I’m Having A Blonde Moment

[A S R]

I have a 255w solar panel connected to a Victron controller on the side of a shed to charge up various batteries ( ride on lawnmower, car battery, leisure battery ) etc. I have a pair of wires coming out of the controller with crocodile clips on the ends to connect to the terminals on the batteries. All are loose batteries when not on vehicles. From what I read I have to disconnect the CONTROLLER to solar panel leads if I want to change batteries?
Is that right? Doesn’t seem right to me?

 

[RogerIvy]

If it was me I’d have an isolator between the panels and the controller

 

[Richard n Ann]

have to disconnect the CONTROLLER to solar panel leads if I want to change batteries?

Yes although it doesn't seem to bother my Voltronic

 

[Just smiffy]

I have a 255w solar panel connected to a Victron controller on the side of a shed to charge up various batteries ( ride on lawnmower, car battery, leisure battery ) etc. I have a pair of wires coming out of the controller with crocodile clips on the ends to connect to the terminals on the batteries. All are loose batteries when not on vehicles. From what I read I have to disconnect the CONTROLLER to solar panel leads if I want to change batteries?
Is that right? Doesn’t seem right to me?

Yes the controller has to “see” the battery before the panels…

 

[A S R]

If it was me I’d have an isolator between the panels and the controller

So what sort of isolator would you use? And on which wire? Positive only? Negative? Or both?

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[RogerIvy]

So what sort of isolator would you use? And on which wire? Positive only? Negative? Or both?

We always install double pole isolators. …both

 

[Richard n Ann]

So what sort of isolator would you use? And on which wire? Positive only? Negative? Or both?

Single pole will be fine, positive only. Double pole would be more for mains isolators where you want to break the neutral too.

 

[A S R]

Like this one? Would this do a 255w panel ok?

Schneider Electric Easy9 63A DP Switch Disconnector - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. For opening and closing circuits under load. For disconnection of on-load electrical circuits already protected against overloads and short-circuits. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

 

[Richard n Ann]

Like this one? Would this do a 255w panel ok?

Schneider Electric Easy9 63A DP Switch Disconnector - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. For opening and closing circuits under load. For disconnection of on-load electrical circuits already protected against overloads and short-circuits. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

No like this...

Battery Isolator Switch 12V-48V Battery Cut Off Kill Switch Waterproof and Easy Fit for Caravan, RV, ATV, Car, Motor, Marine Boat, UTV, Vehicles and Camper(ON/Off) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B094VPFVZV/?tag=mhf04-21

 

[RogerIvy]

Like this one? Would this do a 255w panel ok?

Schneider Electric Easy9 63A DP Switch Disconnector - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. For opening and closing circuits under load. For disconnection of on-load electrical circuits already protected against overloads and short-circuits. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

Yep

Here is an eBay one: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/37516575...pid=5339023013&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

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[A S R]

How about this one?
Jadeshay Circuit Breaker, PV Combiner Box DC Isolator 500V 32A String PV DC Isolation Switch Outdoor Waterproof Solar Combiner Box with 1 in 1 out 1 for Solar System https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C7KM621G/?tag=mhf04-21

I can get this delivered tomorrow. I’m very impatient.

 

[Richard n Ann]

How about this one?
Jadeshay Circuit Breaker, PV Combiner Box DC Isolator 500V 32A String PV DC Isolation Switch Outdoor Waterproof Solar Combiner Box with 1 in 1 out 1 for Solar System https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C7KM621G/?tag=mhf04-21

I can get this delivered tomorrow. I’m very impatient.

It's totally over the top, look at the voltage rating. You just want to break the positive while you switch batteries. No current protection required.

 

[RogerIvy]

How about this one?
Jadeshay Circuit Breaker, PV Combiner Box DC Isolator 500V 32A String PV DC Isolation Switch Outdoor Waterproof Solar Combiner Box with 1 in 1 out 1 for Solar System https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C7KM621G/?tag=mhf04-21

I can get this delivered tomorrow. I’m very impatient.

Looks good .... go for it.

 

[A S R]

I do actually have 39 brand new 255w panels leaning against the shed right now! I could add more then?

 

[Vikdikdok]

Blimey ! 39 other panels . . .

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[Lenny HB]

Yes although it doesn't seem to bother my Voltronic

Yes the controller has to “see” the battery before the panels…

Only needs to be connected to the battery first on first use then it remembers the voltage setting.