I plan to install my mppt 75/15 on a wood bulkhead in my 45 ft sail boat. How hot does the controller get? Concerned about possible fire hazard.
This site is now in read-only archive mode. Please move all discussion, and create a new account at the new Victron Community site.
I plan to install my mppt 75/15 on a wood bulkhead in my 45 ft sail boat. How hot does the controller get? Concerned about possible fire hazard.
It is always advised to mount things that (can) get warm / hot on a non combustible surface, wood tends to dry out over time to the point of being very easily combustible.
a layer of gipsum (?) board is an easy solution, or a sheet of aluminium (easy to drill / screw through the aluminium into the wood)
JFYI. My 75/15 barely gets warm with 210 watts going into it. My 100/50 gets very hot, with 400+ watts being consumed. I use wood for both and am also looking for something better. I would prefer something like a non combustable plastic or other insulator. I would prefer I not mount it to something that conducts electricity... Just my two cents. -Bill
Thanks bigbillsd, To add some information, The 75/15 is connected to a 30 watt solar array. This is connected to my start battery system on my sail boat. The start battery system is separate from the general use DC power system. The solar array and controller are used to maintain the start battery while I am sailing for prolong or anchor periods. By design the start system is separate form the general system, so as the general system becomes low, I am still able to start the engine to charge batteries. From your note, a 30 watt system should not pose a heat problem.. Eric
Additional resources still need to be added for this topic
6 People are following this question.