60 amp Xantrex CC - 80 amp breakers?
Seanadirondacks
Registered Users Posts: 20 ✭✭
Hello I have a 60 amp Xantrex and I have 80 amp breakers on the positive lines. Are these the correct breakers or should I scale down to 60 amps? Thank you!
Comments
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The main function of the breakers is to protect the wire. That means you have at minimum #4 AWG wire installed for these connections.
Rick4480W PV, MNE175DR-TR, MN Classic 150, Outback Radian GS4048A, Mate3, 51.2V 360AH nominal LiFePO4, Kohler Pro 5.2E genset. -
Thanks Rick I am using #4awg wire. Im unsure if using the 80 amp breaker is the correct choice or if i should be using 60 amp breakers as the CC is 60 amp. Thanks!
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80A breaker is good for 4ga wire. If your charge controller melts into a puddle of solder, when the shorting amps reach 80A, the breaker will pop, preventing the wires from causing a fire. This happens only when the CC is already dead, if it was going to die, 60A or 80A would make no difference. The breaker is for the wire.
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Thanks Mike95490!
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BUT... if you want to send the puddle to Schneider for a warranty claim, you might want to be able to say you used their recommended breaker size ;--)Off-grid.
Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter -
I was just reading the manual as its a new CC. Im gonna need #6 wire and a 60 amp breaker! I'll just step down my #4 wire from the bank using a bus bar and bring the #6 to the CC.
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If the #4 wire physically fits in the controller terminals, I'd go ahead and use it (but with the recommended 60a DC rated breaker).Off-grid.
Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter -
Good advice! Thanks!
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The CC is rated for 60A continuous output. The NEC rule says that the breaker size should be 125% of the continuous rate. 125% of 60A is 75A. Since you probably can't find a 75A breaker, the 80A is fine. I wouldn't switch it out. If you put in a 60A you will be - strictly speaking - undersizing your breaker.Off-grid cabin: 6 x Canadian Solar CSK-280M PV panels, Schneider XW-MPPT60-150 Charge Controller, Schneider CSW4024 Inverter/Charger, Schneider SCP, 8S (25.6V), 230Ah Eve LiFePO4 battery in a custom insulated and heated case.
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It also depends on which brand/model of circuit breaker you use... Most circuit breakers (and supporting wiring) should be 1.25x larger than the highest constant current you expect. For a 60 amp charge controller:
- 60 amps * 1.25 NEC derating = 75 amps (round up to next standard size is 80 amps)
Typically, breakers (and fuses) will not trip at 80% of capacity and will (eventually, minutes to hours) at 100% or rated capacity. But without spec sheets, it is difficult to be sure.
-Bill
Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset -
Schneider lists the battery circuit breaker they sell/make for the mppt 60 at 80 amps and the mppt 80 at 100 amps.
"we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
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