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help connecting inverter to batteries

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  • #16
    Originally posted by totfcboatski View Post
    Hey guys
    dumb question. Are alligator clamps as good as ring terminals for connecting inverter to battery bank??
    they sure are convenient
    thanks for humoring me on this basic question!
    They can't carry as much current (till you get to big teeth like jumper cables have)
    They "jump off" at bad times.
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

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    • #17
      on a side note, what type of wire is typically used for large cable runs to the inverter? 4/0 THHN would seem to be too stiff to be practical.

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      • #18
        Why not use thhn
        The batteries and inverter are generally immobile so a stiff wire is not a problem.
        NABCEP certified Technical Sales Professional

        [URL="http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showthread.php?5334-Solar-Off-Grid-Battery-Design"]http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showth...Battery-Design[/URL]

        [URL]http://www.calculator.net/voltage-drop-calculator.html[/URL] (Voltage drop Calculator among others)

        [URL="http://www.gaisma.com"]www.gaisma.com[/URL]

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        • #19
          Originally posted by defed View Post
          on a side note, what type of wire is typically used for large cable runs to the inverter? 4/0 THHN would seem to be too stiff to be practical.
          THHN only indicates the cable insulation type, not how flexible the wire is. THHN is a thermal plastic insulation is suitable for use in wet or dry locations at temperatures not to exceed 90
          MSEE, PE

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          • #20
            It also takes special connectors designed for thin strand wires to properly terminate them. Your basic lug on an inverter etc is not designed for that type of cable therefore using it would void the UL listing.
            NABCEP certified Technical Sales Professional

            [URL="http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showthread.php?5334-Solar-Off-Grid-Battery-Design"]http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showth...Battery-Design[/URL]

            [URL]http://www.calculator.net/voltage-drop-calculator.html[/URL] (Voltage drop Calculator among others)

            [URL="http://www.gaisma.com"]www.gaisma.com[/URL]

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            • #21
              Originally posted by Naptown View Post
              Your basic lug on an inverter etc is not designed for that type of cable therefore using it would void the UL listing.
              OK you are throwing off a bit. Are these lugs you are referring to the pressure mechanical types?

              If the inverter has term strip that uses a screws to fasten a ring or spade terminal, then just use a terminal connector made for flexible cable.
              MSEE, PE

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              • #22
                [QUOTE=Sunking;33628]THHN only indicates the cable insulation type, not how flexible the wire is. THHN is a thermal plastic insulation is suitable for use in wet or dry locations at temperatures not to exceed 90

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                • #23
                  How are you doing 90's? With LB's?
                  MSEE, PE

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                  • #24
                    not LB's, but in a similar fashion. the j-box has a 90 connected directly to it, and then a large 90 sweep w/ liquidtight. one coming into the box and one going out...so i can work the 'tight' 90's from the j-box, one at a time (pull excess through one and then push through the other). the large sweeps shouldn't be an issue, and because of the j-box, the tight 90's shouldn't really be either, but more flexible wire would always make it a bit easier.

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