Solar wiring/battery disconnect question

[rk06382]

Originally Posted by larry2c

rko6382 - I have 30A fuses on each side of the charge controller (see diagram).

Your breakers are interesting though - where did you get those?

Amazon. This is what I am using on my battery side of my Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/50 Charge Controller.Amazon: Jex Electronics 50 Amp In-Line Circuit Breaker

The Victron spec sheets called for a 60 amp circuit breaker on the solar panel side.
Amazon: Circuit Breaker Reset Fuse 60A For System Protection 12V/24V.

I installed them with 4 AWG wire. It is also nice they are different colors. I thought I had a photo but I can not find it.

[JanFMiller]

I lost my first controller by leaving it connected when I disconnected the battery ... but I forgot the controller mandated doing that. Won't forget again, the $$$ factor reminds me.

These forums are great, but some things get endlessly discussed and argued about when the real simple solution is... just ... do ... it.

1. Disconnect the panels first, using a switch or just pulling the connection.
2. Don't worry...

[ependydad]

It’s a shame there isn’t a device that can work as a master disconnect and shut everything down in an automated/controlled fashion in the right order.

[larry2c]

Originally Posted by ependydad

It’s a shame there isn’t a device that can work as a master disconnect and shut everything down in an automated/controlled fashion in the right order.

I'm sure it could be done - enough time & money and anything is possible!

I think I may have figured out a way to do it so I don't forget myself into trouble. The positive lead from the CC is attached to the + terminal of my "1st" 6V battery and the negative lead from the CC is attached to the lug of my battery monitor shunt on the end nearest the trailer frame attach point. If I turn the battery disconnect switch to off, the batteries are isolated from the TT 12V system but the CC is still connected to the batteries. Throwing the disconnect switch to off that is on the positive lead from the solar panel going into the CC would then remove any input to the CC and the batteries would have no input and could be removed for service or whatever.

[DRiveWell]

Having the battery and PV panel disconnects next to each other may simplify things. I use switchable DC breakers (of the proper amperage) housed in the same box with the battery breaker labeled First ON/Last OFF.
Haven't screwed it up yet.

[Mikemdd]

Originally Posted by JanFMiller

I lost my first controller by leaving it connected when I disconnected the battery ... but I forgot the controller mandated doing that. Won't forget again, the $$$ factor reminds me.

These forums are great, but some things get endlessly discussed and argued about when the real simple solution is... just ... do ... it.

1. Disconnect the panels first, using a switch or just pulling the connection.
2. Don't worry...

I have a 50W panel and disconnected the battery without disconnecting the controller, multiple times. It "seems" that the controller is still ok, but after reading this thread (and the instructions with the unit....) I am now wondering if I caused damage. What is the indicator that you destroyed the controller? Is it obvious?