Hi,
My DC Breaker for 20 kwH of LiFePo burned through one of the terminals, which happened over a couple of months. Something smelled funny, but I couldn't locate it, until it burned through the breaker completely, and then I could localize it.
I'd love if anyone could help explain how this might have happened. Three of the terminals and cables are in perfect shape, but the output on the + side burned the breaker, and oxidized the cable about 10 cm into the cable.
My father, who's a molecular biologist, theorized that if there's some dirt on the connection, then the resistance goes up, which creates heat, which oxidizes the copper faster, which increases the resistance, in a vicious circle.
Pictures are below, but basically, I need to figure out what to do:
Per


My DC Breaker for 20 kwH of LiFePo burned through one of the terminals, which happened over a couple of months. Something smelled funny, but I couldn't locate it, until it burned through the breaker completely, and then I could localize it.
I'd love if anyone could help explain how this might have happened. Three of the terminals and cables are in perfect shape, but the output on the + side burned the breaker, and oxidized the cable about 10 cm into the cable.
My father, who's a molecular biologist, theorized that if there's some dirt on the connection, then the resistance goes up, which creates heat, which oxidizes the copper faster, which increases the resistance, in a vicious circle.
Pictures are below, but basically, I need to figure out what to do:
- Is it a good theory, that dirt causes resistance -> heat -> oxidation -> heat -> etc?
- Would it be a good practice to re-seat the battery connectors at least once a year, i.e. take them out of the breaker and put them back in?
- Is there a known way to clear the copper ends? My father suggest vinegar or citric acid, but is worried about stopping the process.
- Is there's a known good way to make a stronger connection?
Per

