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cc5084 avatar image
cc5084 asked

Breakers/Disconnects for MPPT

mppt-disconnects.pngI was browsing the system diagrams for victron components and came across the Automotive Van drawing. In this diagram, they show two mppt solar controllers. I noticed that the controllers had some sort of breaker or disconnect connected to the PV side for both positive and ground (seen in the attached image circled in red). Can anyone inform me as to what exactly is being used there, and if possible a brand or part number?

MPPT SmartSolar
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cardy01 avatar image
cardy01 answered ·

https://community.victronenergy.com/questions/16654/fusecircuit-breaker-between-panel-and-controller-d.html

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outsourcedguru avatar image
outsourcedguru answered ·

Here is what I usually include for my solar designs:

  • One single-pole disconnect from the negative side of the batteries to the battery monitor shunt. Turning this OFF will remove the batteries from the system.
  • One single-pole disconnect on the positive side of the batteries to the inverter's input. Turning this OFF will remove the power to the inverter.
  • One single-pole disconnect on the positive side of the batteries to the charge controller's output. Turning this OFF will remove the charge controller's output to the batteries.
  • One double-pole disconnect on positive/negative lines from the solar panels to the charge controller's input. Turning this OFF will remove the solar panels from the system.

If you have other charging systems (alternator, generator, grid power) then add another single-pole disconnect for the alternator or another double-pole disconnect for the other two input types.

This probably seems like overkill but I assure you that the power involved in these types of systems is dangerous to life and limb.

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cc5084 avatar image cc5084 commented ·
@OutsourcedGuru Thank you for the feedback, do you have a brand or part number that I can take a look into for those single and double pole disconnects?
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