R-pod Owners Forum : DC breaker for solar?? https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : I need HELP!!! : DC breaker for solar?? Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 21 May 2026 09:21:26 +0000 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 14:33:53 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=13477 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ DC breaker for solar?? : Thanks for the responses-glad... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13477&PID=130309#130309 Author: Pod People
Subject: 13477
Posted: 08 Apr 2020 at 2:33pm

Thanks for the responses-glad to know that I was overthinking this issue. I do have a 20 amp fuse between the controller and the batteries.
Thanks
Vann
]]> Wed, 08 Apr 2020 14:33:53 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13477&PID=130309#130309 DC breaker for solar?? : You don’t need a breaker for... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13477&PID=130308#130308 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13477
Posted: 08 Apr 2020 at 12:51pm

You don’t need a breaker for arcing while connecting the solar module, that won’t hurt anything at 12v, but you should have a breaker or fuse at the battery to protect the wiring to you solar system from overcurrent due to short circuits, just like you have circuit breakers in your house for the same purpose. The battery is easily able to produce enough current to melt the insulation off even large size conductors. 20A is fine. ]]> Wed, 08 Apr 2020 12:51:02 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13477&PID=130308#130308 DC breaker for solar?? : +1. The simple solutions are generally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13477&PID=130306#130306 Author: StephenH
Subject: 13477
Posted: 08 Apr 2020 at 10:10am

+1. The simple solutions are generally the best. ]]> Wed, 08 Apr 2020 10:10:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13477&PID=130306#130306 DC breaker for solar?? : You don't need that circuit... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13477&PID=130304#130304 Author: podwerkz
Subject: 13477
Posted: 08 Apr 2020 at 10:04am

You don't need that circuit breaker, its overkill for your situation.

Just face the portable panel away from strong sunlight when connecting or disconnecting. 

You can toss a dark blanket over it, a big piece of cardboard, lean it against the trailer, or lay it flat on the ground or grass, and that will reduce the panel output to essentially nothing, so no arcing will occur.

Obviously connecting or disconnecting at night, there is no power being produced by the panel so again, no arcing will occur.
]]> Wed, 08 Apr 2020 10:04:16 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13477&PID=130304#130304 DC breaker for solar?? : I read in an earlier forum... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13477&PID=130303#130303 Author: Pod People
Subject: 13477
Posted: 08 Apr 2020 at 9:02am

I read in an earlier forum post that I needed a DC breakerbetween the solar panel and the charge controller to eliminate arching whenconnecting or disconnecting.

I have a Renogy 100 watt suitcase panel with a 20 amp PWMcontroller connected to 2 6volt GC batteries.

If needed, would this breaker work? Should I use a 20 or 30amp unit?

https://www.amazon.com/Tocas-Surface-Mount-Circuit-Breakers-Waterproof/dp/B07D7T3ZR5?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_3&th=1

It seems that this unit works both as a circuit breaker andalso as a switch that could be used to turn off the power generated by thepanel so connections could be made without arching.  Once everything is connected, then it couldbe switched on to allow power from the panel to the charge controller.

Am I understanding this concept correctly?

Thank you for any suggestions or comments

Vann

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