mena661 wrote:
2oldman wrote:
RoyB wrote:
all solar panel cables should be protected by high current fuses so that short circuits will blow the fuse
Would this happen by two wires crossing, or some other way?
I'm not sure why you need a fuse on a device that's designed to be short circuited. Yes, panels are designed to be short circuited, that's how PWM controllers work they short circuit the panels. That's where you get your Voc and Isc ratings from. Panel wiring is typically #12 which is rated for 45 amps. Now worries there either. I can see putting a fuse on the controller output but not on the input.
We had a thread about this some time ago. ISTR there was a reference to possibly using a fuse with each string of panels in series up to three not needed but with four or more you need a fuse? Can't remember. Look it up if important.
Here is the ref--wade down to the strings fusing part
http://www1.cooperbussmann.com/pdf/9df1f7ec-8c62-4210-8cf8-9504927394f0.pdfPanel specs have a fuse size mentioned for that application "series fuse rating" eg my Sharp 130w says 15a and so does my Hanwha 230w panel have 15a for that.
( I am not sure all PWM controllers short the panels--the "shunt" type
do, but not sure about the "series" type.) You can short the panel no harm done.
