wiring an off grid cabin

[bagpiperjosh]

Ok, Say i wanted to build an off grid cabin, but i wanted to run outlets and fixtures in the cabin like it would be in a regular house. how would that be hooked up to solar? What i'm saying is, what would i need instead of a normal breaker box?

probably a stupid question, but i like learning about this stuff.

thanks in advance

[Sunking]

Just like a normal house. The difference is you will need an inverter made to supply premisses wiring that is classified as a Separately Derived System where a system ground is required so the circuit breakers will function normally.

[epsgunner]

Wire cabin as normal for the outlets.. 12/3 or 14/3 depending on your loads... I'd got 12/3 and be done with it..

You could use whats called a sub-panel.. it holds house breakers and then just pipe you inverter 110-120 output into where the normal POLE FEED would go.. Load/Neutral/Ground..

Some 2000+ watt models are hard wire capable.. Samlex, Cotek, Xantrex all have hardwire options.. some with built-in transfer switches in case you need a generator..

Some inverters with GFI outlets can be temporaraily used if you mount a RV plug on/near the above panel and pipe that to the sub-panel..

Then just plug in a double ended cord and go..

Note if it has GFI outlet you can't have any other neutral/ground bonding in the system or the inverter will kick-off as the GFI has neutral/ground bond going on..

**I am not an electrician though this is not that hard.. stick to NEC code as you can in case you want to sell the cabin or intend to insue it..

[Sunking]

You could use whats called a sub-panel.. it holds house breakers and then just pipe you inverter 110-120 output into where the normal POLE FEED would go.. Load/Neutral/Ground..

Not a Sub Panel aka Branch Panel, a Main Panel with a disconnect and branch circuit breakers.

Some 2000+ watt models are hard wire capable.. Samlex, Cotek, Xantrex all have hardwire options

That is what is required to use as SDS in premises wiring . RV's and mobile applications do not apply.

T

hen just plug in a double ended cord and go..

For mobile, portable, or emergency systems only. Not permanent premises wiring.

I am not an electrician

That is obvious, and you should not be giving detailed advice. You have no license, education, training or experience to do so. You could find yourself in court.

[epsgunner]

No offense. but your reply was tooo vague..

The guy wants starting points and ideas.. you gave nothing really just a glazing over.. oh, and ground it.

[Sunking]

No offense but your reply was too vague..

No offense taken, you could not offend me if you tried on the internet. You do not know me well enough to offend me. We would have to be in a bar and you hit me or spill an drink on me.

I told him exactly what he needs; an inverter and panel made and certified to do exactly what he wants. I am a pro and will not give detailed procedures or instructions. DIY's do not know enough to even know the right questions to ask or understand what is advised. I will not be held responsible for any misinterpretations or lack of knowledge. But I could care less if you are held responsible, so take over and advise away. I only care when I am paid to do the work, be responsible for my work, and take care of the details.

What you did is give one semi-accurate answer. The rest was not safe or compliant. So straighten it out. I will not reply any more and you own it. For example you said 14 AWG. You have to meet very special restrictions to use 14 AWG. Do you know what those restrictions are?

[epsgunner]

Rumor has it.. 14/3 is for circuits less than 15 amps as far as I know..

I'd imagine using the hardwire inverters is GTG as long as proper ground and such is utilized.

If the guy wants to use an RV type inverter with a GFI for a quick fix thats on him..

I have no other suggestions.. as you know I'm still building my own cabin mess.. I'm out.

[bagpiperjosh]

Rumor has it.. 14/3 is for circuits less than 15 amps as far as I know..

I'd imagine using the hardwire inverters is GTG as long as proper ground and such is utilized.

If the guy wants to use an RV type inverter with a GFI for a quick fix thats on him..

I have no other suggestions.. as you know I'm still building my own cabin mess.. I'm out.

its called 14-2 for that particular type of wire, as the ground isn't counted for some reason. and 14-2 is used in residential wiring every day.

I don't plan on doing this stuff any time soon. I'm just learning for now.

....and Sunking, can you provide a link to the thing you were suggesting?

thanks everyone

[Sunking]

[QUOTE=bagpiperjosh;50902] its called 14-2 for that particular type of wire, as the ground isn't counted for some reason. and 14-2 is used in residential wiring every day.Ground is not counted because it does not carry any load current. It is just there to provide a fault path in the event of a fault to operate an OCPD. FWIW 14-2 can only be used on 15 amp circuits and has to meet the conditions of 240.4 (d)

....and Sunking, can you provide a link to the thing you were suggesting?

I will provide you one as an example. But what you are looking for is a inverter made to be used in premisses wiring system being hard wired. Most all battery inverters are made for Autos, RV's and Boats

Outback FX Series

[inetdog]

its called 14-2 for that particular type of wire, as the ground isn't counted for some reason. and 14-2 is used in residential wiring every day.

Actually, the label on the package and the wire will be "14/2 w. ground" where the third wire is the bare copper safety ground. You can also buy 14/2 w/o ground, which is just the two insulated wires. That variety is not used much anymore because of building code requirements, but it is available.
Similarly, "14/3 w. ground" will be three insulated wires and one bare copper wire.

[Sunking]

You can also buy 14/2 w/o ground, which is just the two insulated wires. That variety is not used much anymore because of building code requirements

True and cannot be used in any new build installations.