Circuit breaker question for dc

samppa
samppa Registered Users Posts: 20 ✭
in PV Installers Forum - NEC, Wiring, Installation #1
Hello!

I'm considering getting ABB:s circuit breakers. Datasheet here:
http://www05.abb.com/global/scot/scot209.nsf/veritydisplay/44c5b5ac208f3f25c1257ad7004ec86a/$file/2CDC002157D0202_view.pdf

System is 12vdc, there's only led lights here. Will be two circuits, one for indoor lights, the other for outdoors lights.

this says min operating voltage is 12 vdc. I also asked the company about these and dc operation, and they said they are fine.

What do you think? Are these ok?
Or should I get Midnite DC Breakers form the shop here?
Pricewise there is no significant difference, it's just that Midnite isn't available here.. shipping takes time.
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Comments

  • waynefromnscanada
    waynefromnscanada Solar Expert Posts: 3,009 ✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: Circuit breaker question for dc

    Square D "QO" breakers are rated to 48 VDC, and aren't expensive.

    I find it interesting that the ones you list have this statement:
    "Min. operating voltage 12 V AC, 12 V DC"
    If there's a good reason for that, than you may be cutting it very close with your 12 volt system.
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  • zoneblue
    zoneblue Solar Expert Posts: 1,220 ✭✭✭✭
    #3
    Re: Circuit breaker question for dc

    Get proper field tested industry standard breakers, order on line, right here. Why make things dificult?
    1.8kWp CSUN, 10kWh AGM, Midnite Classic 150, Outback VFX3024E,
    http://zoneblue.org/cms/page.php?view=off-grid-solar


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  • jcheil
    jcheil Solar Expert Posts: 722 ✭✭✭
    #4
    Re: Circuit breaker question for dc
    zoneblue wrote: »
    Get proper field tested industry standard breakers, order on line, right here. Why make things dificult?

    I agree. I mean, get the proper part for the job. The "true" DC breakers available from our host (and other places) are only a few $ more than trying to rig up the square-D stuff. I did exactly what you are wanting to do years ago and I wish I never did because I just ended up going with the proper breakers later on, wasting the money I spent on the square-d stuff, and have been much happier with them. Now, I am not saying I had any issues with the square-d ones, but it is just a cleaner install using the "specific" solar combiners and breakers.
    Off-Grid in Central Florida since 2005, Full-Time since June 2014 | 12 X Sovello 205w panels, 9 X ToPoint 220w panels, 36x ToPoint 225w panels (12,525 watts total) | Custom built single-axis ground mounts | Complete FP2 Outback System: 3 x FM80, 2 x VFX3648, X240 Transformer, FLEXnet-DC, Mate-3, Hub-10, FW500 AC/DC | 24 x Trojan L16RE-B Batteries 1110ah @ 48v | Honda EU7000is Generator and a pile of "other" Generators | Home-Made PVC solar hot water collector | Custom data logging software http://www.somewhatcrookedcamp.com/monitormate.html
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  • samppa
    samppa Registered Users Posts: 20 ✭
    #5
    Re: Circuit breaker question for dc

    Yeah, good advice.
    I found a Uk seller for midnite breakers, gonna order from there - I'm in Europe so ordering from here takes a bit too much time.
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