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er78mph's avatar
er78mph
Explorer
Jan 15, 2017

Inverter & Solar Charge Controller Box

Hello and thanks all in advance!

I am about to install 2 100 watt renogy solar panels and have limited space for inverter and charge controller. I created a fire retardant wooden box that I want to install in the front storage compartment. The only problem (i think, assume) is that my two propane tanks are in the front compartment. Would it be safe to house the inverter and charge controller next to tank? I would of course provide ventellation. I have space in a cabinet next to my be but that would put the distance to the battery bank at around 5-6 feet or so? Would the cabinet be a better alternative? Thanks
  • djgodden's avatar
    djgodden
    Explorer
    Jan 26, 2017
    Ventilation is required, unlikely to be a problem. I'd not bother to encase the charge controller at all because it too needs to be cooled.
  • Harvey51's avatar
    Harvey51
    Explorer
    Jan 21, 2017
    Surely the propane compartment is ventilated. It must be required by law.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2017
    wanderingbob wrote:
    I see no problem , we all have our batteries and propane very close . All your wiring will be fused.


    Not a chance on the planet I'd locate an electrical device like an inverter in an enclosed, sealed compartment along with propane tanks. :E I'd likewise not enclose a fan cooled inverter in any small box that could prevent proper cooling of the device. :( I mounted my own 1000 watt fan cooled inverter in my trailer's front pass through cargo compartment where it's completely isolated from the tanks mounted on the tongue, is completely protected from the elements, and where there is plenty of air around it for cooling. :) Doing so required 6' of 4 gauge cable to reach the battery for the load I typically impose on the inverter.
  • wanderingbob's avatar
    wanderingbob
    Explorer II
    Jan 15, 2017
    I see no problem , we all have our batteries and propane very close . All your wiring will be fused .
  • er78mph's avatar
    er78mph
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2017
    Sorry, no pics. Yes, compartment is sealed from rest of trailer. At the very front of my trailer I have the main compartment that opens up and the 2 tanks are there. There is like two feet of storage to either side of the tanks. I was going to hang the box and run the CC and inverter in there.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2017
    er78mph wrote:
    I created a fire retardant wooden box that I want to install in the front storage compartment. The only problem (i think, assume) is that my two propane tanks are in the front compartment.


    Pics would help as I'm trying to imagine what you mean by your "two propane tanks are in the front compartment". :h Is this front compartment sealed from the rest of the trailer? :@

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