A Forum run by Enthusiasts of MidNite Solar

Charge Controllers and Clippers => The "Classic" charge controller => Topic started by: Wxboy on February 09, 2013, 10:49:37 PM

Title: Mounting the Classic on plywood
Post by: Wxboy on February 09, 2013, 10:49:37 PM
I would like to mount the Classic to a 3/4" piece of plywood which would be screwed into drywall and studs.  If I used 3/4" screws to avoid going through to the drywall will that be enough to support the Classic(using the largest screws that the holes will allow)?  I know the manual recommends 1-1/2" screws.  My only other option is to double up the plywood but even one piece on the wall won't be pretty and double thick would make it worse.     
Title: Re: Mounting the Classic on plywood
Post by: TomW on February 09, 2013, 11:42:19 PM
Wxboy;

I like to follow manufacturers directions but...

I cannot imagine the classic not staying in place with 3] 3/4" coarse thread sheet rock screws in it.

I am no expert, however.

Tom
Title: Re: Mounting the Classic on plywood
Post by: dgd on February 09, 2013, 11:58:57 PM
Quote from: Wxboy on February 09, 2013, 10:49:37 PM
I would like to mount the Classic to a 3/4" piece of plywood which would be screwed into drywall and studs.  If I used 3/4" screws to avoid going through to the drywall will that be enough to support the Classic(using the largest screws that the holes will allow)?  I know the manual recommends 1-1/2" screws.  My only other option is to double up the plywood but even one piece on the wall won't be pretty and double thick would make it worse.   

I think you can use a 1inch screw at the top mounting in the Classic as the supplied spacer holds the screwhead out about 1/4inch
The bottom two holes under the wiring cover use 3/4inch screws. I'd recommend using a washer so as not to damage the alloy casing with the screws.

dgd
Title: Re: Mounting the Classic on plywood
Post by: Westbranch on February 10, 2013, 02:02:18 AM
#8 wood (deck) screws will work well, they are about the same diameter head as drywall screws but heavier shank. next smaller size is #6 which I think may be too thin on the head.  Head and shank.
length as per dgd's advice. 
Title: Re: Mounting the Classic on plywood
Post by: Halfcrazy on February 10, 2013, 06:52:31 AM
Yes all of My classics are on the wall with 3 drywall screws that are 3/4 inches long. Never had one fall off yet.

Ryan
Title: Re: Mounting the Classic on plywood
Post by: Wxboy on February 10, 2013, 09:22:06 AM
Thanks guys, I'll head to HD today to pick up some 3/4" drywall screws.  Hopefully those will also work for my Xantrex Prowatt SW2000 inverter although the hole size(slot size) may be smaller for that. 

#6 would be the right size for the Classic though right?
Title: Re: Mounting the Classic on plywood
Post by: phonetic on February 11, 2013, 02:52:01 AM
I have a Outback VFX3020E, Classic 150 and  Classic light fixed to 3/4" MDF board.. fixing Inverter using 1/4" coach screws, Classics 1" 14gauge self tappers...nothing has fallen off yet :)