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Charge Controllers and Clippers => The "Classic" charge controller => Topic started by: keithwhare on April 23, 2017, 07:07:16 PM

Title: Two Classics side-by-side -- How to run the wires
Post by: keithwhare on April 23, 2017, 07:07:16 PM
I am installing two Classic 150s to support two different PV arrays on an e-panel. Classic #1 will be directly connected to the right side of an e-panel with a 1 inch nipple. Classic #2 will be to the right of Classic #1.

Is it OK to install a nipple between the two classics and run the wires for Classic #2 through Classic #1 or is it better to run conduit from Classic #2 to the e-panel?

Keith
Title: Re: Two Classics side-by-side -- How to run the wires
Post by: Vic on April 23, 2017, 07:48:25 PM
Hi Keith,

Have done similar installations,  running cables from one Classic,  into the other.   This should not be a Code issue,   although,  am not a Code expert.

One obvious,  but probably small disadvantage,  is if one needed to remove the Classic that is mounted to the e-panel,  the cables to the outside Classic would also need to be removed.

In the past,  have used a 1" coupler between the Classics,  and Chase Nipples inside the cable bay of each Classic,   threaded into the coupler.   This protects the cable,   and when the nipples are removed there are no threads still into the Classic's casting.

Picture attached.   FWIW,   Vic
Title: Re: Two Classics side-by-side -- How to run the wires
Post by: Westbranch on April 23, 2017, 08:05:38 PM
Keith, have a look at DYI Chris's install pictures.... may be a bit more than you need but the idea is pretty good..
Title: Re: Two Classics side-by-side -- How to run the wires
Post by: keithwhare on April 24, 2017, 09:29:58 AM
Quote from: Westbranch on April 23, 2017, 08:05:38 PM
Keith, have a look at DYI Chris's install pictures.... may be a bit more than you need but the idea is pretty good..

Do you have a pointer? I haven't been able DYI Chris's install pictures.

Keith
Title: Re: Two Classics side-by-side -- How to run the wires
Post by: Westbranch on April 27, 2017, 12:59:42 AM
Sorry, I forgot he uses another name here     Jacotenente

http://midniteftp.com/forum/index.php?topic=3694.msg35758#msg35758

second or third pic down
Title: Re: Two Classics side-by-side -- How to run the wires
Post by: keithwhare on May 09, 2017, 03:15:18 PM
We ended up adding a 1-inch hole in the bottom of the e-panel and using 1-inch PVC for the electrical wiring.

For the communication cables, I used a 1-inch connector with a stub of 1-inch PVC conduit on each end. The stubs are not glued in so it should be possible to take them apart if needed. The only downside to adding the stub for the communication cables was that it made it really obvious that I'd mounted the right Classic slightly higher than the left Classic.

Title: Re: Two Classics side-by-side -- How to run the wires
Post by: dgd on May 09, 2017, 05:44:27 PM
I have seen a solution to this multi-Classic on Epanel problem where a rectangular electrical conduit, about 2inches square, was run underneath the Epanel and then the Classics were mounted to the RHS of the Epanel and just above the extended conduit.
All cables into the Classics were via the bottom KOs.
The conduit had a removeable top, clip in iirc, that made access to wiring very easy.
Everthing looked level and really neat
dgd