about what you'd do when you're calm and nothing is on fire. But, trust me, you won't be calm when it happens! That wire will be blazing hot. There will likely be a lot of smoke. Things will be melting/on fire. That's NOT the time to go searching for gloves, wire cutters, etc.! So, yes, I'd fuse the cable from the solar to the charge controller. To answer your question as to what size fuses and why, I found the following from this website: www.windynation.com/jzv/inf/how-properly-fuse-solar-pv-systemIt's followed by a very good diagram on where the fuses should go. Check it out. |
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Post by spiderbob on May 23, 2015 17:34:39 GMT -8
OK, so I was told to fuse the tray cable and I have, but now I hear that the cable from the solar to the CC should be fused, is this true? And if so, what size fuse. And why? In general, it's always better to put a fuse in than not to put one in. My reasoning goes like this: If enough current flows through that circuit to heat it up to a dangerous temperature, how will you break the circuit? Now, it's one thing to think about what you'd do when you're calm and nothing is on fire. But, trust me, you won't be calm when it happens! That wire will be blazing hot. There will likely be a lot of smoke. Things will be melting/on fire. That's NOT the time to go searching for gloves, wire cutters, etc.! So, yes, I'd fuse the cable from the solar to the charge controller. To answer your question as to what size fuses and why, I found the following from this website: www.windynation.com/jzv/inf/how-properly-fuse-solar-pv-systemOK, I agree with "it's always better to put a fuse in than not to put one in", and with that said, I just ordered a 2 string combiner box. But I should point out that the National Electrical Code does not cover RV and/or the RV industry. It's been a issue for years with the industry, they actually have their own set of rules. But again, I too think it's better to fuse than not to. Thank you for all the information and the website you supplied.
I also noted on the website that if you wire in series, you don't need to fuse at all, I don't get that one.
Bob
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Post by Admin on Jun 6, 2015 11:53:00 GMT -8
Hello Bob,
Fusing for series circuits is more of a recommendation than a requirement and fusing for a parallel connected system is more required than recommended. With this said, In a series connection, the amperage will not be additive and therefore one would not need to worry about exceeding a wire's specification.
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Post by Mitchell on Jul 28, 2015 17:08:38 GMT -8
Hi, I am installing 3 100 watt panels in parallel and wasn't clear if I should be installing (between panel and controller) one in line fuse for each panel or should I be installing one in line fuse for all three panels. And size fuse would be used for either application?
Thanks
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Post by Admin on Jul 29, 2015 7:34:53 GMT -8
Hello Mitchell,
You will only need one fuse between all 3 solar panels and the charge controller after all the panels are paralleled together. The fuse can be a 25 amp fuse.
O.C
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Post by Brad on Jun 6, 2016 18:37:28 GMT -8
Hello,
I will be installing 2 100 watt panels in parallel with the Renogy MPPT20 charge controller. I just want to be sure of what size fuse will be sufficient between the paralleled panels and the charge controller?
Thank you in advance for your reply,
Brad
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Post by jones on Jun 7, 2016 6:53:12 GMT -8
3 or more in parallel need a fuse 2 or less does not.
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Post by spiderbob on Jun 7, 2016 10:27:36 GMT -8
When in doubt, by fusing you are not going wrong.
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Post by yodarules on Jul 12, 2016 7:50:08 GMT -8
Hope it's ok to jump in and ask a question. Am new to all this and just received my two Renogy 150W Panels, Wanderer 30amp controller, 10AWG tray cable as well as MC4 connectors and 30' of 10AWG cable as I plan to have my panels on the ground. Now, I'm wondering about the fuses... do I need a 30amp fuse between controller and battery as well as controller to Panels? If so, are there instructions on how to install fuses on cables (cut, splice and attach or something simple)? Thanks so much for your help.
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Post by ross on Jul 13, 2016 6:17:25 GMT -8
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Post by yodarules on Jul 13, 2016 19:51:23 GMT -8
yodarules I'd only fuse at the battery + , likely with a self resetting circuit breaker from an auto parts store.  Ross, Is this what you are talking about: "Bussmann 'Short Stop' Auto Reset Circuit Breakers with right angle mounting bracket - 30 Amp 12 Volt DC Rated - Type 1 auto reset thermal cycling circuit breaker manufactured by Cooper Bussmann."? Not sure how, or where, this goes.... when you say, "at the battery" can you elaborate a little more. Thanks, Patsy |
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Post by ross on Jul 14, 2016 4:10:03 GMT -8
within a few inches from the battery +, the copper colored terminal connects to the batt + the the silver connects to the tray cable +. It protects the wires if a short happens.
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Post by yodarules on Jul 14, 2016 5:35:54 GMT -8
within a few inches from the battery +, the copper colored terminal connects to the batt + the the silver connects to the tray cable +. It protects the wires if a short happens. Thanks for the explanation. The circuit breaker information states, "with parallel mounting bracket". Does this matter if I have two 6volk GC batteries in series wiring? |
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Post by ross on Jul 14, 2016 18:29:47 GMT -8
NO, parallel bracket refers to the breakers mounting bracket
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