A self inflicted boo boo to my 5.3 KW system

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Gitchee Gumee Kid
Gitchee Gumee Kid Registered Users Posts: 19 ✭
in PV Installers Forum - NEC, Wiring, Installation #1
Totally my fault for this problem.I was plowing snow (we got 14" ) the other day (11/11/14 ) and while piling snow with my front end loader I got too close to where the main line comes down the pole and enters the underground route.

Of course the overlying PVC "protective" pipe shattered and upon closer examination I could see I severed the heavy bare copper ground
and tore the insulation on the 000 AL feed line off the PV array that comes out of the combiner box. This dc line is not severed but about an inch of bare wire is exposed. I wrapped some blk electrician's tape over it temporarily. Good thing was that the panels were covered with a thick layer of snow so they weren't producing much, if any current.

The readout on the solar charge controller menu panel says
> Ground Fault.

I know what has occurred will have to be handled by a certified solar electrician. The wire has to be repaired and a new ground fault protective (GFP ) fuse replaced in the charger. Maybe two will be needed as I have two chargers and both panels read ----> Ground Fault.


My controllers are Xantrex XW-MPPT60-150 and the inverters are Xantrex XW Series Hybrid Inverter.Charger (XW6048-120/240-60 ). The array is rated at 5.3KW

I hope these fuses are readily available . Do you think something off the shelf from an electrical supply house is all that is necessary.

The bare cu grd wire I would think would be a easy splice and hopefully the heavy DC one inch insulation tear can be remedied with something, maybe liquid rubber like they coat tool handles.

Will the PV arrays need to be covered with an opaque material during this procedure?

I hope to get the electrician here early next week.

Any comments are welcomed.

GGK
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Comments

  • peakbagger
    peakbagger Solar Expert Posts: 341 ✭✭✭
    #2
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    Re: A self inflicted boo boo to my 5.3 KW system

    More than few electricians in my area (which has a lot of snow), will not use PVC in areas exposed to plows. Another option is to slide a chunk of galvanized over the PVC after the PVC has been replaced.
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  • Blackcherry04
    Blackcherry04 Solar Expert Posts: 2,490 ✭✭✭
    #3
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    Re: I damaged my system and could use some advice.

    From the Users Manual.

    To replace the ground fault protection fuse:

    1. Remove the wiring terminals cover, as described on page 2–5.

    The ground fault protection fuse is located behind the wiring terminals.

    2. Remove the blown fuse and replace it with a new AC/DC midget cartridge,
    rated 600 Vdc, 1A (Littelfuse KLKD 1 or equivalent). Be careful not to
    damage the fuse clips, circuit board and surrounding components.

    http://www.littelfuse.com/products/fuses/industrial-power-fuses/midget-10x38mm-fuses/klkd.aspx

    These are the same fuses from our sponsor.

    http://www.solar-electric.com/midnite-solar-mnfuse1.html
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  • zoneblue
    zoneblue Solar Expert Posts: 1,220 ✭✭✭✭
    #4
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    Re: I damaged my system and could use some advice.

    As for the current carrying cable youll have to either replace it, or use the correct underground rated epoxy sealed patch kit. They are not especially cheap.
    1.8kWp CSUN, 10kWh AGM, Midnite Classic 150, Outback VFX3024E,
    http://zoneblue.org/cms/page.php?view=off-grid-solar


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  • niel
    niel Solar Expert Posts: 10,300 ✭✭✭✭
    #5
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    Re: A self inflicted boo boo to my 5.3 KW system

    even the galvanized could get damaged being hit by a plow. consider heavy duty posts cemented down far enough could stop the plow before hitting the wiring.
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