PV Suppliers?

[Sparks]

Hi guys, does anyone know who stocks 16 and 25mm PV cables? Inverter max capacity is 80A and I will have 68A to connect between combiner box and inverter. A single cable from the combiner box inverter isolator will be neater than having all my strings cables in bigger trunking.

[Isetech]

You dont need to use PV cables between the combiner and the inverter, the PV cables are double insulated for use on the roof.

Just make sure the cable is suitable for the DC voltage.

Hi guys, does anyone know who stocks 16 and 25mm PV cables? Inverter max capacity is 80A and I will have 68A to connect between combiner box and inverter. A single cable from the combiner box inverter isolator will be neater than having all my strings cables in bigger trunking.

[Sparks]

Thank you Isetech, I did consider that but would like to use fire retardent cables if possible, the batteries and inverter are just below and should anything untoward occur, at least I would have tried limiting more damage. As it is, the terminals on the inverter were not exactly designed for 25mm cables which would be the correct size for 80A DC

[Isetech]

IF you are concerned about fire, I hope you are not using PVC trunking as most domestic installations are done, I would be using metal trunking (P8 or 9000). Please tell me you combiner box is also metal, I hear all this talk about fires, yet 99.9% of domestic solar installations posted on social media use the dangerous home made DC PVCcontrol boxes.

Thank you Isetech, I did consider that but would like to use fire retardent cables if possible, the batteries and inverter are just below and should anything untoward occur, at least I would have tried limiting more damage. As it is, the terminals on the inverter were not exactly designed for 25mm cables which would be the correct size for 80A DC

[Sparks]

IF you are concerned about fire, I hope you are not using PVC trunking as most domestic installations are done, I would be using metal trunking (P8 or 9000). Please tell me you combiner box is also metal, I hear all this talk about fires, yet 99.9% of domestic solar installations posted on social media use the dangerous home made DC PVCcontrol boxes.

Yes, I agree, earthed metal boxes and conduit are the way to do it. I have not started the installation yet as I am first trying to get the cables I want.

[Isetech]

For the record its not lithium batteries bursting into flames and burning down buildings, I hear the most common cause of fires in domestic installations are the home made plastic DC control boxes, full of 'imported" Dc components supplied and fitted by installers.

[Isetech]

Check the manufacturers spec sheet, these cables have a much better current rating than our standard house wires.

Yes, I agree, earthed metal boxes and conduit are the way to do it. I have not started the installation yet as I am first trying to get the cables I want.

[GCE]

For the record its not lithium batteries bursting into flames and burning down buildings, I hear the most common cause of fires in domestic installations are the home made plastic DC control boxes, full of 'imported" Dc components supplied and fitted by installers.

Most burnt connections etc I have seen are bad workmanship , strands cut off before fitting into lugs , AC equipment used in place of DC , DC CB used on batteries and the CB are not bi direction but Bi Polar and fault levels not taken into account

[Isetech]

you could add loose connections to that list.

Most burnt connections etc I have seen are bad workmanship , strands cut off before fitting into lugs , AC equipment used in place of DC , DC CB used on batteries and the CB are not bi direction but Bi Polar and fault levels not taken into account

[Sparks]

you could add loose connections to that list.

I agree with both of you, another problem is also that people store paints and chemicals in their garage. Last week I worked on an installation where they had a setup installed last year and the people thought it a good idea to store corrosives beneath the inverter. Needless to say everything is corroded and they can kiss their warranty goodbye

[GCE]

I agree with both of you, another problem is also that people store paints and chemicals in their garage. Last week I worked on an installation where they had a setup installed last year and the people thought it a good idea to store corrosives beneath the inverter. Needless to say everything is corroded and they can kiss their warranty goodbye

Hopefully you noticed that the BMS comms between battery and inverter was missing , panels missing centre clamps , rails missing roof truss brkts , PV wires forcd between roof tiles the list is endless - The warranty was gone long before that and it will not be the first one that has popped in that complex due to over paneling and incorrect setting up

[Isetech]

The user/lessor is responsible for the electrical installation. Once you have signed off the COC the responsible person must take responsibility for their actions, if they going to store all the fuel for the mowers and weed eater, off road bikes and boat etc. You will not be held responsible. Its called common sense. If you install the battery lower than 1.2 m and dont fit mechanical protection for the battery, knowing the vehicles park in the garage and the customer drives into he battery and it burns the house down, then you could be held responsible for your stupidity.

I agree with both of you, another problem is also that people store paints and chemicals in their garage. Last week I worked on an installation where they had a setup installed last year and the people thought it a good idea to store corrosives beneath the inverter. Needless to say everything is corroded and they can kiss their warranty goodbye