QO Breakers and Panels [RE-wrenches]

[info at backwoodssolar.com]

Hey Drake, good idea with the test light, but only for low voltage. We have
been providing such a light, a simple 14 volt instrument lamp in holder, one
end grounded,  in our 12 volt fuse box for about a year, sure helps checking
the fuses. I don't imagine it would go over with the code people in higher
voltages though, but none of the lamp assembly is hot except when being used
by the testing person.
Steve
Backwoods Solar Electric Systems www.backwoodssolar.com
A catalog business on a mountain
2 miles from utility lines,
powered entirely by our catalog products.
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----- Original Message -----
From: Drake Chamberlin - Electrical Energy <solar at eagle-access.net>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Saturday, March 17, 2001 10:32 AM
Subject: Re: QO Breakers and Panels [RE-wrenches]


> Hi Jay,
>
> You're points are well made.  Breakers are much more convenient than
> fuses.  And, why are manufacturers often allowed to do the exact same
> things we are forbidden to do?  These issues need to be investigated.
>
> One thought I had on fuses was to develop a user testable fuse box.   It
> would feature a built in test light on a flexible wire connected to
> ground.  The test lead could be put on the load end of each fuse to see if
> it was still hot.  We could leave a couple of boxes of fuses for the
> customer.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Drake
>
> At 07:44 AM 03/09/2001 -0800, you wrote:
> >Hi Drake,
> >
> >The one issue I have with fuses is that they at somepoint will fail and
> >that means
> >a house call.  The reason we all use breakers and want to use them is for
> >ease for
> >the customer.  (Don't see to many grid homes these days with screw in
> >fuses no?)
> >
> >I am familiar with the AIR situation, and I also know ( inregards to your
QO
> >breaker failure) that standard AC breakers fail also, so I'm not sure
that
> >from one
> >"problem" we can the whole idea of breakers.
> >
> >If there are better breakers, that do a better job then great lets use
> >them.  The
> >AirPax/heinman work better but are just more expensive and difficult to
use.
> >Doesn't mean we shouldn't use them though.
> >
> >So here is my question:
> >I know that there are differences between what a assembled product can do
> >and what
> >we can make in the field, however is the issue really safety or what?
> >I mean Trace uses Heineman direct to battery, Pulse used QOU on 48v
> >systems? So are
> >these unsafe? Or if they are safe then what?
> >
> >I leave this in the hands of probably Bill and Drake??
> >
> >thanks,
> >
> >jay
> >peltz power
> >
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 michael.welch at homepower.com

____________________________________________________________
T O P I C A  -- Learn More. Surf Less. 
Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Topics You Choose.
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