Full Product Manual

19
Maintenance
WARNING: Risk of Electric Shock! Make sure that all power is turned off before
touching the terminals on the charge controller.
For best controller performance, it is recommended that these tasks be performed from
time to time.
1. Check that controller is mounted in a clean, dry, and ventilated area.
2. Check wiring going into the charge controller and make sure there is no wire
damage or wear.
3. Tighten all terminals and inspect any loose, broken, or burnt up connections.
4. Make sure LED readings are consistent. Take necessary corrective action.
5. Check to make sure none of the terminals have any corrosion, insulation damage,
high temperature, or any burnt/discoloration marks.
Fusing
Fusing is a recommended in PV systems to provide a safety measure for connections
going from panel to controller and controller to battery. Remember to always use the
recommended wire gauge size based on the PV system and the controller.
NEC Maximum Current for different Copper Wire Sizes
AWG
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Max.
Current
18A
25A
30A
40A
55A
75A
95A
130A
170A
Note: The NEC code requires the overcurrent protection shall not exceed 15A for 14AWG, 20A
for 12 AWG, and 30A for 10AWG copper wire.
Fuse from Controller to Battery
Controller to Battery Fuse = Current Rating of Charge Controller
Ex. 20A MPPT CC = 20A fuse from Controller to Battery
Fuse from Solar Panel(s) to Controller
Ex. 200W; 2 X 100 W panels
**Utilize 1.56 Sizing Factor (SF)
NOTE: Different safety factors could be used. The purpose is to oversize.
Series:
Total Amperage = I
sc1
= I
sc2
* SF
= 5.75A * 1.56 = 8.97
Fuse = 9A fuse
Parallel
Total Amperage = (I
sc1
+ I
sc2
) * SF
(5.75A + 5.75A) * 1.56 = 17.94
Fuse = 18A fuse