9 replies to this topic

[DavidGraves]

Howdy all

 

I am about to install a Victron 75/15  SmartSolar MPPT controller.

 

Will it generate much or any heat in operation ?

 

I have in mind concealing it.

 

Many thanks

 

David Graves

 

[todgru]

David,

 

I've installed the same device in my Fleet, in the battery compartment, attached to the forward compartment wall. It has been there for nearly two years. No noticeable heat.

 

todgru.

[ckent323]

Mine does not get hot but I did install it with a metal plate between it and the plywood panel it is mounted to for heat dissipation in the event something goes awry.  The installation instructions clearly say to mount it on a non-flammable substrate.

 

Excerpt:

● Install the product in a heatproof environment. Ensure therefore that there are no chemicals, plastic parts, curtains or other textiles, etc. in the immediate vicinity of the equipment.

● Mount vertically on a non-flammable substrate, with the power terminals facing downwards. Observe a minimum clearance of 10 cm under and above the product for optimal cooling.

● Mount close to the battery, but never directly above the battery (in order to prevent damage due to gassing of the battery).

 

My Solar controller panel is mounted to the inner surface of the camper sidewall under the rollover sofa.  My camper AGM battery bank is in vented plastic battery boxes immediately in front of the panel and also under the couch seat. 

Edited by ckent323, 14 February 2019 - 06:59 AM.

[Vic Harder]

i made aluminum standoffs 1/2” tall out of old tent poles.

[DavidGraves]

Many thanks all....another brief question is the male or female portion of the SAE terminal coming FROM the solar panel the hot wire?

 

It seems it should be the female side of the plug.

 

David Graves

[PaulT]

Many thanks all....another brief question is the male or female portion of the SAE terminal coming FROM the solar panel the hot wire?

 

It seems it should be the female side of the plug.

 

David Graves

Let your DMM guide your efforts. Even the Harbor Freight cheap ($6)  DMM is adequate to the task.

 

Paul

[DavidGraves]

Thanks Paul

 

Tell me how ?

 

David Graves

[PaulT]

Turn on your DMM. Set it to DC volts and the 20v position. Place the black lead into the COM connection and the red lead in the V”Omega”mA connection.

Touch the black lead to the SAE solar pin you think is negative and the red lead in the other SAE pin. If the reading is about +12v, the red lead is on the positive pin. If about -12v, the red lead is on the negative pin.

I use a Sharpie and mark the polarity next to the pin with a small + or - so I know what I have without needing the DMM the next time when I have undoubtedly forgotten which is which.

Paul

[DavidGraves]

Thanks Paul....detailed instructions for the carpenter.....not sparky at all.

 

The panel leads are marked Positive and Negative but to test I would need the panel in direct sunshine.

 

I need to cut those wires and connect to my SAE plug into the roof receptacle.

 

I have been uncertain of which side of the SAE plug to connect Positive to.

 

From there is all runs downhill.

 

David Graves

[PaulT]

The panel leads are likely marked correctly. If you have a flourescent shop light, position it above the solar panel and measure the voltage on the panel leads, It probably won't produce significant current but the voltage polarity of the leads should be evident.

 

Of late, a shop light is easier to locate than sunshine in NW Oregon.

Paul