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dc Circuit Breaker

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davy

New Member
Joined
Nov 15, 2023
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77
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belguim
I would like to install a DC Miniature Circuit Breaker to switch the solar panels off or on. On Amazon you will find different brands, but which one would you buy?
I also saw this on a YouTube video
Projects in Paradise 808 where he uses this as an on or off switch only.cant find the breaker here in the EU what he use.
 
Is this for a single string or for multiple strings? What voltage? How many amps? Do you want to regularly disconnect under load?

If you only need a disconnect, the IMO disconnect is hard to beat.
 
Q-Dog said:
Is this for a single string or for multiple strings? What voltage? How many amps? Do you want to regularly disconnect under load?

If you only need a disconnect, the IMO disconnect is hard to beat.
Click to expand...

I have 2 strings.one string ( series ) is 550w and about 100v/ (Imp): 5.76A.the other string also series is 180w and about 60/70v and (Imp): 3.16A
it is more about turning off the panels in the evening so that I can turn off the DIY system 24v lifpo4. Now I have to unplug the MC4 connection. So turning off under load will not or rarely happen.I don't have much space to place such a box, so I thought about a DC breaker because it takes up little space. You can also attach it to a DIN rail.
 
davy said:
I would like to install a DC Miniature Circuit Breaker to switch the solar panels off or on. On Amazon you will find different brands, but which one would you buy?
I also saw this on a YouTube video
Projects in Paradise 808 where he uses this as an on or off switch only.cant find the breaker here in the EU what he use.
Click to expand...
At least in US can search for mnepv and find the Midnite din mount breakers, not sure if they are for sale in Europe. Be mindful of the polarity of these breakers, positive from panels going to ++

Screenshot_20250302_062606_Chrome.jpg
 
Since you're in the EU you should be able to use any IEC certified DC disconnect or breaker with the proper DC voltage and current ratings.

Id suggest getting switches or breakers rated at least 1.2x Voc of your strings if your minimum ambient temp is -25C or higher and 1.56x the Isc of the strings. Those are the North American electrical code requirements but are good practice to use anywhere.
 
On strings that small I would not have a problem using these (I used one for an 800 watt array) :

www.ebay.com

32A PV Disconnect Switch Circuit Breaker Solar System Isolator Switch 500V | eBay

Solar Disconnect Switch DC 500V 32Amp Circuit Breaker with PV Combiner Box. LQX-C32.2 500V DC Combiner Box for Solar PV. Max DC Short Circuit Current Per Input（Isc）: 32A（Changeable）. Maximum Current Output : 32A.
www.ebay.com
 
 
Last edited:
davy said:
do you know this brand?
i always buy from amazon germany.
Click to expand...
That's a 12:/24 volt one
 
I did get the one that Barracuda Bob show ,came from China and had smallest MC4 cables I seen so change wire to what you using if you buy ,plugs were tight to conect and disconnect and wire wasn't even crimped tight as the wire pulled out of conection so if you get make sure to check before use.says 1000v 6000amps which I dont think sounds right but I'm a rookie
I do like the enclosure for it but this in my parts as not needed ( I got breakers everywhere)
Well that's my 2 cents on these , wasn't that cheap either and probably get better quality for same price,was good it come complete ,says 4mm wire and sure looks skinny compared to my 6mm. The switch feels ok but like my other cheap one dont over tighten or cheap plastic will crack

20250125_173212.jpg20250304_080924.jpg
 
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BarracudaBob said:
250DC I'd smoke that bad boy
Click to expand...
You might not, it's pretty beefy and the contacts open up a full 90 degrees. In a pinch I wouldn't hesitate to use it well past 250V. Regardless, it's still just rated for 250V.

OP mentioned 100V. Of course, he probably doesn't have a Home Depot in Belgium.
 
OzSolar said:
You might not, it's pretty beefy and the contacts open up a full 90 degrees. In a pinch I wouldn't hesitate to use it well past 250V. Regardless, it's still just rated for 250V.

OP mentioned 100V. Of course, he probably doesn't have a Home Depot in Belgium.
Click to expand...
I'm sure it's just fine I noticed a lot of these breakers have an art path to intentionally to divert the ark to capacitor like plates
 
Last edited:
I wouldn't ever use a circuit breaker again for high voltage pv panels after watching breakers smoke.

I use a disconnect switch :


$43

1741120160369.jpeg

Some on the forum only want to use the more expensive imo or whatever its called and that's fine too.

Switches are designed to be turned on and off. Breakers are not and will fail sooner normally.

Also unless the breaker is something like the midnite solar ones I wouldn't even remotely trust them in my opinion.

I have turned my disconnects off with 10kw going thru them with no ill effect. The breakers I have used were venting smoke at 3kw.

Scary stuff.
 
Crowz said:
I wouldn't ever use a circuit breaker again for high voltage pv panels after watching breakers smoke.

I use a disconnect switch :


$43

View attachment 282535

Some on the forum only want to use the more expensive imo or whatever its called and that's fine too.

Switches are designed to be turned on and off. Breakers are not and will fail sooner normally.

Also unless the breaker is something like the midnite solar ones I wouldn't even remotely trust them in my opinion.

I have turned my disconnects off with 10kw going thru them with no ill effect. The breakers I have used were venting smoke at 3kw.

Scary stuff.
Click to expand...
I use both. I like the surge arrestor with the breaker. Inline fuse at the panel, Disconnect switch where the wire enters the home, and breaker & Surge at the inverter. I would like to add another surge arrestor at the panel where there is a good #2 bond to the home ground rod.
 
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