distribution blocks

[totfcboatski]

just want to check my undertanding
Power distribution blocks are for distributing battery power to applaicance that need power like inverters but not charge controllers wich supply powvr to batterie .. correct?

also a typical power distribution blocks will take both a negative nd positive battery cable to the "line" side and the take a negative and poitive from say like an inverter on the "load?side correct?

I know it may ound simplistic but the idea of a PDB is to distribute battery power but it wasnt clear to me on the examples i have see wether these items take both the negative and positive connections.. or if your able to also connect charge controllers to the line side
im just trying to understand how they ar set up before I attempt using one
thanks
Jeff

[Sunking]

A Power Distribution Block is just what it sounds like. It is a device that has a line side that connects sources power like a battery, and then distributes power on the load side to one or more circuits.. They may or may not provide a distribution means for both circuit conductors.

It is just like your main breaker panel inside your home where the power from the POCO enters the breaker box on the line side, and then distributed to many smaller circuit via the breakers.

[totfcboatski]

thanks sunking

Ok.. got the concept... now for the application. I am going to buy and install a 2 pole PDB from arizona wind sun. My question is.. if it is a 2 pole design does that mean on the line side it has taps or holes for both negative and positive cable from the batteries and does that also mean that on the load side it will alo have corresponding holes for neg and pos from each appliance? (for me its 2 different inverters)
Im taking your advice and cleaning up my battery connections. Do you prefer a copper bus bar or terminal plates and do you have any recommendations?
thanks again for all the help as i move to a clearner and safer more efficient system!

[Sunking]

Got a link to that block?

What kind terminal post are on your batteries? I think you said you have Rolls S460? What post did they come with?

[totfcboatski]

sunking

Yes thats right they are s-460 and come with flag terminal/ side bolt
http://www.solar-electric.com/16220-2.html is the link to the PDB
thanks for your help!

[Sunking]

Limited on time now but you do not want those. More later.

[totfcboatski]

ok

ok ill await your next post
I appreciate your help.. truly
jeff

[Sunking]

OK do you have what is called a "L " or "FLAG" Post?

Something about a 1.5 inch square terminal with a 3/8" hole in the center to connect a terminal on either side of the post terminal?

[totfcboatski]

sunking

yes thats correct!

[Sunking]

OK sorry for all the questions, but I needed to know a few things before I stick my neck out.

OK on the positive post consider using this Fuse Block. It is a 2-Terminal Battery fuse block so you can have 2 high current fused feeders. One for an inverter, and the other to a Battery Distribution Fused Block. The block uses MRBF fuses, the square plastic looking things.

For a Battery Distribution Block consider one of these units or something similar. They come with anywhere from 1 to 16 fused distribution circuits. Some have a return bus for the negative polarity, and some do not.

For the Battery Negative Post, you will need to feeders just like the Positive. Use a proper compression terminal and place them on both sides (one on each side) of the Battery Flag Terminal Post Be sure to use flat washers and a star external tooth lock washer.

[totfcboatski]

Sunking

no problem with the questions.. it helps me to connect with your thought process
I have the blue sea single terminal mrbf on both the neg and positive battery terminals. My system is floating for another month when the gounding phase starts. All my connections are off the stud on the mbrf fuse block. Thats 4 connections.. two inverters a C/C and battery voltage sensor..hence the need to install a PDB and reduce the number of connections on the battery terminal..
dumb question.. can the charge controllers and AC chargers be connected to the PDB ?? or are PDB ust for distributing battery power out to appliances like inverters??
thanks again and again!

[Sunking]

dumb question.. can the charge controllers and AC chargers be connected to the PDB ?? or are PDB ust for distributing battery power out to appliances like inverters??

Sorry but I do not understand the question. You can use a PDB for anything providing it is listed for the voltage and current. But once you say feed it from a DC battery, it is a DC distribution for the battery. There is no AC at that point.

EDIT NOTE

Are you talking about back feeding with a AC charger or Charge Controller?

[totfcboatski]

what I meant

[I] guess what im asking is can a charge controller be connected thru the PDB. (wich is being fed by the battery)
My instincts say no as a C/C is meant to "feed" the battery where as the PDB is meant to "feed"appliances

or another way to say it is... the PDB is a one way distributer to appliances??
did i make this more complex than Need be LOL
jeff

[Sunking]

[I] guess what im asking is can a charge controller be connected thru the PDB. (wich is being fed by the battery)

It can be done, but i wouldn't.

[totfcboatski]

ok

Then i wont!

imlooking at the blue sea safety hub as my pdb.. schematic has a variety of connections to the battery with or without a battery switch (wich i have)
it looks like their is no negative bus.. so the next question is.. in this scenario does a person mount a separate negative bus and connect nattery negative and all the appliance's negative conductors to this bus?? sounds wildly inefficient..
hmmmm