Isolating batteries and solar

[chenderson1965]

Hi All,

I now have my new Victron controller and also a Battery Master. It sounds like adding these into my N&B Arto should simply be a case of swapping them over for the existing equivalent units. So, that being the case, it should be a simple enough job to do so I’m going to have a go at it.

Presumably, before I start disconnecting or reconnecting anything I need to disconnect the vehicle batteriy, the leisure batteries and the solar system. Disconnecting the batteries should just be a question of removing a terminal connector on each, but how do I isolate the current coming from the solar system (other than doing it at night)?

Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

Chris

 

[rosalan]

I am no expert but would think that removing the cable entering the control unit would isolate the power.

 

[Reallyretired]

Isolate the solar panel first, unless its dark. When I fitted mine I put circuit breakers on the input and output of the solar controller to make this easy. Disconnecting the batteries while the solar is still functioning could cook the controller.

 

[chenderson1965]

Isolate the solar panel first, unless its dark. When I fitted mine I put circuit breakers on the input and output of the solar controller to make this easy. Disconnecting the batteries while the solar is still functioning could cook the controller.

Yes, but how do I isolate the panels if I don’t have a circuit breaker/s?

 

[TheBig1]

lay a towel over the panels is a simple way to do it

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[DBK]

Do it on a cloudy day and ignore any sparks! I'm serious, you won't damage the solar panels even if you short the wires together.

Then connect the leisure battery to the battery terminals and add the battery master, I would disconnect the cab battery but you can if you prefer and it will be safer. Reconnect the cab battery then reconnect the solar panel. Ignoring any sparks!

It is important to connect the battery first so the unit knows it is supposed to be running on 12 volts but you don't need to do this subsequently. With Victron stuff they remember what voltage they are after the first connection.

 

[eddie]

Do it at night

 

[treetops1]

The easy answer is just cover your panels up .No sun no power lol.