80VDC 10A fuse?
Thinking of arranging my solar setup "the right way" - add all the recommended fuses, like PV fuse, battery fuse, controller fuse and load fuse. It works as it is, so I'm going against the rule "it wo...
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A fuse in line with your solar panels is to protect the panel, not the wire. All UL listed solar panels will list on their label their maximum size series fuse. This is the size that should be installed. It's true the panel will never be able to produce enough amperage to blow it. Your batteries can if your charge controller shorts out. If you have several parallel strings of panels they can also, collectively, produce enough current to blow it.
If you're below 150v DC there are lots and lots of DC circuit breakers to choose from. Outback and MidNite Solar make them. I wouldn't bother using a fuse if I could find a circuit breaker. When you get over 150v DC breakers become much harder to find but are available up to 300v DC. Above 300v all over current protection is handled by fuses. Fuses rated up to 600v DC are available but you likely won't find them at Lowes. Even electrical supply houses will often give you a blank look. Solar equipment sellers will have them.
AC equipment that has no DC rated should NOT be used for DC. A DC arc is tremendously difficult to extinguish compared to an AC one. That is the reasons for the ratings. To run DC thru breakers, fuses, disconnects, etc. not rated for it is a code violation and a fire hazard.
If you're below 150v DC there are lots and lots of DC circuit breakers to choose from. Outback and MidNite Solar make them. I wouldn't bother using a fuse if I could find a circuit breaker. When you get over 150v DC breakers become much harder to find but are available up to 300v DC. Above 300v all over current protection is handled by fuses. Fuses rated up to 600v DC are available but you likely won't find them at Lowes. Even electrical supply houses will often give you a blank look. Solar equipment sellers will have them.
AC equipment that has no DC rated should NOT be used for DC. A DC arc is tremendously difficult to extinguish compared to an AC one. That is the reasons for the ratings. To run DC thru breakers, fuses, disconnects, etc. not rated for it is a code violation and a fire hazard.
