diy solar

diy solar

DON'T Install DC Isolators on Solar

That video way back in post #1 is very misleading. It quotes a fire authority who have no electrical engineering expertise simply based on there observations. I have personally observed in many instances incorrect equipment being used for DC breakers, most typically components designed for use with 440V 3-phase AC circuits and in no way suitable for DC.
IMOP a DC breaker is essential to allow the panels to be isolated ON LOAD from a faulty inverter to prevent fire in same.
However it should obviously be properly rated for the job, environmentally protected and accessible from the ground.
I cannot imagine what idiocy led to fitting of isolators on roofs of normal domestic premises if there is no ground accessible companion.
Now you can all shoot me down, I only spout common sense!
 
Zwy said:
It is IP66 for the cover and enclosed plastic. It's in the video you haven't watched yet.
Click to expand...
Well, this is solved. My apologies to Doc Z and all, the video and manual disagree :ROFLMAO:
Screenshot_20240115_104859_Samsung Internet.jpgScreenshot_20240115_110658_Drive.jpg
Irrelevant after loss of IP integrity anyway. Cracks or housing distortion via UV and loss of enclosure seal between the two halves then pffttt o_O⚡
 
Last edited:
Plum Crazy Rob said:
Yes, they are...read the manual:
IMO switch-disconnector manual

View attachment 188560
Click to expand...
This is a good point. I immediately noted the 50 degrees Celsius, or 122 degrees Fahrenheit. We had three days summer 2019 at 121 degrees Fahrenheit, what might the temperature have been within unventilated and exposed to sun enclosures? This is not my main thought.

The main thought is we must know what all aspects of our system may do/create/be exposed to in order to make sure we install components that function as designed in the worst-case scenario – I have failed in this arena. Great reminder, thank you.

I also sent my friend an order of shutdown to isolate components, starting with branch circuit breakers…
 
Looks like signature solar and currentconnected.com both sell a dc disconnect/isolator switch.

I‘ve not seriously considered buying something from signature solar until now.

I generally assume currentconnected.com has higher quality products than signature solar. Maybe I’m wrong.

edit-for some reason I can’t attach photos this morning.

signaturesolar.com

IMO DC Disconnect Rooftop Isolator Switch

IEC 60364-7-712, dc disconnect, imo, ul listed, DC AC, DC DISC
signaturesolar.com signaturesolar.com

www.currentconnected.com

Solar PV DC Quick Disconnect Switch | Current Connected

Discover our Solar PV Quick Disconnect Switch with user-independent switching action, ensuring a lightning-fast break/make action in just 3ms!
www.currentconnected.com www.currentconnected.com
 
The company is I believe headquartered in UK ( according to video lol ;) ?).

Probably made in China (?)
EDIT: says made in EU. Not sure if as in made in UK..
 
Last edited:
Just a quick note on the IMO, I use it and it's brilliant BUT it is not suitable for use outdoors unless protected because,
1/ The cable glands are not waterproof
2/ There is no waterproof seal around the operating mechanism
3/ The seal between the case halves is very flimsy and liable to have a gap as it is just a length of rubber string
 
fourtytwo said:
Just a quick note on the IMO, I use it and it's brilliant BUT it is not suitable for use outdoors unless protected because,
1/ The cable glands are not waterproof
2/ There is no waterproof seal around the operating mechanism
3/ The seal between the case halves is very flimsy and liable to have a gap as it is just a length of rubber string
Click to expand...

This is why before and after installing mine I wrapped it in 4 inch wide RV waterproof white tape called Eterna Bond …the mating flange is now solid as a rock… it will last a lot longer than I probably will ….

the glans were totally sealed in silicone once the wires were run.( yes,electrical grade silicone), in addition every possible opening is sealed..

there will be no water intrusion or UV damage at all on this unit…

that puppie is sealed …….it is protected…. It works great….

or one could simply install the whole IMO in a 25.00 plastic waterproof box with the opening door…there soooo many solutions to this minor issue … …

J.
 
fourtytwo said:
Just a quick note on the IMO, I use it and it's brilliant BUT it is not suitable for use outdoors unless protected because,
1/ The cable glands are not waterproof
Click to expand...

Use Myers hubs on the bottom. Water doesn't run vertical up.

fourtytwo said:
2/ There is no waterproof seal around the operating mechanism
Click to expand...

There is a seal present. I just happen to have an extra laying around the shop.

First photo with seal and shaft in case. IMO shaft seal with shaft inserted.jpg

Next photo, seal in case. IMO shaft seal inserted in case.jpg

Next is end view of seal removed from case. IMO shaft seal.jpg

Side view of seal.

IMO shaft seal side view.jpg




fourtytwo said:
3/ The seal between the case halves is very flimsy and liable to have a gap as it is just a length of rubber string
Click to expand...
The seal fits tight in the groove and the other case half fits tight in that groove. Here is the photo. I had to work to get the case halves apart after removing the screws.

IMO case seal.jpg



Even the screws on the cover have a seal on the screw.
 
JRH said:
This is why before and after installing mine I wrapped it in 4 inch wide RV waterproof white tape called Eterna Bond …the mating flange is now solid as a rock… it will last a lot longer than I probably will ….

the glans were totally sealed in silicone once the wires were run.( yes,electrical grade silicone), in addition every possible opening is sealed..

there will be no water intrusion or UV damage at all on this unit…

that puppie is sealed …….it is protected…. It works great….

or one could simply install the whole IMO in a 25.00 plastic waterproof box with the opening door…there soooo many solutions to this minor issue … …

J.
Click to expand...
No need for additional weatherproofing. I've had mine installed on my array for over a year and there is not any water intrusion.

The NEMA 4 metal box it is attached to however does sweat internally.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JRH
How are these being mounted? Hard to believe they have that many intrusion issues unless they are mounted incorrectly.
FYI we use to drill holes in the bottom of bell boxes back in the day to let the condensation out.
 
Partimewages said:
How are these being mounted? Hard to believe they have that many intrusion issues unless they are mounted incorrectly.
FYI we use to drill holes in the bottom of bell boxes back in the day to let the condensation out.
Click to expand...
I mounted mine like this with Myers hubs on the bottom.


PV array box.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

AlaskanNoob
Odd claims, some electricians warning about using DC isolators with PV
Replies
18
Views
819
OffGridForGood
OffGridForGood
M
PV Disconnect During Load
Replies
1
Views
281
gotbeans
gotbeans
G
Is it definitely safe to not fuse solar panel wires to mppt?
Replies
19
Views
1K
littleharbor2
L
J
turning solar inverter off and on
Replies
4
Views
379
SamDeleted
S
EPicTony
Solar isolators location/connection on ground mount
Replies
3
Views
300
timselectric
T
Back
Top