Flex ware inverter bypass slide [RE-wrenches]

Christopher Freitas --- OutBack Power cfreitas at outbackpower.com
Thu Nov 29 17:15:10 PST 2007


OK - lets take the gloves off... 

Sure the Midnite box cost less - it only works with one inverter - not 
two!  It also holds much fewer breakers and other components - such as 
multiple shunts.  

The door mounted inverter is the worst idea in my opinion - you can't 
even open the door up much past 45 degrees with the cable provided - and 
they put a lot of stress on the terminals of the breaker - which can 
result in a loose connection that you don't even notice when the door is 
open - which then causes a fire... 

There are requirements for the routing of wires out to a door mounted 
component which are not met by the Midnite "E" panel.  Things like 
strain relief loops and tie downs straps and dedicated space for the 
wires to lay by the hinge - none of this is done in the E-panel.  

Proper construction also usually involves a protective loom over the 
wires to keep them from being damaged by sharp edges of other parts 
inside (like the shunt) or being pinched and having the insulation on 
the wires be damaged.  

Another issue with the E-panel is that there is no ground wire provided 
for the inverter chassis - this means that when the door is open the 
chassis of the inverter is not grounded (the tabs they think are a hinge 
do not provide any means of grounding) so if there was a ground fault in 
the inverter itself the whole door could become electrified when you 
open it - that's a really nice surprise...

The requirements in UL and NEC standards are there for a reason - to 
protect you guys! 

I think the inverter on the door idea is dangerous and just a bad idea 
all round. 

Any other opinions or comments?  

Christopher

Christopher Freitas
OutBack Power Systems, Inc.
cfreitas @ outbackpower.com  
www.outbackpower.com
Arlington WA USA
Tel 360 435 6030  


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