Hi I want to fit a breaker/fuse to enable me to disconnect PV panel.
Do I need to add breaker to live and neutral or just live ?
Thanks
Hi Surfer123. It depends on your local regulations but what I normally do is install a double pole DC breaker rated to the correct current you will have on the array and then i put fuse in as well for extra protection. What size is your setup, is it just a single panel and mppt?
I also simply use a double pole breaker.
Hi Jacques, at the moment one 100w panel and 75/15 already installed when I purchased the van, but I want to add another 100w panel at later date. thanks for your reply
perfect many thanks
This is ok for small systems with low PV voltage up to ~100V dc. But be aware that standard breakers are designed for AC, and will not be capable of switching the same voltage at DC.
Good point. I use DC breakers of about 200v. I must say they’re extremely expensive. One is better off, I think, with fuses. I really didn’t look into “automatic” fuses. The highest I get is about 168v. I have 3 equal arrays, so I use 3 breakers.
DC Breakers may also be polarised, i.e. sensitive to which way the current is flowing through them. This is because of a small internal magnet that is used to deflect the arc that forms when the contacts open. This extends the path of the arc, helping to extinguish it quickly
2 equal sub-arrays can be directly paralleled, but if paralleling three sub arrays, then fuses / circuit breakers need to be used in all 3 sub-arrays. either way, a 2 pole disconnect should be used between the PCE (MPPT) and the array.
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