Fuse or Circuit Breaker for a 1500 watt inverter
Opti
Registered Users Posts: 10 ✭✭
I'm putting together a 12v solar battery system using a 100AH AGM battery, 1500 watt inverter, 20A charge controller with a couple 100 watt solar panels to provide power to a box trailer used for tools and such.
I know I should protect my components with fuses or circuit breakers but I'm trying to do it without adding a lot of cost to the budget. Fuses are the cheapest option but I'd prefer a circuit breaker solution if possible but the costs go up dramatically from what I can find.
To protect the 1500w inverter I'm told that I need to add a 225 to 250 Amp circuit breaker between the inverter and battery. One solution I found that works for a truck winch is this option
which is quite reasonably priced but I'm in need of some expert advice to know if it would be applicable to putting such a breaker inline with my 1500w inverter system or are there other issues to consider with this type of breaker and I should use a simple 300A fuse instead?
I know I should protect my components with fuses or circuit breakers but I'm trying to do it without adding a lot of cost to the budget. Fuses are the cheapest option but I'd prefer a circuit breaker solution if possible but the costs go up dramatically from what I can find.
To protect the 1500w inverter I'm told that I need to add a 225 to 250 Amp circuit breaker between the inverter and battery. One solution I found that works for a truck winch is this option
which is quite reasonably priced but I'm in need of some expert advice to know if it would be applicable to putting such a breaker inline with my 1500w inverter system or are there other issues to consider with this type of breaker and I should use a simple 300A fuse instead?
Comments
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ARGHH !!! looks like a batch of parallel breakers on a buss bar
Our host site has a store with a lot of breakers
https://www.solar-electric.com/marine-rv/circuit-protection/circuit-breakers.html?limit=40&nav_breaker_type=DC+Breakers
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mike95490 said:ARGHH !!! looks like a batch of parallel breakers on a buss bar...
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250 amp breakers for 12 volt DC are commonly used in car audio applications, you might find a better solution looking there.
I personally used marine type, but they don't seem to have a 250 amp version and are 4 times as costly.
https://www.delcity.net/store/EATON-Marine-Breakers-!--Hi!Amp/p_795454.h_795461
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Opti said:I'm putting together a 12v solar battery system using a 100AH AGM battery, 1500 watt inverter, 20A charge controller with a couple 100 watt solar panels to provide power to a box trailer used for tools and such.
I know I should protect my components with fuses or circuit breakers but I'm trying to do it without adding a lot of cost to the budget. Fuses are the cheapest option but I'd prefer a circuit breaker solution if possible but the costs go up dramatically from what I can find.
To protect the 1500w inverter I'm told that I need to add a 225 to 250 Amp circuit breaker between the inverter and battery. One solution I found that works for a truck winch is this option
which is quite reasonably priced but I'm in need of some expert advice to know if it would be applicable to putting such a breaker inline with my 1500w inverter system or are there other issues to consider with this type of breaker and I should use a simple 300A fuse instead?
If there is a short circuit ...
Step #1) I will clear the short, then and only then ...
Step #2) I will manually reset the breaker
example: A 200 Amp 30 Volt DC Breaker with 3,000 Amp Interrupt Rating
https://www.grainger.com/product/GRAINGER-APPROVED-5RLT-Series-Automotive-Circuit-5RLT1
You need a very high Interrupt Rating because ...
If the contacts in your Circuit Breaker ever fuse/weld together then you have zero protection.
Mount your C.B. ( or fuse ) near the Battery Terminal.
Also, insulate / cover the Battery Terminals to prevent accidental shorting
Won't your 1,500 Watt Inverter, at full load, drain your battery down to 50% ( ~dead ) in just 20 minutes ???
Fuses are cheap - how many times in your life do you expect to blow a 200 amp fuse? -
With cost being one of my prime factors a fuse then appears to be the best and least expensive option. Thanks for the help and input from everyone, it led me to a better answer!
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Don't forget to have a couple or more spares on hand.... don't ask
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Yikes, the nice exposed 12v bus bar in this install photo looks like trouble.
https://www.etrailer.com/static/images/pics/S/W/SW90-22147_2014~Ram~2500_4_1000.jpg
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You want something like this: https://www.solar-electric.com/mr60ampdccib.html Choose the size of wire you're using from the battery to the inverter, and the breaker needs to be at the battery end. It is protecting the wire from burning if there is a short anywhere downstream, in the cable or the inverter. A breaker also functions as a manual disconnect.4.7 kW rooftop grid-tied Enphase M190s (1/21 surviving, have replaced and re-replaced the rest), 21x SolarWorld 225W
2.6 kW ground mount AC coupled to SMA SI6048 x2 & 1080Ah 48v Exide FLA forklift bank, 10x Talesun 265W (a DC Solar trailer), Enphase m210/M210IG
3.7 kw rooftop 12x Astronergy 305W, 9 panels DC coupled w/ Midnite 250-CP CC, 3 panels AC coupled Enphase M210IG
(sold) 480 W camper system, 2x Panasonic 240W HIT, Midnite Kid CC w/ Whizbang Jr, 2x 6v GC2 FLA 230Ah
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