I have an older Epanel with the Neg buss bar mounted horizontally at the top of the shunt. It actually started out as vertical by the main 175A CB but a bit tight to work in so changed it. (Pic 1)
second pic is part way through locating wire in and out and Pic 3 shows wires to go to Classic, on right...
There is not a lot of room between the Neg buss bar, the pos bars and pos wires.
What is the recommended technique to safely connect my AC powered chargers' neg lead to the shunt (#6 ga wire) ?
Add: Classic is connected with #4 Ga.
Hi Westbranch,
I am not an e-panel expert ...
Have you seen these busbar insulators(?):
http://www.midnitesolar.com/productPhoto.php?product_ID=289&productCatName=Busbars&productCat_ID=17&sortOrder=5&act=p
One on the Short Positive bus might make you feel more comfortable.
Here is an installed pic:
http://www.midnitesolar.com/productPhoto.php?product_ID=587&productCatName=Busbars&productCat_ID=17&sortOrder=4&act=p
Here is the spec on the Big busbar -- shows range of wire sizes, if that was what you were wondering:
http://www.midnitesolar.com/productPhoto.php?product_ID=210&productCatName=Busbars&productCat_ID=17&sortOrder=18&act=p
Personally would use # 4 AWG, or #6 cable for the CC negative run to shunt, depends on distance and ease or routing the largest cable size, etc ... this you know.
Laying out and wiring a new system is a lot of fun! Have Fun, Vic
GD time outs!
Vic, I added some clarifying text, thanks for the questions.
I don't see NAWS listing any of those covers... drats
Yes they would make the chances of making sparks a lot lower, just need to find a seller of singles...
The Epanel makes things so much safer and simple as everything a guy needs is there... Adding the WBjr was a bit of a go, and would have been worse if I had to add it after the classic had been wired up to the side of the Epanel. Those 4 ga wires are firm to start and once clamped down at each end makes them almost immovable...
--> Dont cross that neg bus and pos 4 guage. Thats unfused and plain bad layout.
--> Attach the controller via a breaker to the bottom (or top) of the big breaker, not the pos bus.
The only other option I would have is route it down and under the Neg 2 Ga to the battery... OK?
ps that connection was the prewired section, I just flipped the Epanel from Main breaker on right to left side and to get more , easier access to the neg bus, rotated the shunt 90*.
Plus I didn't like the available space between the Pos an Neg buss connectors...