PV SPD location

[jnahanna@gmail.com]

So I have a question.  What is the best place for the PV SPD?  My PV panel rack is 400 ft from the Charge controllers and the wiring is 4/0 AL buried.  I do have combiner boxes under the PV array but we aren't supposed to use the knockouts on the side for outdoor installs.  Should I mount them at the array or close to the CC.

The AC ones are on the breaker box near the inverter and CC's.

Thanks, Jim

[ClassicCrazy]

Curious why you can't use the side knockouts at the combiner ? Is that a code or inspector rule ?  The SPD does have a gasket . I mounted mine on outside combiner box on the side .  As for the best location I am not sure about that if one is better than the other .

Larry

[keithwhare]

With 400 ft of cable between the combiner and the charge controllers, I would use an SPD at both ends.

Keith

[CDN-VT]

I agree with Both .

Use a side knock out , seal with the SPD flat seal nut out & the internal nut lock , use the rubber washer outside the box .
Done .

I will put tape on the SPD to lower the LED light output .
Another inside is Backup !!

VT

Edit add :
The tape is to tone down the brightness at night . Between external MNBMS greens etc , it can look like Dec year round. So I have painted the green leds 1/2 to tone them down .
I live in a forest away from lights , black is the night shade.

VT