Connecting switch to the DC load of the charge controller

sahilsaid
sahilsaid Registered Users Posts: 2
Hi Everyone,

Just setup a solar system and connected few DC lights to the load socket of the charge controller here in UK.

I was wondering what kind of switch I would need to place between each device connected so that they can be turned off when not needed.

Do I need a special DC switch? None of the device is more than 20W.

Searching for a simple DC switch comes with something like this on ebay:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Boat-Light-LED-DC-12V-20A-Toggle-ON-OFF-Black-Silver-Switch-Blue-Lights-WST-/271182830179?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f23c19a63

But I need a switch that can be screwed on the wall/wood.

Can you please help?

Comments

  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
    Re: Connecting switch to the DC load of the charge controller

    Welcome to the forum.

    This is a case of you having to see what you can find and how best to adapt it to your application. Electrically it is obvious that the switch has to be designed to handle the Voltage and current expected for each device.

    Mechanically you're looking for a surface-mount automotive type switch. Here it would not be difficult to go into an auto parts store and find such a thing although it would basically be the same as what you linked to only mounted in a plastic case/frame. Look for "automotive accessory switch".

    Depending on the exact circumstances of you installation you may have to get creative and make your own mount out of a small project box.

    Good luck.
  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,431 admin
    Re: Connecting switch to the DC load of the charge controller

    Notice that switches have maximum switched current/voltage ratings. For a 12 volt DC system (with appropriate fuses/circuit breakers back to the battery bank), those switches should be fine.

    Note that they are LED based, so you cannot use then on 24/48 volt systems (LED would burn out). Also--figure out if the LED is helpful or hurts your application. At night in a dark bedroom, too many LEDs can actually be a problem for sleeping.

    I am old enough to remember when bedrooms did not look like a Las Vegas Casino. :p

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
  • sahilsaid
    sahilsaid Registered Users Posts: 2
    Re: Connecting switch to the DC load of the charge controller
    Welcome to the forum.

    This is a case of you having to see what you can find and how best to adapt it to your application. Electrically it is obvious that the switch has to be designed to handle the Voltage and current expected for each device.

    Mechanically you're looking for a surface-mount automotive type switch. Here it would not be difficult to go into an auto parts store and find such a thing although it would basically be the same as what you linked to only mounted in a plastic case/frame. Look for "automotive accessory switch".

    Depending on the exact circumstances of you installation you may have to get creative and make your own mount out of a small project box.

    Good luck.

    Thanks guys for your help. Much appreciated.
  • niel
    niel Solar Expert Posts: 10,300 ✭✭✭✭
    Re: Connecting switch to the DC load of the charge controller

    for low current draws like 1 or 2 amps you could use an ac wall switch. they do not fare well with dc currents due to arc-over, but keeping the current low would help preserve the life of it better and they are often cheap when compared to dc rated switches that are not always conducive to mounting or looking good. we have 120vac here and the switches are usually rated for up to 15a ac so i'm not too sure of what you have in the way of switches there, but i think you get the idea of what i'm driving at.