Cable Run From Solar Panel Controller to Engine Battery

[Terry and Jan]

Greeting all, I have just had my solar panel fitted (150w) and my controller has 2 outlets. 1 is obviously charging the habitation battery, and I would like to use the other to charge the engine battery. Could someone tell me what size cable and inline fuse to use? Cheers.

 

[andy63]

I'm not that familiar with solar ,but on my 10a mppt controller the second outlet is for direct loads powered from the leisure battery and has a timer function on it...not used it and not at home to check the instructions but again someone will be along to help.
If that's right you wouldn't use it for charging your vehicle battery. ..
Ta andy

 

[tonka]

As above... Check what the second output actually is.... Most are just a 12v load supply and not suitable for battery charging..
There are some dual regulators but you do need to check exactly what you have fitted.

 

[scotjimland]

As above.. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

if you still want to know what size cable to instal.. for this or another project..
use this calculator
http://www.solar-wind.co.uk/cable-sizing-DC-cables.html

 

[Techno]

It's not worth messing about with the smallest cable you can get away with. Think more in terms of what is the biggest I can use! 4mm minimum 6mm if the terminals will take it or with pin crimps so they will.

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[Terry and Jan]

Thanks all, will dig deeper and find out, cheers

 

[Moodybrook]

to charge the engine battery

Done mine with 10mm sq to minimise voltage loss and just took it off the battery with a 20A trip fuse, works great for when my gal is out in the sun but not going anywhere.

You must put your fuse somewhere accessible so that if you wind up the elastic band and forget to remove the fuse you may blow it. See below. That is why I used a trip switch.

http://www.motts.dsl.pipex.com/BRIDGING FUSE.htm

 

[Terry and Jan]

Ah ha, have now done what 'er indoors said all along, have read the manual for the controller, and all the information is in there. She's a smart ass!!

 

[Moodybrook]

They often are but for goodness sake don't acknowledge it, or you will never hear the end of it !