04-17-2018, 06:42 AM
40 amp DC circuit breakers are few and far between; I ordered a $60 monster from Amazon, it never shipped so I canceled the order.
Then I did some research:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRB7Z66brO0
AC breakers will trip with twice the current DC.
Anyhoo the real problem inbound to the controller from the array is lightning, so at worst what you have by using a non-functioning breaker there is a disconnect.
A surge from lightning along the negative wire (I.E. THHN 8 AWG Black) previously upset much equipment to the point of marginal functionality, so we need a double-throw for both positive and negative...
But YEA!!!! Added another rack and Saturday, the amperage exceeded 40 amps ... and she blew!
Bought a 25amp GE breaker at HD for $9, had it installed in 5 minutes, in the standard house box. The controller is 40 amp, but according to the documentation it can take 50 ok. Can't have the damn thing tripping all the time.
Just thought you would all like to know. Off grid engineering... it's about innovation!
***Still can't figure out how to spell 'car' correctly***
Then I did some research:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRB7Z66brO0
AC breakers will trip with twice the current DC.
Anyhoo the real problem inbound to the controller from the array is lightning, so at worst what you have by using a non-functioning breaker there is a disconnect.
A surge from lightning along the negative wire (I.E. THHN 8 AWG Black) previously upset much equipment to the point of marginal functionality, so we need a double-throw for both positive and negative...
But YEA!!!! Added another rack and Saturday, the amperage exceeded 40 amps ... and she blew!
Bought a 25amp GE breaker at HD for $9, had it installed in 5 minutes, in the standard house box. The controller is 40 amp, but according to the documentation it can take 50 ok. Can't have the damn thing tripping all the time.
Just thought you would all like to know. Off grid engineering... it's about innovation!
***Still can't figure out how to spell 'car' correctly***
***Still can't figure out how to spell 'car' correctly***