One More Solar question
Still working/planning out my Solar set up and another question has surfaced. I have installed a 40 amp DC circuit breaker between my controller and batteries, should I install another circuit brea...
Forum Discussion
time2roll wrote:
You don't need any fuse or breaker on the connection from panels to the controller. You can short the wires and no harm will come of it.
Although a breaker can serve a switch to cut power to the controller for service.
:E :R
You cannot make THAT "ASSUMPTION".
Granted, the panel might "fold back" some when heated, but the reality is it IS rated to provide a certain max amount of current at max illumination..
It would totally depend on the WIRE GA between the panel and controller, OP says panels rated for 23A, one WOULD want to have a min wire ga to handle 23A at peak sun in the event of the controller or a wiring short.
12 Ga is typically rated for 20A circuits but in reality most likely would want 10 ga as a minimum wire size which is typically rated for 30A if you really want to go through life without fuses on power sources..
If one used 18 ga "zip" cord, then that WOULD be a potential fire hazard with no fuse.
Good electrical rule of thumb, when in doubt, FUSE IT!
Fuses are cheap compared to your RV OR YOUR LIFE..
You can buy a new RV, but you cannot buy a new life when dead.
